Quickly glancing at the number in front of us, I rattle off a random one about ten less, since I’m not sure how high they run and it’s a safer bet, praying it’s vacant. But typically the top rooms are the most expensive, so I figure it’s a better bet, and if there are any hiccups, I can fake being a drunk call girl.
She leads the way, but stops outside of the room and withdraws a phone. “Name reservation is under so I can confirm?” she asks and I bet all of my chips on the fact that he doesn’t actuallywantme to fail.
“Julian King, I believe?”
Her eyes widen slightly, and she gives me another once over before dialing, waiting for someone at the front desk to answer. Holding my breath, the next five minutes are the longest of my life.
“Sorry for the hold up, ma’am,” she apologies as she hangs up, hastily withdrawing her key. “Procedure, you know.”
I nod sympathetically. “No worries, really. I appreciate the fact that you verify things so thoroughly and don’t just let anybody into rooms. I’ll be sure to pass along my praise.”
She blushes, shaking her head emphatically and pushing the door open in front of her. “Please, don’t trouble yourself on my account.”
With a tip of my head, I cross the threshold, letting the door slam shut behind me. Sliding the chain lock into place, I cautiously inspect the room, thrilled to find it abandoned, everything pristine and ready for the next guest.
It’s better described as a studio apartment than a hotel room, far more luxurious than what I’m accustomed to. Not wanting to grow complacent, I rush into the bathroom, hastily grabbing the detachable shower head to rinse out my hair and redressing. Glancing around, I grab one of the little bottles of shampoo and stuff it between my breasts.
It’s a struggle trying to lace myself up in this thing, and I’m sure the end result leaves much to be desired. Without a brush, I end up ripping off a string from the bottom of the bedspread to tie my hair into a sloppy ponytail to keep it out of my face. After deeming enough time has passed and the maid is likely to have moved on, I head out as quickly as I came, making a beeline for the elevators.
Heading back down into the casino, I mentally groan, wondering how long it’s going to take to find the guys. Without either man at my side, I only get a few looks from the people that have been here most of the night, long enough to witness me on either man’s arm. Beyond that, I’m relatively invisible, people more interested in gambling, or never seeing me in association to the guys.
Eyes on the back of my head make me slow, and I glance around as if lost, beyond grateful to see Everett sitting at the bar, watching me. I make a beeline straight for him, and his eyes zero in on my wet hair and hastily laced dress.
“I miss something interesting?” he asks, though there’s a dangerous undercurrent to his tone.
“Just me being impressive. Ready to head home?”
He eyes me curiously, but extends an elbow in my direction. With his other hand he withdraws his phone, presumably texting Grave. By the time we’re in the lobby, Grave’s already waiting by the front door, finishing off his drink and precariously placing his empty glass on the rolling suitcase of someone walking through the door without them noticing.
The blast of frigid night air on my damp hair has me shivering and I lean into Ev’s side without remorse. We keep our steps unhurried so as not to draw any more unwanted attention, but I can’t help rushing the last few steps when the car comes into sight, jumping into the passenger seat as soon as it’s unlocked.
“So, what’d you steal?” Grave leans in from the backseat, plucking at the askew ribbon at the nape of my neck.
Everett starts driving us home, and all the while Grave is busy wrapping the ribbon around my throat like a choker, tying it off in a small bow at the base of my throat.
“It’s a surprise.”
All things aside, I have no doubt that Julian is going to summon me to his office the second we get home. And honestly… he might be pissed. I used his name without permission, and I’m exploiting a loophole, hinging my entire plan on a technicality. It’s entirely possible that I’m going to be out on my ass an hour from now.
“Did you have fun tonight?” Everett asks, briefly glancing my way at a red light.
Mulling it over, I answer truthfully. “It was actually one of the best nights of my life, even if it was technically training.” That seems to please both men, and the rest of the drive home is spent in amicable silence, only broken up by the radio.
We park, and at this point, it has to be at least one in the morning. I’m exhausted, freezing, and terrified. Especially after Ev keys us into the building and we make it all of three steps before his phone goes off, Julian summoning me to his office, knowing that I don’t have my cell on me.
“See you guys tomorrow?”
Grave stretches his arms above his head and strides down the hall. “You know where to find me if you get lonely.” He winks, and I wonder what he’d actually do if I tried to take him up on the offer.
As he disappears, I veer towards Julian’s office, but Everett gently grabs my arm, pulling me closer. “You’ve got this. And if something happens,” he trails off, boring holes into my face, though I’m not sure what he’s searching for. “Somethin’ happens, shout.”
Now I’m the one scanning his face, reading between the lines and imagining the epic shit-show that would result from me taking him up on the offer. So I give him a self-assured smile that I don’t really feel, projecting false confidence.
“It’ll be fine, I’m sure.” As he narrows his eyes, I sigh. “But I’ll at least try to leave a note or knock on your door before I leave if it doesn’t.”
Slowly, he removes his fingers from my arm and steps back, swiping a tired hand down his face. “Fuck. You better not keep him waiting.”
Reluctantly, I leave him behind and weave through the halls, not letting myself look back. By the time I’m standing in front of the steel door, I’m more tired than afraid.
