Talk about a pitiful last thought.
But then there's a creak, just small enough for me to hear against my panicked breathing. Looking past Reuben, I see her.
Rue's clutching a rag in her hand, the sweetheart she is. Her eyes are round and wide, but she's a smart girl. She knows what's happening.
She doesn't try to play the hero. Thankfully, she slips away just as quietly.
I put my focus back on him before he can notice.
Everything's going to be fine. It has to be.
Smoke will have to come, and when he does... this creep will get what he has coming to him before he can go forward with whatever it is he has planned.
Until then, I just have to try and survive.
nine
Smoke
"Idon't know how in the hell you two do it every day." Next to me, Trouble frowns at all the flashing slot machines. "I've been here for only a couple of hours, and this place has already given me a headache."
Maybe if he didn't spend most of his time surrounded by Hex's dark environment, then a few lights wouldn't be all it took to take him out.
"We don't normally spend our time in this section. It's a little quieter at the tables." Drifting my gaze across all the people salivating at screens, I find myself searching for Bunny without trying to.
She spends a lot of her time here. Maybe I'll catch someone looking at her the wrong way, or something simple, givingme another excuse to step in. Then again, nothing about that woman is simple.
"Then I'm going to find Ace." He lifts away from the wall, willing to abandon me just like that.
Damn it. It's easier to keep myself still if I have company.
The thought of what could play out tonight is all I've got left. Though I can't think too deeply into it. Not without worrying about my cock acting out and my restraint turning into dust.
Sighing softly, I leave the wall to start moving. Maybe I can see her in passing. As long as I don't stop her from doing her work, she shouldn't take back her promise.
Fuck, I want her in my bed. Not because I want to press her against it, but I want to wake up with her curled up to my chest. Want to make her breakfast in the morning. Embarrassingly soft stuff like that.
I've got to keep my hands to myself. Got to stay focused.
I can do this.
"Smoke!"
Hearing my name cried out, I turn and notice one of the younger cocktail waitresses rushing toward me. Don't think I even know her name, to be honest.
She's clutching a rag in her hand so tight, her knuckles look white. Her cheeks are flushed and her eyes are glossy, like she's on the brink of tears.
I don't really do well with crying women, especially ones that I don't know.
"Uh—"
"It's Bunny!" Nearly crashing into me, she's barely catching herself. "She's in trouble."
All at once, ice hits my veins. Having become so aware of my heart over this last week, I can feel the moment it stops. "Where?"
I barely register her saying the back, and I'm already on the move, ignoring anything else she has to say. I don't have time to waste.
Barrelling forward, I shoulder two gamblers. Their insults go through one ear and out the other. I'm too busy trying to reach my destination.