“Absolutely not, Mr. Ji-Su. But this is my section, so please call me over if you need anything else.”
He thanked her and went back to watching the activity around him. He could see why people had fun in casinos. But he was still too cautious with money to see himself risking more than a hundred dollars during an occasional visit. Curious about something, he scanned the walls. There were lots of decorations—all Western themed—but not a single clock. Just like he’d always heard about casinos.
Someone at the roulette table nearby started jumping up and down and cheering while the people around him clapped. The man had clearly won big. Ji-Su started to go and get a closer look when the back of his neck prickled with awareness. He had the sense that he was being watched and it felt... unpleasant. The feeling grew stronger right before someone spoke behind him.
“Well, well, well. Look who it is.”
Ji-Su knew that voice. Had hoped to never hear it again. Cedric was here. Ji-Su slowly turned around to face his formerblood patron. Cedric was styled as nicely as always. He wore a silky white button down with the front of the shirt loosely tucked into the front of his hunter green leather pants. Multiple long, gold chains draped around his neck and his blond tipped dreads were held back by a green Versace print scarf. But the same ugly vibe clung to him. It was much easier for Ji-Su to see it now that he’d been away from Cedric for several months. The entourage he usually traveled with was there too, fanned out behind Cedric with him at their center.
“Cedric. What are you doing here?”
Cedric scoffed. “Still as dumb as ever. I’m gambling obviously. What are you doing here besides being a waste of space?”
Ji-Su glared at the hateful vampire. “I’m never a waste of space. But tonight I’m here helping my new blood patron plan a gaming tournament. Some people are smart enough to realize gaming has value.”
“Hmmpf,” Cedric snorted disdainfully. “You and a bunch of other losers playing video games. I’m sure that’ll bring value to this dump.”
Angry heat crawled up Ji-Su’s spine. He hated the way this man put him down. But along with his anger came the realization that he didn’t have to be polite to this asshole anymore. For the first time, he snapped back at Cedric. “If anyone is a waste of space, it’s you. Or have you found something else to do with your nights besides watching B vampire movies and telling your sycophants how powerful you are?”
The cooly disdainful look dropped from Cedric’s face. In the next instant, fury twisted his expression and he took a step forward, getting uncomfortably close into Ji-Su’s personal space.
“What did you say to me, you little human shit?”
Instead of backing up, Ji-Su raised his chin, defiantly staring into those burning, angry irises. Maybe it was dumb, considering Cedric could snap his neck as easily as breaking a twig, but he was tired of being afraid of this bully.
Before he could respond however, a strong arm wrapped around his waist and pulled him back. Recognizing the touch, Ji-Su melted with relief. Raul had arrived. Raul stepped between Ji-Su and Cedric, shielding him and blocking his view of the other vampire. Ji-Su was glad that he’d stood up to Cedric, but he was even more glad that Raul was now there to protect him.
“YOU MUST HAVE A DEATHwish,” Raul said low and hard. “I told you to leave Ji-Su alone.” He couldn’t believe Cedric had the fucking audacity to show up to a Sanguis Syndicate owned casino that he personally ran after their last confrontation.
A smug, slimy grin slid across Cedric’s face.
“You’re not going to beat me down again, are you? Or kill me in front of all these people, in your big-time casino. That might be bad for business,Mr. Raul.”
The slimy grin dropped as he sneered Raul’s name.
Raul clenched his fists in frustration. Unfortunately, Cedric was right. This wasn’t the time or the place to kill him. But it was coming. Soon. “Alberto,” he said, speaking to the head of security standing at the ready.
“Yes, Mr. Raul?”
“Escort this man and his group from the premises. And make sure that he never dirties any of my casinos with his presence again.”
“Of course, sir.” The guard moved in close to Cedric and extended an arm toward the exit. “If you all will follow me, I’ll show you the way out.” His voice was polite and professional butit was clear from his firm stance and expression that Cedric and his followers would be leaving whether they wanted to or not.
For a moment, Cedric didn’t move. The air grew thick and sharp with tension as everyone waited to see what he would do. Cedric clearly wanted to protest and force something to happen. But as more guards arrived on the scene, outnumbering his group two to one, he realized that wouldn’t be the smartest decision. He took a step back.
“We’re out of this dump,” he said to his entourage.
He spun around to leave, walking with a cocky swagger meant to draw everyone’s attention. His group followed behind, the sneers on their faces matching the expression on the face of their obnoxious leader. The Colorado’s guards walked with the group, enclosing them in a circle to make sure every single one of them left the casino.
When they were out of sight Raul quickly turned to Ji-Su. “I’m sorry about that,” he apologized as he rubbed Ji-Su’s back in concern. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Ji-Su nodded but he looked upset and confused. “I don’t understand why he has such a hang up with me.”
“It’s because you dared to defy him by leaving. Pathetic bullies like that can’t stand losing to the one they’ve targeted in any way. You didn’t stick around for his abuse and he hasn’t gotten over it.”
“I hate it. I just want him to leave me alone.”
“I know, sweetheart.” Annoyed at Cedric for spoiling Ji-Su’s night, he pulled his little human into a hug.