Page 20 of Queen of Diamonds

Roger’s eyes almost bulged out of his head. “Oh… Well…” He looked a little lost for words, then he nodded, gaze less damning as he glanced back at the others. “I guess… go have a good night.” He stepped back.

Kyan’s fingers wound into mine as he tugged me through the great doors and onto the golden statues and broad steps beyond. The familiar Las Vegas air was dry in my lungs, a faint, cool wind enough to make me shiver in the thin fabric I wore.

“You’re taking the masks?” Roger asked as we reached the steps.

“They’re fun.” I grinned, glancing back, fingers still curled in Kyan’s. I waved at Roger. “Travis can bill me.”

Past him, I saw another patron within. He was tall, with salt and pepper hair, hands clasped as he stared at me. Our eyes locked, and my instincts went haywire. I was wearing a mask; he didn’t know it was me. Only, his cuff was covering his wrist, and I couldn’t tell if there was a rose there. Yet, as I turned back, hurrying down the steps, my stomach twisted uncomfortably.

I didn’t dare look back. If I did, and he wasn’t sure, he would be then.

The High Roller was located on The Strip and we needed to get far away. I needed a way to get out of sight, and off the main roads. As we stepped into the evening crowds and bright lights, I noticed Knight had his hand beneath his jacket where I was sure my gun was gripped tight. I wasn’t much different, with my hand firmly closed around my knife beneath the robe.

The Strip lights were bright, huge buildings towering above us, and enough crowds we should be able to disappear, but my anxiety didn’t wane.

Finally, after a good ten minutes of walking in awkward quiet, trying not to be too obvious about throwing my gaze over my shoulder, Kyan tugged me around the corner of an alley.

“Why here?” I asked. We’d been walking in the direction of the quieter part of the strip, and the world here had suddenly become far too quiet.

It was late, and between the two buildings it was dim enough we could barely make out the shadows stretching ahead. No one was stupid enough to pull out their phone for light, and I cursed my heeled boots for being too loud upon the concrete.

Had that man from beyond the doors come out after us, or were we clear?

I cursed as I almost stumbled into the gutter. They were thigh high boots with obscenely thin heels, but the gaps in metal grates were persistent enemies. Zed was the one who steadied me, though he let go all too fast, a scowl on his face.

“I have to keep moving,” I said. I didn’t know what their plan was. None were showing signs of leaving.

“You know we’re not going anywhere until you’re clear of them,” Kyan said as I tugged my hand from his.

“I asked you to get me out of the building. I’m out. You’re free.”

I’d have to leave for good, but I wasn’t focusing on that. Or the fact that I might have just seen my last night in the High Roller.

And my friends.

I would go back for Lucy, but I think we were safe for now. For a second I reached for my purse, knowing I might be able to text Elana or Jade to get her out of my room.

I stopped, mind flashing to the black ace in my deck.

How much did Ace’s men know? How long had they been watching me?

I couldn’t put anyone in danger. Even tipping off Ace’s men to who at the High Roller I was friendly with could be a death sentence.

I would get Lucy. Later tonight—I couldn’t risk waiting long, just enough that they’d think I was long gone.

“We are not alone,” Knight murmured. “Two at the end. One behind.”

My blood chilled.

How far had they been following us? The Strip traffic wasn’t easy to navigate, but if they had some on foot, they could have been directing their friends on where to turn.

“And…” Kyan’s fingers tangled in mine again as if we were on a date, but I saw him nod his head upward. I didn’t look straight away, but scanned the building’s lower levels. There were metal railings all the way up.

Shit.

We’d been in this alley mere minutes, and we might already be surrounded.

“This drug dealer of yours, he isn’t messing around is he?” Knight asked. He didn’t look at me, but his tone was heavy with scepticism.

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