Page 6 of Kept

I take the clothes from him, shaking my head at his characteristic, over the top enthusiasm. It’s just hard to be in a bad mood with Robert on your team. The clothes are a simple set of black block heels, dark wash jeans, and a black halter top. I spruce up my makeup a bit and pick out the remaining feathers from my hair. The bun will stay because I have so much gel and hair spray in it, my hair won’t move without a serious shampooing. I pull out my favorite necklace, a tiny gold ballet slipper with a little pink gemstone in it. My mom gave it to me when I was a little girl and I’m usually wearing it whenever I’m not dancing.

Robert claps his hands. “Perfect!”

“Where are we going?”

He hums, tapping his finger against his lip contemplatively. “Option A, or Option B?”

“Ummm. B?”

“Oh, excellent. To the car!” He leads us down the hallway, doing a remarkably good impression of Jack Sparrow.

An hour later, we’re well on our way to Atlantic City.

“Remind me why we’re going way out here?” I ask.

“Because you picked option B, which is to go to the new nightclub my cousin’s girlfriend is bartending at, and that’s in Atlantic City. It’s part of that casino they renovated a few months ago. Supposed to be super bougie.” He stops to wink. “Plus, she’ll hook us up with drinks and get us on the VIP list.”

I smile. “Thank you for this.” I gesture around the car. “I’m already feeling better.”

“Anytime doll, anytime.”

The parking garage is full, but we find a place around the corner and walk.

“Shortcut time!” Robert calls as he begins to sashay down the alley, running between the garage and the casino.

“Robert! This is a stupid shortcut. Do you not watch crime TV?”

I’ve caught up to his longer stride as we come around a blind corner. Robert opens his mouth to reply, but only a shocked squeal comes out.

In front of us, there are two men in suits, and a third on his knees. One of the standing men is holding a handgun.

I grab Robert’s arm and pull him back out of sight. I hear a shout from the other side of the corner.

Crap. They saw us.

There is a large roller dumpster against the wall. I push Robert behind it. He tries to speak, but I put my hand over his mouth and shake my head.

The shouting gets louder. I bolt away from the dumpster and start loudly running down the alley. They saw someone, we can’t both disappear.

See me. Chase me.

“Stop!” a deep voice yells.

I glance over my shoulder and see one of the men behind me, gaining ground.

Oh, shit.

In addition to being loud, my high heels are slowing me down, but I can’t stop to unbuckle them now. I run like the hounds of hell are nipping at my proverbial heels.

I’m almost to the end of the alley. The back street we parked the car on is up ahead. I don’t have the keys, but at least it’s not a dark fucking alley. As I burst out of the shadows, something grabs me, and a hand crushes against my mouth.

My feet kick empty air as I’m snatched completely off the ground, one hand clamped over my mouth, the other arm wrapped around my middle. I’m pulled back into the darkness of the alley. I try clawing at the hand on my mouth but realize it’s covered by a supple leather glove. I work on sinking an elbow into the person behind me.

The first man catches up. “Oh, looks like you caught a wildcat.”

I manage to sink an elbow into the ribs of the man holding me. He grunts but doesn’t release his hold. I can feel his warm breath against my neck when he speaks into my ear.

“Oh, you’ll pay for that, kitten.” His voice is deep and rich, and it sends goosebumps down my body.

---