Page 110 of Semblance

“I’m nobody,” he replied. “However, I do work forsomebody. You’ll find out who that is inside.”

“Give me one reason I shouldn’t shoot you in the face right now,” Shadow threatened.

“Any harm that comes to me or any of the employees inside will result in the immediate termination of one of your friends, chosen at random.”

Shadow released his grip on the man and let his gun drop to his side. “You’re a smug piece of shit.”

“Guilty as charged. Now, if you have your temper under control, the three of you may enter.”

The explosive sound of gunfire startled me. The smug man grabbed his kneecap, which was now a bloody mess, and crumpled to the floor screaming.

“You asshole!” he cried as tears smeared the makeup on his face, “You fucking asshole!”

“What are you whining about?” Lincoln asked, the gun in his hand still smoking. “You can still breathe on your own accord. According to your definition, you’re not harmed.”

We entered into the hotel, leaving the wounded man screaming outside.

Inside, a petite woman with long flowing hair the color of plums greeted us. She was dressed in a provocative white-laced night gown. She was completely bare underneath.

“Welcome,” she said with a seductive smile as she walked over to Shadow and placed her hands firmly against his chest. “You feel so warm.”

“You rotten-crotched slut,” I blurted out loud.

“Sticks and stones Ms. Valencia,” she said, flashing me a wide grin. What was with these people? Was there some requirement to be a smug piece of crap in order to work here?

I sent telepathic signals to Lincoln to shoot her in the kneecaps as well, but alas, no such luck. Instead, I contemplated rearranging her face with the heel of my Jimmy Choos.

My teeth ground together with the force of tectonic plates shifting as I watched the little temptress reach up to her tip toes and plant a gentle kiss on Shadow’s lips who—much to my relief—made no effort to return the favor.

“Don’t kiss me again,” Shadow said.

“Why?” the temptress asked. “Afraid to experience a real woman while your precious not-so-Golden Virgin is around?”

“No,” Shadow replied. “I have no idea where your lips have been, but I assume nowhere clean.”

Suddenly her slutty disposition melted away into a sour demeanor.

“Homo,” she stated coldly.

“As an advocate of equality, I’m going to call you an ignorant wench,” Lincoln said, pointing his gun at her. “I must also state that I’m equally opportune in blasting kneecaps as well. I’m sure you can still hear your co-worker screaming outside. Unless your employer offers an outstanding physical therapy benefits package, I advise you get to the point and take us to our friends.”

I turned to Lincoln and grinned. “You read my mind.”

“Follow me,” she muttered as she began leading us down a long red velvet-inspired hallway.

After minutes of walking through a series of elegant corridors, I was curious of our destination. “Where is she leading us?” I asked.

“It looks to be the gambling suites,” Shadow replied. “It’s where all the private card games are held.”

Eventually we stopped in front of double doors.

“Inside,” the slut said.

Shadow gave her a suspicious glance.

“Standing here won’t help your friends,” she said.

“Sink or swim,” Lincoln whispered, pushing open the doors.

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