Page 48 of The Sinners Gambit

All the members of the Society bring their attention to the front of the stage. I take a moment to look around the room. There are so many different people from different cultures, backgrounds, and reasons for becoming killers, but here, we’re all gathered as one. While we all do share our time here, and some of us exchange favors for ourwork, our identities are pretty well-guarded secrets.

“Welcome to Mortes Ostium’s annual ball.” The whole audience erupts in applause.

“Each of you have made eight kills this year which has earned you an invitation to this weekend’s festivities. With about one hundred of us here, that’s eight hundred cold bodies, six feet under ground, either literally or metaphorically. That means nearly one thousand successful kills made this night possible, how fucking fantastic . . .”

“And we can add one more to it later tonight,” Killian whispers into my ear.

I reach over to my black wine glass and salute the air with it. “I’ll drink to that.”

“It is a time for our darkest desires to be celebrated, not acted on. No killing tonight. The Society has rented out the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, a beautiful natural museum with plenty of historic exhibits that are irreplaceable. That said, don’t break jack shit. You will not be able to use your Society-issued get out of jail card this weekend, so you break it, you buy it. . .”

Movement catches my eye, but I keep my eyes glued to the stage. “Ten o’ clock,” I whisper to Killian.

“Let the games begin,” he growls back in a whisper.

“We have many events and workshops taking place this weekend, so please take advantage of every opportunity here—all provided for by the Society. Have fun, but more importantly, behave. The Society is watching.” The man finishes his speech and walks off the stage.

“Oh,Iplan on it with the eventwehave planned.”

We turn back facing our table and fall into mindless conversation with our tablemates as dinner is served. Everything happens in a blur as my focus is solely on what will come later. The next thing I know we’re dancing in the ballroom. Both Killian and I keep his uncle in our peripheral vision, not wanting to lose him. He’s wearing a dark suit and shares a lot of features with Killian.

Thankfully he walks up to us halfway through the night and pats Killian on the back. “Good evening, Killian. Who’s this delight?” Andres picks up my hand and kisses the back of it. I have to do everything not to gag at it and instead smile like I’m honored.

“This is—”

“Killian,” Axel interrupts. “We have a problem with Mr. Richardson. We have to go talk to him now or he’s going to pull all the funding for the new launch.” He turns to look at me. “You look beautiful,Belle.”

“Thanks Axel,” I say. “If you guys have to go, I can make my way back to the hotel myself. It’s not too far right?”

“The driver can bring the car around—” Killian starts.

Andres has a wicked grin. “Nonsense, my driver can take us. A lady shouldn’t be alone. Which hotel are you guys staying at?”

“It’s not too far from the Forest of Malmaison, but we couldn’t impose!” Killian protests.

“Oh, that’s a far trek from here. But fret not, we can get you there,” he says, taking my full body in as he gently touches my arm, making sure to linger.

“Belle really loves the forest, so Killian decided on something close to there,” Axel says.

“I-I’ll be okay with the driver, Mr. Andres,” I say, not wanting to go anywhere with him.

“Call me Andres, and it’s no trouble at all.”

“Thanks, Uncle Andres,” Killian says, before leaning over to give me a kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you,” I say.

“No problem. Belle, was it? She and I will have a splendid time getting to know each other on the drive.”

“Thanks, I look forward to it,” I say, heading out with him to where the valets and drivers bring us the car.

Chapter 24

Naomi

“Youlookquitelovelytonight, Belle.”

“Oh, thank you,” I say, forcing a blush. “Killian got this for me.”

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