Page 49 of The Sinners Gambit

“How do you know my nephew?” he asks.

“Oh, we met a few years ago. It’s an on-and-off situationship.”

Andres’ limo quickly arrives, and he opens the door for me. “After you.”

I get inside, but my right thigh is exposed due to the lack of fabric. I note that the front is blocked off where the driver is. “Thanks.”

“Situationship, that’s a new one.” He laughs, seemingly perplexed. “I figured it was more with that charm you wear.”

“We thought it’d be a cute touch, even if for one night only.”

“So he wouldn’t miss you if you were gone?” he says, staring at my chest before bringing his eyes to my lips. “I mean if the other woman showed up.”

I stammer, “Uh, I guess not.”

“How about some champagne as we get to know each other?”

Barf.“Sure!” I agree. “I’dloveto get to know you better, Andres.” I make sure to roll my r and give him my best flirty eyes.

“I can see why Killian keeps coming back,” he says as he gets two flutes and pours the piss-flavored liquid inside

“You have no idea.” I giggle.

“One second.” He types a quick text and looks toward the front of the car. “Okay. Now, where were we?”

“About to drink?” I say, pretending to be shy.

“To new friendships.”

“To new friendships,” I cheers as I force a sip down.

“Drink, drink, it’s a party,” Andres encourages.

I smile and gulp the whole thing down. We talk for the next thirty or so minutes before the car starts to sputter.

“I feel funny,” I slur out.

“Driver, what’s wrong?” he asks, but there’s no response. “Maybe some fresh air will help,” he says with a smile.

“Oh—” I hiccup. “‘Kay.”

“So precious,” he says, pushing a loose hair behind my ear. He helps me out of the car. “Looks like we’re by the forest you wanted to explore.”

“Yeah.” Goosebumps erupt over my body as the cold air of the night hits. “Can we go home? The hotel’s not too far.”

“Just take a deep breath, little bird. It’ll all be over soon.”

“What?” I stammer back but hit the car door. “What do you mean?” I ask, shaking my head.This is what my mother must’ve felt.

“I see something I want to collect, and I like to chase my prey.”

“That’s not news to me,” I say, taking my mask off.

He tilts his head. “You look familiar.”

“I’d hope you’d remember the daughter of the woman you killed.” I stop pretending to be drugged. Axel swapped out the alcohol earlier. While he was able to run after his prey early in his killing career, he’s too old for that now with his younger victims.

He smirks. “I’ve killed so many, but I do remember a face. Naomi, not Belle, isn’t it?”

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