Page 28 of Dublin Charmer
Gravely takes me by the arm and leads me toward a craps table set up deeper in the room.
“You will be my lucky charm.” He’s leaning heavily on his cane with one hand while his other clutches my arm too tight. “We’ll make me a fortune tonight.”
The casino floor gleams under crystal chandeliers that must cost more than most people’s houses. Servers in white tuxedos weave through the crowd with champagne flutes balanced on silver trays. Women draped in diamonds and silk laugh too loudly at the jokes of silver-haired men.
And everyone is wearing an elaborate mask—some Venetian with long beaks, others simple and elegant with swirls of gold and silver.
A jazz quartet plays in the corner, the sultry notes of a saxophone winding through conversations. The air smells of expensive perfume, cigar smoke, and money.
“It’s impressive, isn’t it?” Gravely gestures grandly. “I bet you never dreamed this is how the other half live. Stick with me, and this could be your future.” His eyes gleam with triumph behindhis simple black mask. “These are only some of the powerful people I have in my pocket. By this time next year, all of Dublin will be mine.”
He pushes me to stand against the table, grabbing the dice and holding them out. “Blow on them for luck.”
I lean forward, letting my breath touch the dice cupped in his palm. His eyes drop to my cleavage—predictable. If he keeps this up, getting the better of him won’t even be a challenge.
As I straighten, a sensation prickles at the back of my neck. I glance around. Through the sea of masks and feathers and sequins, I glimpse a man staring at us from across the room. He’s looking fit in his tux as a simple black mask covers the upper half of his face. Unlike the other guests who flit from table to table, he stands perfectly still, watching.
Is he watching me or Gravely?
“Seven!” Gravely shouts as the dice tumble across the table. The crowd erupts in cheers. He grabs my waist, pulling me against him. I straighten up quickly, but when I look again, the man watching us is gone. “You see, my wee lucky charm. This is why you need to stay close tonight.”
I force a smile, feeling the outline of the syringe against my thigh.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
CHAPTER TEN
Finn
Icheck my watch as I arrive at the address. It’s half eleven and the coming of the new year chaos. Perfect timing.
The Monte Carlo-themed party swirls around me, a kaleidoscope of wealth and excess. Behind my mask, I scan the room, searching for the vixen with electric blue hair and a body that could make grown men weep.
Kieran’s street informant, Petey, came through with photos earlier tonight when she left for the party and when she arrived.
I studied the nuances of her face.
I studied the dress she was wearing.
And, I admit, I studied them more than necessary.
Nyx is not just talented. She’s stunning.
When I finally spot her across the room, Billy Gravely’s got his hand on her hip and is whispering something private to her. Are they lovers? I study her expression and dismiss that idea immediately. She looks repulsed, like she’s barely containing her need to slap his hand away and gain some distance.
Still, the photos didn’t do her justice. Her vibrant blue hair is styled in loose waves, and she’s wearing a form-fitting dress that shimmers in black, blue, and green as the lighting catches it. The fabric hugs every curve and wow—those curves are delicious. A delicate peacock-feather mask adorned with tiny golden crystals covers her face.
But those eyes…sharp, intelligent, and wary.
As if she can feel the heat of my gaze upon her, she lifts her head.
Our eyes lock from across the casino floor. The chaos of the party falls away. Even with the distance between us, her bright blue eyes tell a story—captivating and sad. Maybe I’m projecting, but I see the same isolation and longing to be understood in her gaze that I see when I look in the mirror. It’s haunting.
The gravity in her gaze pierces my chest and steals my breath.
I don’t move, don’t flinch. I don’t want to break the connection.
Something in her expression calls to me—she’s dangerous. She’s actively working on taking down my family, and I need to get a grip and stop her.
