Page 4 of Russian Roulette
I try not to blush under his intense gaze, but it’s impossible. I can’t remember the last time a man made me feel this self-conscious. “My parents were geologists,” I explain, lying through my teeth. “They thought they were being clever and unique. Their sense of humor is a little warped.”
His skeptical expression tells me he’s not convinced. “Okay then,Jade,” he says. “We might cross paths again if you’re in town for a few days.”
“I doubt it,” I respond. “I’m only in Vegas for a short time and leaving today.” I just want him to leave me alone. I have work to do, and his overwhelming presence makes it difficult to concentrate. The man is a wicked curse. My mind drifts back to the homeless man’s words this morning. If the casino is the devil’s playground, then the devil is right in front of me.
“You’re leaving today?” he inquires, surprised. “What’s your hurry?”
“I have things to do, people to meet. Work obligations.” I gesture dismissively at him. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’m trying my best to lose money here. I’ve been quite successful at it so far.”
He reaches into his pants pocket and retrieves a roll of coins. “That’s a shame. You can’t enjoy much of Vegas in two days. Here, at least let me give you a roll of my special lucky quarters. I won’t take no for an answer.”
What is up with this guy?
“This slot machine doesn’t take coins,” I point out. “Only credit cards. If you have a lucky American Express Black card you want to give me, then I’ll gladly take you up on your generous offer.”
“Honey, for the love of God, quit arguing with the nice man and take the damn quarters,” the red-haired lady beside me pipes up to say. “If you can’t use them, I sure can. This handsome man is trying his best to make a good impression. Don’t make him beg.”
Oh my God, why is she interfering?
I’d forgotten she was there, listening to every word. I’m seriously off my game this morning. “But I don’t need the quarters,” I protest. “The slot machine doesn’t take them.”
“This is the problem with relationships today,” she continues sternly, wagging a finger with a bright red fingernail at me. “Young women always acting independent. Don’t you realize he’s trying to do something nice for you? Let him. Quit trying to make courting so hard. No wonder young women can’t find a husband.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” he says to the lady with a slight bow, then faces me again. “You should take her advice and accept the quarters. Hold out your hand.”
I’m outnumbered. This guy is seriously annoying. Intriguing, yet irritating and persistent. Out of all the women in the casino, why me? It’s too damn early in the morning to be dealing with this kind of nonsense. The energy drink’s caffeine hasn’t even kicked in yet.
“Will you promise to leave me alone if I do?” I glare at him, no longer concealing my annoyance.
He grins in response, his eyes crinkling at the corners with genuine amusement, and remains silent. This is all a game to him. Rolling my eyes, I hold out my hand.
As he places the roll of coins in my palm, our hands touch, and the coins suddenly transform into a small, live green snake. It uncoils and slithers up the inside of his shirt sleeve.
“What the hell?” I exclaim, jerking my hand back from his. “What the fuck is wrong with you? That’s a live snake!”
His boisterous laughter rings out across the almost empty casino, drawing the attention of several guests.
“You’re a freak,” I state, rubbing my hand vigorously on my pants leg. The snake was cold, creepy, and very much alive. “What are you? A weird pervert? Where did the snake go? Is it under the slot machine?” I jump up and take a couple of steps back, fearing the snake will crawl up my pants leg.
“I’m not sticking around to find out,” the lady beside me mutters. “Good luck, sweetie. You’ll need it in this town. Forget what I said about him. I hate snakes.” She quickly grabs her purse, along with her massive bag of quarters, and hurries away.
The man smiles at me, showing a deep dimple in his cheek. He reaches for my hand again and places a genuine roll of quarters wrapped in paper into my palm, closing my fingers around it.
“Are you even going to ask my name?” He grips my hand tighter when I try to pull it out of his grasp.
“No, why would I? I’m not into freaks. You’re weird and you hide reptiles in your clothes. Sorry, buddy. It’s a big ‘hell no’ from me. Now, if you’ll please excuse me.”
“Guilty as charged,” he agrees with a soft chuckle. “I’ll pass on the golden opportunity to joke about the giant anaconda concealed in my pants. While you’re here, take a break from gambling and catch some Vegas shows. Some are quite good, even if you’re only here a couple of days. Until next time,Jade…Stone.” He squeezes my hand gently one last time before abruptly releasing it and walking away without a backward glance.
4
SEVEN
“Hey Seven! Hold up!”
A man shouts my name, and I spin around to locate the source. One of the casino’s muscular floor managers, clad in a dark blue suit, stands by the main entrance and gestures for me to come over.
“What’s up, Seth?” I ask when I get closer. “It’s quiet on the casino floor this morning. Are you expecting a big crowd later tonight?”
