Page 34 of Fortune's Kiss
As they continued, things grew uncanny.The skulls on the walls seemed to be watching them.There were altars to Santos Sagrados she didn’t recognize.The candles cast strange shadows across everyone’s faces.As he led the group, Misterioso moved in grand, sweeping, exaggerated motion.Like a living, breathing skeleton, taking them through el infierno.
The tour ended in a large, circular lobby much like the entrance to Fortune’s Kiss.Ten doors, black as the night stood out against the walls, white as bone.A chandelier hung overhead, lighting up several seats around a center table.A common area of sorts.
“Wait a moment.”Misterioso held out a hand, then nodded at a door on the other side of the hall.As if on cue, it slammed open and out stumbled the shopkeeper.His face was drenched in sweat and his wild eyes grew at the sight of the group.
“But I—I …?”
“Thought you could escape?”Misterioso casually drummed his fingers against a statue of an alebrije octopus.It wasn’t until he ran his hand over one of the tentacles that Mayté realized they were snakes—each with gaping mouths revealing ivory fangs and forked tongues embedded with rubies.“The only way you’re leaving the house is by losing or folding, I’m afraid.”
The shopkeeper’s shoulders sagged.It looked like at any moment, he would weep.
“You’ve missed the tour as well.”Misterioso’s voice darkened.“You will have to hope that someone else will be willing to show you around later.For now, I have something for each of you.”He dug through his pocket and revealed a handful of keys.He then handed them over one by one.A single person per room.Mayté rubbed her shivering arms.She didn’t want to be alone.Not yet.
“Mayté!”Carlos caught her off-guard and grabbed her arm before she could escape.
“I told you to leave me alone!”Mayté snapped.She couldn’t even look him in the eye.
“I’m not leaving mysisteralone,” Carlos countered.“That game was …” He shuddered and shook his head.“Are you okay?”
“Do I look okay?”She gestured at the crusted-over blood on her blouse.
“This is why you need to get out of here while you can.The both of you.”He briefly glanced at Lo, who seemed too stunned to respond.
“Bet low if you have the opportunity and fold quickly.I’ll stay and handle everything.”
“What?”Mayté broke free.“Do you know what you’re saying?We gave our dreams to be here and I’m sure we’re not getting that back if we fold.Why shouldIbe the one to give that up?Have you considered giving upyourdream?Do you even have one?”
“I—” Carlos blinked.His gaze briefly flicked to Lo again.“Of course I do!But survival is the most important part.You can’t dream ifyou’re dead!”
“Then go back!Live on and take care of Ma and everyone else!”She shut her mouth at the sight of the Banker strolling over.
“Lorena.”He ignored Mayté and Carlos.“I have a special key for you.”He twirled a golden key that made the black ones Misterioso had handed out look plain and useless.“For the finest suite here,” he said, smooth as silk.
Mayté raised an eyebrow, and Carlos stiffened.
“Ah, but I have already handed out the keys.”Misterioso walked over.
“Mm, perhaps, but this ismyfavor to Lorena.”The Banker took Lo’s hand and placed the key in her palm.“This key will transform your suite into a bigger one with two beds.You may invite anyone you wish to stay with you,” he purred.
“Really?”Lo beamed and looked to Mayté.Now they would be able to stay in the suite.It was an unbelievable relief.A miracle.
Lo held the key to the light.The tip was a calavera accented with golden swirls and glimmering diamonds for eyes.“It’s beautiful.”
“But not as beautiful as you, señorita.”The Banker smugly glanced at Misterioso, whose smile turned stiff.He looked between the Banker and Lo.
The tension in the air was so strong, Mayté could almost visualize it.Dark scribbles on parchment on the verge of ripping.Surely the two men were fighting for Lo’s attention.Even in the world of Fortune’s Kiss, her beauty did not go unnoticed.The tiniest flame of envy lit in Mayté’s belly, but she quickly extinguished it.She hadn’t wanted to be alone for the night, so this was a good thing.
“Well, thank you.It means the world to me,” Lo said, then tugged Mayté’s arm.“Come on.I need to sit for a while.”
Now that the adrenaline had faded, Mayté’s temples throbbed, and her shoulders burned.Her legs could barely carry her forward.
Lo led her to the door and fiddled with the lock until it opened.Mayté followed her inside and pulled the door shut behind her, but not before peeking out to see the two men glaring at each other.
And Carlos frowning at her.
She quickly closed the door.
Damn him.
