Page 53 of Fortune's Kiss
Carmen let out a shaky sigh.
She wasn’t going to be able to guess it, and then what?
“Antonio?”
“Still incorrect,” Misterioso said.
The ring vanished.Carmen jolted.Her light brown cheeks were flushed and her eyes filled with tears.
“Keep in mind, we cannot move on until you pass this challenge,” Misterioso said as he tapped his foot and checked his hourglass.
“I don’t have anything left to wager.”Carmen’s voice shook.
“Oh, nonsense!”Misterioso turned cheerful once again.“You have your son, of course.You brought him into this world.He’s your possession.Ten years old.The innocent little thing has no clue that you’re here right now.”
Mayté’s blood ran cold.
“No.”Lo grabbed Mayté’s arms.She was completely helpless.They both were.
Murmurs echoed through the room.
“Will she do it?”
“There’s no other choice.”
“Well, this is a fascinating turn of events,” Don Zelaya said unashamedly.
“No!”Carmen snapped, her voice panicked.“No, no, no.I’d give my own life before that.”
“Very well.It’s not against the rules to offer a counter-wager as long as it’s worth at least the value of what was originally proposed.”Misterioso grinned.“Now, if you could answer El Soldado’s question.The name of the croupier, please?”
This was Carmen’s last chance.If she failed, she was gone.Carmen just stood there.With a small sob, she covered her face.She didn’t know his name.
“Carmen,” Lo whispered.
What was she doing?
“Don’t tell me you’re going to help her,” Don Zelaya loudly interrupted.“Why, that sounds like cheating.”He smugly sipped his drink.
“Actually, most anything goes during these games,” Misterioso said.“The contestants may interact with each other during the challenges.But beware, the path to el infierno was paved with intentions both wicked and noble.”
Mayté and Lo exchanged glances.They would have to keep that in mind.“It’s Alejandro,” Lo softly said.It was up to Carmen if she would trust her or not.
“Alejandro,” Carmen blurted.
“Correct.”
Carmen wiped her eyes and mouthed something to Lo.Probably a thank-you, but her lips trembled so much that Mayté couldn’t be sure.
“One final question,” El Soldado said.“What astronomical event occurs around the time that Fortune’s Kiss chooses a new location?”
Carmen’s face lit up, and Lo whimpered with relief.An easy question.One that anyone remotely interested in Fortune’s Kiss would know.
“The equinox.”
Wait—
An explosive shot rang through the gambling den.Carmen froze.Blood pooled at her chest.Right at her heart.Her wide eyes glazed over and she fell backward.Lo screamed.Carlos began to hum, head down.Mayté’s ears rung.
