Page 125 of Till The Sun Dies (Checkmate 2)

The bottom, outside layer is like a plaza of cafés and boutique stores, with big gleaming glass doors that automatically spin, welcoming guests as they walk from one world to the next.

Sand and sun outside.

Crystal chandeliers and fine dining on the inside.

“We’re staying there?” I glance back. “That place is gonna be expensive.”

“It’s already done, Twink. We get bulk booking discount.”

Ang pulls the Buick into the valet parking as three young men in suits catch sight of the classic car and shove each other aside to get to us first.

So much for fancy.

Ang switches the rumbling engine off once we park under the large awning, and when two of those boys come to open mine and Jessie’s doors, they back up fast when Kane and Ang glare. Without releasing my hand, Ang slides out his side and pulls me along while my heart slams against my chest, making me dizzy.

The pressure on the back of my head as Kane and Jess stare almost makes me want to release my grip on Ang, but no way in hell will I let go. I won’t give in to them.

“The car belongs to her.” Ang drops the keys into the winner’s hands. “Not gonna scratch her car, are you?”

“No, sir.”

“Not gonna take it for a joy ride either, are you?”

His scared eyes come to me. Then to Ang. And when Jess and Kane step forward to complete the wall of weirdness, the boy’s eyes flip from Jess to me. Jess to me. Jess to me.

“There are two of ‘em.”

“And they’ll both whale on your ass if you scratch that car.” Kane’s lips twitch when the boy’s face drains white. I think he’s more concerned with the tattooed thug than he is with the threat of a couple twins beating on him.

Maybe.

“You’re gonna take care of this car, aren’t you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you’ll bring the bags up once you park it, right?”

“Uh-huh. Yes, sir.”

“Good.” Kane slaps his hand into the boy’s to shake, and when he pulls away, the kid is fifty bucks richer. “We’ll be checking in. Please bring our stuff up fast; we have somewhere to be, and the girls need their clothes.”

Instead of stuttering and risking his fifty dollars, the boy turns on his heel and slides into the Buick.

“And don’t eat our candy!” Jess adds. “Not even the pieces on the floor. We know how much is there.”

I turn away until my nose practically rests against Ang’s chest. “That poor kid.” As soon as he drives away, I swipe out and smack Jess’ arm. “If he wants to eat spilled candy, let him! You’re all so mean with your intimidation game. He’s probably terrified.”

“So long as he doesn’t scratch the car or eat the candy, he’ll be fine. It’s a pretty easy system to understand.” Ang squeezes my hand, drawing my eyes up. “You ready to go in?”

I nod, but remain mute, because if I speak, it might come out something like‘did you ever wonder what it would be like to kiss me?’

That kind of word-vomit isn’t healthy for anyone, so I let him lead me inside, and when Kane watches us with a salacious grin, I turn my nose up and pretend he’s not worth my attention.

“Welcome! Checking in?”

“Yeah.” Ang steps forward and drops his wallet on the high desk. “We’ve got rooms booked.” He turns to Kane. “Under Bishop?”

“Yeah. Two rooms, five nights, under Bishop.”

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