Page 80 of The Price of Love

Shadow smiles. “I’m not planning on telling her anything yet.”

“Fair enough. Still want to help tonight?”

She smiles. “If you can find me a dress.”

CHAPTER 32

JAZMIN

An hour before Casino Night is scheduled to start, Nadine and I drive down the lane toward the Velvet Rose Lodge. Since Nadine’s decked out in a cocktail dress, we’re in her car. She’s been bitching about her outfit most of the drive.

“Jesus, let it go,” I say. “You ain’t putting my bod into a dress like that. No way, no how. You were the only choice.”

She snorts. “I can be badass.”

“I never said you couldn’t.” I didn’t say she could, either, but I’m not gonna piss her off any worse.

It’s deep woods dark. Creepy as shit, so I’m glad when we arrive at the parking lot. It ain’t well lit, but at least I can see.

“Kitchen crew?” Nadine says as we pull up next to the only vehicle in the lot—the Thorns’ van.

“I’m thinking. They’re getting the food ready.”

Nadine pulls on the bottom of her dress. “I suppose serving is better than doing that.”

It’s the most positive thing she’s said, so I’ll take it. When she kills the engine, I pull out my phone. “I better check with Nails before we go inside.”

“She didn’t tell you why they were gonna be late?”

I shake my head. “Nope. Just said they’d get here in time.”

“I still think it’s weird.”

I think so, too, but I keep it to myself. “Maybe a meeting ran long. After all, it’s the officers.”

“Except Frost.”

And Jinx. But since I’m texting Nails that we’re here, I have a reason not to respond, and I take it.

“Let’s go check things out,” Nadine says.

I finish my text and drop my phone on the seat. Rule is––no cellphones.

When we enter the main area, it’s all ready for the players, but nobody’s there.

“Jesus, it’s freezing.” Nadine pulls on her short skirt and wraps her coat around herself.

“It’ll warm up quick once the room fills up.”

“My nipples are hard.”

“Better tips,” I say, knowing it’ll stir her up.

“Fuck you, Slick.”

I glare at her. She’d stopped calling me Slick. “Okay, Nipples.”

She laughs. “You are such an asshole.”