AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I was in heels, wearing a couture gown, tramping through lawn with sounds that suspiciously sounded like some mode of transport next to a man that could snap my neck with his bare hands, and like a rabbit, I curled into myself, ready to bound, eyes so wide I’m sure they were mainly white.
Lights flashed, then kept flashing, ahead of us. Blades sluiced through the air, creating artificial wind that ripped through my hair in an instant.
A helicopter.
“After you,” he said, holding out his hand. Then, to be heard, he yelled, “Come. It won’t bite.”
Thoughts whirling, I lifted my hand to his. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I was supposed to remain in this mansion. Kai was meant to be somewhere close by, ready to initiate action if needed. The FBI was supposed to burst through the doors at a moment’s notice.
When I made a bet that I deliberately lost to spend a night with a young, hungry, ruthless don by the name of Neri Sebastiani, Kai was pissed but he’d follow. I knew he would.
And now I wouldn’t have him. Wherever I went, I’d be on my own.
Isn’t that what you aimed for? Always wanting to be alone, the sole survivor, the only one in pain. You asked for it, Letty. I love you, but your death wish is granted.
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from screaming. Neri helped me up into the helicopter. My inner twin was right. Cassie always was. I signed up for this, and whatever happened, it would be my own fault.
“Champagne?” Neri asked once he’d settled the headsets on both his and my ears. “Or perhaps something stronger?”
“Champ—bubbly is fine,” I said, then repeated myself when Neri gestured he couldn’t hear. He reached under his seat and pulled out Cristal.
“You’ll need it,” he said ominously before he popped the cork and palmed it. The sound didn’t reach my ears through the humming of the soda can I was crouched in.
No bodyguards except one shared our space and the door was promptly slammed shut. I pictured the rest outside, and if any of them studied my face through the window, it probably appeared as a stricken ghost through the glass.
We lifted off the ground as Neri handed me a glass. I pressed my other hand to the window like Kai could see me do it.
Neri leaned back. “You’re in for a treat, my dear.”
I gulped down the golden carbonation, resting against the seat, but my back was ramrod straight.
Yes, the men, the players, the House, was right. I followed through with any hand I held, I bet with purpose and never over-played my cards. I knew when to call and the best opportunity to check. I played against oil guys, finance men, trust fund kids and celebrities. I faced off with mobsters and their sons and daughters. I was part of the underground and flourished in a way I never would if I stayed legitimate, went to college, and became the administrative assistant my resume wrote me out to be. I watched drugs trade hands, lines of coke be snorted on the table, handguns be passed under. Not much made me flinch, not anymore. Until now. Prior to this moment, I was pretty good at this game. Damn good.
For a chick.
And now I was trapped like one.
