AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“There’s one thing, first.” I pull a hypodermic needle from inside my jacket pocket.
“What’s that?” Shelby questions, her brows furrowing in concern.
“There’s a small tracker inside. I need to inject you with it.”
She shakes her head.
“Shelby.”
“I know. I have no choice.” She rolls her eyes.
I place the needle down on a nearby table and take my phone out of my pocket. Then pulling up the tracking app, I pass the phone over the back of my hand, and it beeps. I show her the phone.
“No, you don’t have a choice. I will inject you with it, but I want you to know that it isn’t only you who has one. I do, as well as Max, Lena, and my father. You could say we’re a little security conscious around here. It’s purely for safety. Nothing more.”
“I know. Maybe when I get a phone, I can get the app put on it and track you.” Shelby laughs.
I snort my response. “Yeah, that’s not happening!”
“Okay, where does it need to go?” she questions.
“In the back of your hand.”
Shelby holds her hand out for me, and having put my phone away, I pick up the needle again. Removing the casing, I inject the tracker into her hand.
“Ow.” The soft response comes.
“I’m sorry.” I genuinely feel bad for hurting her.
“It’s okay. Come on. Let’s go do this, Mr. Armstrong. Let’s send shockwaves through Vegas!”
23
SHELBY
My stomach churns with nerves as we walk up the stairs to the casino and into the main entrance. My heels click on the marbled floor, and the opulence of the décor is doing little to calm my nerves. The suited staff acknowledge Eaton and then scurry away to continue their duties. People are everywhere. Noise is everywhere. Shouts of success come from the direction of richly decorated tables laden with poker chips. Everyone is relaxed and happy.
“Are you all right?” Eaton places the palm of his hand at my back.
“This is all yours?” I answer with a question.
“Yes,” he replies.
“It’s beautiful.” I tilt my head backward to look at the glass flowers on the ceiling. Red, blue, green, purple, pink, and yellow. “Wow. I don’t want to know how much that cost.”
“A fair bit. It really completes the décor of the hotel, and it’s a massive attraction for visitors.”
I stop, mid-step, and take a longer look at the glass flowers.
“I don’t know if I can do this. This place isn’t me. I’m used to trailer parks and dingy diners. I’m going to embarrass you. This is a bad idea. We need to go.” I begin to panic.
Eaton pulls me close to him. “No, you’re wrong. You were born for this world. It doesn’t matter where you grew up. Forget your past and embrace what you’re becoming.”
“It’s crazy. A few weeks ago, my life was so different.” I take a deep breath and look toward the glass flowers again. “Let’s go.”
Eaton takes my hand and guides me deeper into the hotel to a ballroom full of candles and white fabric. There’s noise, excitement, classical music, and chatter all blending together. But when we enter everything falls silent, and everyone looks our way. Eaton squeezes my hand tightly.
“Remember, stay with me, Lena, or Max at all times.” Eaton repeats his instructions as his father walks toward us with an entourage.
