Page 50 of Queen of Spades

Grady and I make our way downstairs after getting dressed. He was a thoughtful packer, considering he packed me spare bras, underwear, and even a toothbrush. It’s clear my hormones are in full control because all I can seem to focus on is how romantic it is that he had a bag of emergency essentials stocked away just for me.

“Took you long enough,” Kane grunts. He’s leaning against the wall a few feet past the bottom of the stairs. He has on dark jeans that are a little worn in the knees and thighs, combat boots, and a dual holster that falls under his arms. The long-sleeve Henley seems stretched to capacity over his strong chest.

Did he get buffer over the years?

Why am I licking my lips like a total creep?

Yes, Kane has always been ridiculously attractive, but time has been kind to him. He still has a lithe frame, but the muscles of his arms and shoulders fill out that Henley in a way they wouldn’t have three years ago.

His blondish-brown hair falls over his forehead as his green eyes narrow.

“Sorry, boss. We didn’t get the memo about it being a timed mission,” Grady says, tightening his hold on my shoulder.

“Of course you didn’t,” Kane growls, shoving himself off the wall. “You never take anything seriously. Do you, Michaels?”

My system instantly dislikes hearing him use Grady’s real name, and I have no idea why.

“Someone pissed in his Cheerios,” Grady teases.

“Ward and Cas are almost back.” Kane quirks an eyebrow. “There are two hits Merrick wants checked out.”

“What does that mean?” I ask, sounding a little frantic.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” Kane says, giving me what I think is meant to be a reassuring smile.

“We know those guys last night aren’t the extent of Lucien’s manpower in Vegas.” Grady pulls me to face him. “We talked about it while you were with Ward when we first got in. If we can take them out?—”

“What the fuck is your problem?” Kane growls, making me jolt.

Grady rolls his eyes at Kane. “In case you haven’t noticed, she handles things a fuck of a lot better if you communicate.”

“Yeah, like I’m going to take advice from you,” Kane scoffs. “You know he’s been lying to you since you met.”

Kane’s condescending tone sends me right back to three years ago. He’s always pushed my buttons like no one else.

“Yeah, he lied about his name,” I snap. “But he’s never treated me like a doll or, even worse, a clueless child.”

“Don’t act like a child, and I won’t treat you like one,” Kane growls.

“There’s some tension there that’s going to be absolutely explosive when it comes to a head.” Grady laughs. “The point is, you saw how quickly we handled that invasion last night. Whether we like each other or not, we still make a solid team. If we can wipe out any remaining stragglers loyal to the Andrettis, that will give us a window of opportunity to get the hell out of Vegas without being followed.”

“Won’t they just send replacements?” I ask, chewing my lower lip.

“They will, but the plan is to be gone before that happens. Your brother seems to feel confident you’ll be safe with Cas and Ward. Would you be comfortable staying here alone with them?” Grady asks.

“Cas is kinda pretentious. I’m pretty sure he thinks he has a golden cock and that every woman will gladly fall over herself to climb on it.” I shrug. “But Ward isn’t so bad.”

The sound of three distinct sets of laughter fills the air.

I go stiff, glaring up at Grady. “You really couldn’t have warned me?”

“Aww, princess.” Ward chuckles. “Don’t pout.” My head spins to see him clap Cassian on the shoulder. It’s kind of adorable that he calls Cas princess.

My eyes move to Kane, and he watches me carefully. I’m not sure why, but I bet he’s remembering all the times he called me that.

I used to hate it and kinda dig it in equal measure.

“If the two of you are leaving, now would be the time.” Cassian gives a tight smile, refocusing on me. “Ward and I did a bit of shopping for you while we were out.” His gaze rakes down my form. “Which you were obviously in need of.”

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