Page 127 of Lamb

I opened the scissor door, the soft hush of the mechanism filling the empty container as the edges skimmed past the tight walls and stopped just shy of the metal roof. Fear fled from Ash’s face as she breathed out her relief that I hadn’t just unwittingly scratched my car by forgetting we were in a metal box.

“The weekend Wolf and I were getting patched, we went up to Vegas,” I explained, protecting her head as curiosity got the better of her and she clambered inside, eyes washing over and consuming every inch of detail. “I had been winning a long streak before we were promptly kicked out of the club.”

“What for? Winning?” Ash frowned, disdain coating her tongue.

“For cheating.” I smirked, enjoying the sudden shift of her features to surprise and disappointment. “I’d been counting cards the entire night.”

“Why does that not surprise me?” Ash grumbled, her body fitting snugly into the smooth, cupped leather seats. She looked perfect there, on the passenger side.

“You should also know that the entire club is banned from Vegas in general.”

“The whole club got banned?” Ash gasped. “Just because of you?”

The memories that swarmed me had a laugh escaping my chest. “No.” I chuckled. “It was for the hell they raised after.”

I pushed for her door to close before rounding the car and slipping into the driver’s side. Ash’s cloudy eyes followed me the entire time, many emotions working their way through her face.

“Well, that’s how I got my name,” I concluded, slipping the key into the ignition and firing up the engine. The car purred to life, its soft rumble sending shivers up my spine as I fit my hands into the snug comfort of the wheel.

It’s been a long time, old friend.

I eased our way out of the container, but the moment we had an open road, I slammed my foot to the floor, and like the beast she was, we flew. Road passed beneath us like river rapids, and just as we shot out past the metal gate, several FBI cars rushed past, heading without a second glance into the compound.

By the time they realized what had happened, it’d be too late.

We were gone.

Chapter Thirty-Three

ASH

Someone had filled my shoes with cement. Or it felt like that at least, as I trudged through the large double glass doors towering several feet above my head. The glossy, pristinely polished floor reflected a hideous monster as I looked down at my blurry visage—tangled mess piled on my head, flushed red cheeks on a hollowed pale face, and eyes glossy and frosted with exhaustion.

“Mr. Wolfe.” A man rushed up to our side, the bustling hotel brimming with people.

I looked up and around the banquet hall they called a lobby. Everything was polished marble, gold encrusted, and decorated with plants so lush and full of vitality. In a brief passage of weakness, I wondered how much a leaf would sell for. They would not notice just one missing … right?

“We have your suite ready, sir.” The man, dressed in a tight suit, slicked back hair, and a clean-shaven face, beamed at Lamb. Of the two of us, I had weathered far worse on the bike trip, and even in the supercar, I had crashed, burned, and let exhaustion take hold until we had come to a greeted welcome outside the doors of Hotel De La More.

“Thank you, Jason. I know it was last minute.” Lamb, with a face I had never seen before, gave the man a thousand-watt smile before taking the keycard out of his hands.

“Would you like your luggage sent up to your room?” he offered.

Lamb raised a palm. “That won’t be necessary.”

With a knowing smile, the man nodded. “Of course. The boutiques will be awaiting your arrival. I assure you, as always, we have all the latest trends and designs ready for your perusal. Tailoring is no question, either.”

“I expect no less.” Lamb scooped his arm around my waist, pulling my weak body flush to his side.

Jason glanced down at me, and if he had any thoughts, they did not show. Catering to the rich and famous had carved a fine gem out of him. I was sure I was not the first piece of trash dragged through their pearly doors.

“Does Wolf know?” I scoffed. “That you use his name as an alias?”

Lamb smirked, not capable of even an ounce of shame.

That meantno. I was sure Wolf would be flattered.Not.

Lamb pulled me with a confident stride over to the far side of the lobby. Rows and rows of elevators lined the walls, but Lamb did not stop. People waiting to ride followed him with their eyes. There were a few sneers and frowns at my appearance following in tow. I was too tired to care, and as we moved towards the end of the corridor, their faces fell out of view.

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