Page 16 of Queen Of WildCards

Iblinked stupidly at him.Itwasn't that the idea was a bad one—on the contrary, it was brilliant.Ifwe could strategically lead her away from the crowded sidewalk, there would be no chance of witnesses, no chance we'd have to take several hostages instead of just one.

Butit was the first time he'd volunteered a plan.

Iwasn't the only one reeling.Spadelooked up into the rearview mirror with wide eyes and raised brows.Acejust stared with his jaw hanging there like some sort of unhinged cabinet door.Iwas sure whatever look sat on my face was a truly stunned one, as well.

BlackJackdidn't even bother to look at us.Hedidn't volunteer any more info, either.

Wewere all dressed to the nines in black, some of our outfits a bit more ostentatious than others.Acewas draped in a black trenchcoat with dull silver buttons and rivets, a pair of tight leather pants, and some fancy-ass black boots with small heels.Outof all of us, he was the least concerned with his image, but most concerned with it at the same time.Hedidn't care if people threw slurs in his direction, because his presence spoke for itself.Andif all else failed, well,Spadecould smash someone's face in to drive home the point that you don't fuck with us.

Spadehad on a pair of torn-up black jeans, a black tee, and a hoodie over that.Hissunglasses were pretty obviously out of place at night, but they only added to his wildly unhinged persona.Heeven had a pair of leather gloves that he slowly slid on at the next light.

Spooky, but not too wild.

BlackJackwas an enigma in and of himself.Hisclothes looked like he'd walked out of an old emo-punk clothing store.Hisblack boots had an inch of sole on them and reminded me of the curb stompers fromAmericanHistoryX, just darker.Hehad on tight black jeans, a solid black tank top, and more bangles and bracelets thanIcould count.You'ddefinitely hear the guy coming from a mile away.

Thenthere was me.Ihad tossed on a pair of black cargo pants, some old-schoolChuckTaylors, and a long-sleeved black turtleneck.Basicand forgettable, which was whatIthought we were going for.

Apparently,Imissed some sort of memo.

TheSUVpulled into an empty alleyway a block down from the bar, andAcegave us all one more glance as we steeled ourselves for the mission.Tonight, we weren't just stealing some jewels, lifting a safe, or pulling a con.Tonight, our target was a living one, something we'd sworn never to cross over into.Tonight, we broke one of our cardinal rules and stole a human being from the streets.Itwas very possible it ended in a murder, too.

"Spade, you stay close to the ride.Watchthe main exit in the front in case she slips out without our notice."

Spadenodded and slid his seat back a tiny bit as he lit up a cigarette, the glowing red ember the only light in the cab of the vehicle.

Acecleared his throat and turned to us. "Blackjack, you take the bar.Keepsome sort of drink in your hand, but please show more self-control thanJokerdoes when faced with alcohol."Iblanched but didn't back down.Aceturned to me next, a little frown on his lips. "Youstay along the walls.Idon't want her to see you ifIcan help it, but you're a shit getaway driver, and you know it."

"Andwhat about you?"Spadegrumbled, tossing a nonchalant glance in our leader's direction.

Acegrinned mischievously. "I'mgoing to slip into the crowd and mingle."

* * *

Anhour and a half later,not only had we failed to pick out the target in question, but the place was uncomfortably packed, and the volume level was intense and headache-inducing.Icould use a stiff drink or two, butAceandBlackJackheaded me off both timesItried to slink away to the bar.Finally,Ifelt a tap on my shoulder and turned to seeAcewith a scowl on his face, a very puzzledBlackJackat his side.

"What'sup, guys?Stillhaven't found her yet?"Iteased, bobbing my head to the beat of the screaming rock band.

Blackjack'sjaw ticked. "Iknow she's here."Hiseyes cast back to the phone screen again, which he zoomed in and showed to me.

Sureenough, dead center of the square, a red dot flickered, surrounded by three closely-grouped blue dots, whichIassumed were us, and one a slight bit away, which had to beSpade.Aswe watched, the band in the background died off, replaced by aDJ, and the red dot moved toward our three blue dots.

Blackjackmade a beeline for the wall, where he could avoid the biggest crush of bodies as everyone either rushed for drinks or a bathroom break.Intermissionwas never long, so it was every man and woman for themselves.AceandIquickly scanned the crowd, butIdidn't pick out the amber eyesI'dbeen enamored with from the start.

AndthenIheard it.

Heardher.

"Ineed a drink,Gem, don't go far.I'llbe right back."

Mywhole body whirled to face the source of the voice, dick already hardening behind the zipper of my pants at the flash of memory from the night before whenI'dstroked it to that same voice.

Thereshe was, her gorgeous black hair draped over one shoulder in a long ponytail, dressed head-to-toe in black, like us.Herlong legs were wrapped in fishnets and tucked into some serious platform boots, and my eyes followed the trail of small squares up her legs until they ran into the bottom hem of that salacious miniskirt that gripped her hips like a second skin.

"Ace,Ifound her,"Istage-whispered over my shoulder, and his eyes followed my gaze until he saw whatIsaw, too, and his jaw dropped almost comically.

"Theone with the see-through shirt and sexy as fuck bra?" he breathed, his hands balled into fists at the sight.

"That'sher."

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