Page 116 of Destined To Fall

Me.

I can’t look, but like a car wreck or some kind of freak accident, I can’t look away. I watch as card after card is turned over. About to jump for joy when Blackie turns over his wet dog of a hand, almost kicking the table over when he realizes he’s lost. The goon squad is on his ass in a second, hauling him out the door before he so much as finishes his death threat. Leaving me, Max, andSkeeze. Everyone else was asked to leave two hours ago.

Before I can squeal with excitement and fill my eyes with dollar signs, I catch sight of Skeeze’s ace and queen.

“I believe that’s a royal flush.”

Time stands still, and I stop breathingall together. All I can do is stare at those two fucking cards.

We lost?

We lost.

We lost everything. Holy shit.

“You cheated!” Max roars, rushing to his feet.

“Max!” I’m on mine in a split second, my functionality returning in my haste to de-escalate the situation.“We lost, baby. It’s over. Let’s just leave, okay? There will be other games. It’s just money.”

My hands are on his face, desperate to get him to look at me and see the seriousness in my eyes.

“No.” He shakes his head violently, desolation and desperation dripping from his tone.“That was everything. Everything we’ve been working so hard for. Everything you worked so hard for.”

“Now, is that right?”

Shit.

“Thanks for having us, Daniel. Congratulations. Well played.”

“I believe I’m the one who’s been played.” He gets up from the table and takes a few steps toward us, and I’m ashamed to admit, I’m shaking a little in my Choos.“What are you?”

“What?” I laugh, sounding ditzier than ever.“I dunno what you mean.”

“Sure you don’t.”

“She’s an escort—”Fuck, Max!“I paid her to accompany me, to give me the balls to play above my league.”

Daniel’s glee at this revelation is clear. His eyes go wide, but somehow narrow in calculation at the same time.“You’re a whore?!”

“Only for the right price. And few can afford to pay it.” My ditzy veil drops, shattering to the floor, and Candy is no more. The signature smug curve of my lips appears, my true visage falling back into place like an old friend, and a light switches on in Douche’s eyes.

“Well, then. Max is all cashed out.I guess it’s my turn.”

“Not in a million fu—” I put a firm hand to Max’s chest, cutting him off.

“Like I said, well played and congratulations. I’m sure with winnings like that you can get any girl, but I won’t be one of them. I’m on the clock, and I always see my shift through. Good night, Daniel. I’d say it was a pleasure, but we both know I’d be lying.”

His eyes flare, but he surprises me and throws back his head and laughs.“Fifty grand. I’ll give you fifty thousand to walk out of here with me.”

My stomach turns at the thought.

“You have got to be joking.”

“Max.” My tone clearly says shut the fuckup.“It’s time to leave.”

We turn and head for the exit, unsurprisingly finding two goons blocking the way.

“Now, now, let’s not be hasty. I’m sure we can come to some sort of arrangement.”

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