Page 15 of Twisted Games of Revenge

I reach out, and our hands connect in a brief but firm handshake. “Vivian,” I respond with a grin and a nervous flutter in my belly.

“Vivian,” she tests my name out. “Walk with me, darling.”

I glance over my shoulder toward the girls from the bar I came here with. Myriah nods her head in my direction so I know she’s watching me. “Walk with you?” I ask curiously.

“I own this place, sweetie, and I would like to show you something very special.” Her smile toward me is filled with a genuine warmth, and I know for sure she has no idea who I really am. She never looked that way at Harley. All she sees is a pretty young blonde girl, ripe and ready for her to manipulate. She strides off, and I do the same, stepping in line with her. I glance up to the mezzanine level again for just a split second as we pass under it, but the room is dark. I can’t see any sign of the boys even if they are in there. I also haven’t seen Enzo tonight,and that spooks me a little. I just know he’s lurking around here somewhere.

We weave through the throngs of people gathered around the gaming tables, the sounds of clinking chips and hushed whispers swirling around us as we follow the route the boys took me on the night of the auction.

“If you’re new in town you might not know who I am just yet, but I run countless charities to help the people of this town. One of them is very close to my heart.” She shoves open the double doors to the ballroom we were in just a couple of weeks ago.

I gasp, overwhelmed by the sheer beauty in front of me. There are some of the most beautiful designer dresses I have ever seen all lined up on mannequins.

“Once a month my husband and I run an auction or charity ball with all the proceeds going to help young entrepreneurial women just like yourself. I have a lot of influence.” She laughs, placing a hand over her chest. “We assist these young women in networking with influential individuals, ranging from politicians to producers and everyone in between.”

“How incredibly generous of you,” I gush in fake awe as I wander through the maze of dresses. The detail is divine, and I know they would be worth a small fortune, with beading and lacework that can only be done by hand.

“I have been blessed with great wealth in my life darling, and I think it’s important to help those who have maybe had it a little tough.” Her pitying gaze makes me want to lash out and slap her across her fucking fake face, but I resist the urge, choosing instead to smile and nod in agreement. “As I said, I was an artist myself before I met my husband. Your life may have led you to work in a bar for a gangster, prostitute, or whatever Sloane Stryker is these days, but you don’t have to let that define you. Opportunities can come knocking when you least expect it.” Her hand rests on my shoulder. “I see something in you. A spirit Ilike the look of, and I would like to help you.” She holds out her hand, gently wrapping her fingers around mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m hosting a party at my estate tomorrow evening for all the girls who will model these gowns at the end of the month in our next auction. I think you should join me. Anyone who is anyone in this town will be there, and if this dream of yours really is important to you, I hope you consider what this could mean for your future.”

I blink back at her, wondering where this is really going. “That’s so kind of you. But you haven’t even seen any of my work.”

“I don’t need to, darling. I can see the determination in your eyes, and I recognize ambition when I see it. You have a quality I don’t find in many. A spark. Have a think about it overnight, but like I tell the other girls, I won’t offer this again, so don’t think on it too long. This might just lead to a lucky break for you.” She takes an invitation from the stage and hands it to me. “Details for if you decide to join us. Won’t keep you from your friends any longer. Looks like you and your gentleman friend won big tonight, by the handful of five thousands he handed you. If I were you, I would go cash those chips in and buy myself something pretty to wear to my garden party.” Her menacing eyes gleam with delight.

Holy fucking shit. Did she just say I have a bag full of five-thousand-dollar chips? All for kissing a few dice! I can see why people flock to this place and get swept up in the glamor and opulence of it all. The chance to change your life in a lucky instant, even if the chance is slim.

I wander out of the ballroom clutching my purse a little tighter, more confused than I was when I got in here tonight. From what I can make out, Valentina is scouting girls she sees at the casino, then sells them some pipe dream that she can change their lives through her charity work. No sign of big bad Enzo,nothing to even arouse suspicion at this point. If I was some unsuspecting girl, I would think all my Christmases have come at once. But I know better.

Chapter 7

Okay, so I’m notinto taking advice from Valentina Moretti on most occasions, but when I cashed in my chips and worked out I had a grand total of thirty thousand dollars in my hot little hands, I might have splurged and gotten myself a new dress for this evening’s garden party. And maybe the shoes to match. I figure I deserve them after all the shit I have been through in the last few months. Also, I need to look the part if I’m going to pull this off.

“You look incredible, babe,” Sloane gushes as I come out of the spare room doing a little spin for her.

I run my hands over my shiny dress, smoothing it down. It’s a lot. Way more over the top than I would normally go for, but I need to stand out tonight. This could be my one and only chance to get Enzo to take the bait. “I feel ridiculous. Like I’m about to step on stage for a beauty pageant or something.” I laugh at myself.

“Well, you look like a million dollars.”

“Any trouble, we’re right here, okay?” Malachi says from his spot at Sloane’s dining table. He has a laptop set up and has been testing out the security devices he brought for me.

I fiddle with the ear-cuff earpiece he fitted for me earlier. Hoping it will be enough to save me if I get in any trouble tonight.

“We will park one street over from Enzo’s estate. You say the word and we will get you out of there, okay?” Malachi explains. Unlike Jagger who I’m now unfortunately sharing an apartment with, I have taken an instant liking to Malachi. He’s smart and handy with all his tech gadgets.

“Okay. I don’t think there will be trouble tonight. I have a feeling tonight is more about them deciding if I’m worth anything to them or not. You know?” We walk through Sloane’s apartment to the front door. I inhale in a deep breathe, trying to squish down the butterflies.

Sloane leans in. “I’m sure that’s what it is. But we both know Enzo will be there, and he can turn on you quickly if he decides he doesn’t like you. Just be careful.”

“I will. Also, I left some rent money on the kitchen counter and a little extra for food. Thank you for helping me.”

“You know you didn’t have to do that, it’s no trouble. I quite like having another girl around.” She glares at Jagger who’s been lurking in the kitchen listening to what we have going on. He reminds me of Alessandro in the way he has to be involved in everything, even when he’s not needed. I guess it’s the first-child thing.

“Sorry to disappoint you then, but I may have found a place of my own today. Something small just for me,” I say, feeling proud. I may be renting it with my filthy casino money, but at least for once I will be on my own.

She smiles softly. “I’m happy for you, sis.”

“You should be, you will get your space back, and I won’t be far away. Just two doors up if you need me.”

Her smile crinkled the corners of her eyes, a genuine warmth spreading across her face. “Are you kidding?”

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