Page 143 of Deserter

“Soft thirteen,” the dealer stated before turning over another. “And a five makes it a soft eighteen.”

A sense of calm washed over me when Army Ranger’s third card ended up being a two, only bringing him up to thirteen. He shook his head and stared down at the green felt with a glare.

Please. Please. Please.

I leaned back in my chair and watched Thirteen’s cards; my breath caught in my throat.

“A seven,” she stated flatly. “Too many.”

My mouth slackened and Army Ranger clapped me on the shoulder. “Nice haul, sweetheart.”

Oh my god… I’d just won it all.

The rigid posture I’d held all night fled and I slumped forward. Hawk rushed forward and crushed me up against his chest. “Holy shit, you just won two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”

I brought my hand up and smacked his arm, hissing, “This was the high stakes game, wasn’t it? Why’d you lie to me?”

He grinned down at me and picked up my tray of chips. “Because I know you. You would’ve psyched yourself out and never made it past the front door. It doesn’t matter now, does it? C’mon, let’s go collect your winnings.”

Thirteen stepped in front of us as we turned, and Hawk’s fingers tightened against my waist. “Congratulations, uh—oh that’s right. I never got your name.”

He extended his hand and I took it with a tight smile. I didn’t miss the way his eyes dropped to the left hand at my side before skimming the rest of my body. I never wore my wedding band when I gambled. I also never used my last name.

“It’s Celia.”

“Celia,” he repeated, my name sliding off his tongue like silk.

“A unique name for a unique woman. There aren’t many who can keep up with the men like you did tonight. I’d be interested in sitting at another table with you—maybe over drinks?”

I released his hand and took a step back. “I don’t think so. Have a nice night.”

“Perhaps another time then.”

Hawk led me around him, but Thirteen’s eyes stayed on me as we cashed out and walked to my car. “We stay too long in a place like this and they’ll get their money back. One way or another.”

I let him drive us back to the house while I stared out the window, imagining how much better our lives were going to be.

The money wasn’t going under my bed this time. Even if I had to deposit in in several different banks, I was going to ensure that no one touched our future.

“I can’t believe you did it,” Hawk said quietly, as we pulled into the driveway.

I turned back to him with a grin. “Thanks to you. You saved us, Hawk.”

“I just loaned you the money. The rest was all you, kid.”

“Oh, that reminds me,” I exclaimed, digging through the large bag at my feet. “Here is the amount you gave me… plus, a little extra.”

He reluctantly took it from my hands. “Celia…”

“No take backs,” I giggled as I climbed out and ran inside.

My father was asleep in Jamie’s recliner with the television still on.

“Daddy.” I patted his shoulder and he jerked awake mid-snore.

“Celia?” he asked, rubbing his eyes. “How’d it go?”

“I did it. I got enough to take care of us for a long time.”

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