Page 24 of Kings Against the World

“You’re supposed to be my girl. My girl would ride on the back with me.”

“You can’t be serious,” I mutter under my breath, though I sigh and step forward. I park myself onto the rear seat, feeling awkward so close to him.

“You gonna hold onto me or what?”

I sigh again, then reluctantly clutch at the fabric of his shirt. He gives a low chuckle as if he can’t believe how stubborn I am.

“You need to hold on better than that if you don’t want to fall off.”

The engine rumbles and he quickly proves that he’s not kidding. Idoneed to hold on if I don’t intend on falling off. My arms circle his torso just in time for us to take off from the garage. Louie waves goodbye, shouting something about us enjoying our time in Vegas.

I can only scowl as Gallagher zips down the Vegas streets and the hot summer air smacks into us. It’s like being cooked in an oven I can’t escape from. I’m hanging off Gallagher’s back, practically helpless as he proves he’s exactly the kind of driver I thought he would be.

Fast and reckless, just like a true daredevil.

I scream as we speed through a yellow light and he weaves between more cars. Though I can tell by the way he handles the bike with ease, he’s experienced, it doesn’t make my pulse beat any slower.

Riding on the back of Gallagher’s bike is like being on a roller coaster.

I’m forced to cling to him, wrapping my arms tighter and tighter, burying my face into the back of his shirt. It doesn’t even occur to me ’til we’re almost at the hotel that I reallyamholding onto him like he’s my boyfriend.

But he doesn’t show any signs he’s bothered by it. In fact, if I didn’t know any better, from the edges that I can see of his face, he’sgrinning.

We pull into the concrete parking garage of the hotel where we’ll be staying for the tournament. I’m reorienting myself, trying to get used to solid ground again, when Gallagher decides it’s a good time for more ribbing.

“You sure ended up holding on real tight, Special Agent.”

I bristle at him. “Maybe that had something to do with your fast and furious style of driving.”

“Too much for you? Don’t worry, I’ve been riding for almost fifteen years. I know what I’m doing.”

“So do I… with this investigation. Remember, you follow my lead.”

“More like this is a partnership. We work together. We take out Boone,” he replies, his tone easy. He beckons me with his head, gesturing to the doors of the resort and casino. “You coming? Time to check into our room and officially start this fake relationship.”

8

OZZIE

One of Boone’sstipulations for the tournament requires us to stay in the hotel he’s selected for us. He’s apparently cut a deal with hotelier Carlito Estrada, who owns and operates the Azure Sol Resort & Casino. It’s the only place we’re allowed to stay.

A room for two.

“Separate beds,” Strauss says at the check-in desk.

The clerk taps at her keyboard and then frowns. “I’m sorry, Ms. Fowley. But it looks like your reservation is for our standard queen-sized bed. We’re completely booked and unfortunately unable to change it. Would you like one key or two?”

Strauss rubs at her temple as if plagued by a headache. I grin at the clerk and answer for her.

“We’ll take two. C’mon, babe.”

I snatch both key cards off the counter and grab Strauss by the hand. The funniest part is that she can’t even protest like she did at the airport. She has to let me tug her along toward the elevators.

The check-in clerk wasn’t exaggerating.

The hotel side of the Azure Sol is crowded in every direction. The lobby’s bathed in golden Aztec designs, full of excited tourists about to embark for an evening on the Strip. At the other end of the lobby are the glass doors that lead into the casino portion of the landmark.

Otherwise known as the place I plan on spending plenty of time.

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