Page 9 of Menace in Vegas

"Final call for Flight 257.”

She looks at me, completely unbothered. "Yeah." She takes an irritatingly slow sip. "And?" She gestures at the TSA agents who are examining our stuff like we all have bombs stowed in our bags.

I stare at her like she just kicked a puppy. "And?! We need to fucking move!"

I grab our bags, already trying to push past TSA, dragging her along.

The TSA agent is not happy. "Sir, we’re not finished here."

“Oh, we’re finished.” I drag Allie behind me, keeping my fingers locked around her wrist like handcuffs.

“God, you’re dramatic.”

I snap my head toward her, eyes practically glowing with rage. “We’re about to miss our goddamn flight, Payne.”

She just shrugs. “Better get your cardio in then, Byrns.”

I nearly black out from rage.

And then I hear the sound of my doom. My entire fucking world ending.

"Flight 257 to Las Vegas has now departed. Thank you for flying with us."

I still, silence enveloping me.

Complete. Fucking. Silence.

I blow out a breath, daring a glance at Allie. She’s still grinning, completely unbothered that we just missed our goddamn flight.

I’m seconds from launching myself from the closest window.

My hands drag down my face. "This is a nightmare," I mutter.

Allie’s voice reminds me of fucking robins chirping. "Look at the bright side!"

My eye twitches. "Oh yeah?" My voice is low and dangerous. "What bright side, exactly?"

She leans in, voice dripping with pure menace. "It’s just you and me now, Byrns."

The vein in my forehead throbs.

I’m not going to survive whatever lies ahead.

4

CONNOR

Itry one last time at the airline desk.

“Look, I just needtwoseats. First class, economy, I don’t care. Hell, strap us to the wing if you have to. Just get us to Vegas tonight.”

The agent gives me a tight, apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, sir. The next available flight is in eleven days.”

“Eleven days?” I echo, like she just told me I’ve got a terminal case ofscrewed.

She nods. “Or twelve, if you want a direct one.”

I blink.

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