Page 19 of Chess

“Bingo.” Chess bopped the air between them as if he were touching the tip of her nose. It was a decent plan considering there was no time to plan anything better, even if he wasn’t going to fulfill his part of it.

March’s eyes narrowed as he considered the plan. “Ever?”

“It should work,” she conceded.

Should?It would. If Chess had any intention of following through on his part. March had no reason to avoid Rav and his minions. Chess had never heard his name uttered in the Ruby Heart Palace or as a suspected cohort of Ever’s. He seemed smart enough to think on his feet so, when Rav approached him, it would be easy to spin a lie. An average vampire, taking a jaunt into the mortal world for dinner. And what did it matter to Chess if the lie wasn’t believed? Ever wouldn’t need to know he left her spy on his own.

“Of course it will work,” Chess promised. “Go straight back to the safe house and I’ll meet you there.”

“How do I know you won’t lead them back there?” she inquired. “Or run off?”

Fair question, but that was a lot of extra work. “If I wanted to hand you over to your brother, I would have. And you didn’t seem concerned about my scampering off when you left me standing on the dance floor alone.”

Ever hesitated then nodded and gave March a quick hug. “I’ll see you again soon.”

“Ever, are yousurethis is a good idea?” The male pulled away to meet her gaze. “We can think of something else that doesn’t require you leaving, by yourself, with the same male who tried to assassinate you.”

“I’m not at all sure,” she admitted. “But I’ve been alone with him for days and he hasn’t tried anything.”

“Well, youdidhave me chained,” Chess quipped.

“You’re not helping,” she growled. Then, to March, “Trust me.”

“Anything you say,” March agreed. The tick in his jaw said otherwise, but he was apparently smart enough to know his place. “Now, hurry before they decide to come back inside the club.”

Ever raced from the bathroom without giving Chess a second glance. March glared at him from across the bathroom as Chess smirked, a silent war waging between them. With stiff shoulders, narrowed eyes, fangs dropped, Chess waited for him to attack. To warn him away from Ever. Seconds ticked by. Five. Ten. Thirty. If March didn’t get outside, neither Ever nor Chess would escape.

“If you hurt her—”

“You’ll rake me over the coals, yes, yes.” Chess waved a dismissive hand in the air. “I’m terrified.”

He took two rapid breaths. “You’re notmyprince and I have no reservations about killing you.”

“No one does,” Chess admitted with a laugh. And it was true. He had many enemies and no close friends back in Scarlet. The only thing stopping people from trying to kill him—besides his renowned skills—was his mother’s wrath.

March cursed under his breath and swung open the cubicle door. The man stood, staring at the wall with a blank gaze. Gripping his jaw, he turned the man’s face so he could make eye contact and influence him. “Come with me.”

The dazed human stepped out behind March. Chess slid sideways to allow the pair to exit the bathroom and took a few deep breaths.All right, Chess. Time to do some sketchy shit.

The prince slunk back to the dance floor just in time to see March escort the man outside through a back door. Giving the club a once-over, he saw no trace of Rav or female vampires. Only Ever. She stood near the exit, close enough to a group of girls to appear like one of their friends, and when the door opened to allow more people inside, she sniffed the air. The next moment, she slipped outside.

And, a few steps behind her, so did Chess, wearing a smug grin.

Chapter Ten

Ever

Even if Rav had been alone at Serenity, would Ever have sought him out and given him the death he deserved? Once her brother was dead, she swore to herself she would play a song over his body. One he would hear even from his grave. It would be a song not only for him but for her.

After Rav’s death, Chess would certainly claim the throne destined to be his, even though he should’ve been king already. But could she separate herself from Scarlet and let him rule as king? He didn’t seem to turn mortals unwillingly, yet that didn’t counter the fact he’d tried to take her heart—kill her. Perhaps he wasn’t as villainous now that his mother was gone and he was wanted by Rav, but she also knew he most likely wanted Maddie dead for what she’d done. And if the prince chose to pursue Maddie, Ever would easily end his life without a thought.

The coast was still clear of vampires, except for an annoying prince. Slinking farther behind her, Chess moved like a shadow. If Ever didn’t already know that the prince was secretly following her from the club, she wouldn’t have been attuned to it. He was quiet, nimble, yet she could feel his presence, like silk to flesh. She bet he was even gloating, grinning, thinking he’d gotten away with his lies.

He was a cocky nuisance who she would be glad to be rid of soon. Even after drinking the delicious blood from the mortal in the bathroom, she could still feel the taste of Chess’s tongue on hers.

Ever hadn’t gotten to discuss the prince’s situation with March, but the male seemed to understand what she had wanted to tell him. Keep quiet about anything on Chess.

The night was out in full force, the lights lessening as she padded down streets and cut through trees to avoid having Rav potentially spot either one of them on the main road. Ever may have been disguised well, but Chess still looked himself. She should’ve made him wear a damn wig, and she would the next time they ventured out, even if it meant she had to cut one of her own to suit him.

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