Page 52 of Poker
What the hell? Does he know we know?
“Thank you, Conrad,” I say. “We can’t wait any longer, so I’ll go ahead and get the game started.”
We made the decision not to bring Conrad, Solomon, and Grant in on our plan because we didn’t want to risk any of them collapsing under the pressure, so I know they didn’t tip Malcolm off.
“Okay,” Conrad says. “Maybe he’s still upset about not being a part of the last few games.”
“Maybe,” I mutter.
When I reach the poker table inside, I do my best not to focus on Stunner and Ghost. I’ve never seen either of them in black tie apparel, and I can’t deny that they’re both gorgeous men, but I’ve only got eyes for Poker.
I deal the first round of cards. “Mr. Neero, it’s your bet.”
A few hands go by, and all seems to be running smoothly. Esteban, Mr. Neero, Ms. Graven, and Stefan are the players in attendance. As I’m dealing the fifth game, a gunshot rings out a second before an explosion takes out the warehouse entrance.
That’s when everything turns to shit.
The four regular players dive under the table while Poker and his brothers jump to their feet and grab the weapons we attached to their chairs so Conrad wouldn’t find them during his security search upon entry.
I grab my gun from the thigh holster I’m wearing, and point it in the direction of the door, just as the hidden door opens and Crow, Journey, Python, Jackyl, Screamer, and Tracer stride into the large space.
“What the fuck?” Crow shouts.
“I only want Mistress Green!” Malcolm yells as he seems to materialize from the smoke.
“Where’s Conrad, Malcolm?” I demand.
“Dead.”
Shit.
“You’re not gonna get away with this,” Poker snarls as he slowly eases toward me.
Malcolm laughs. “I already have. This place is rigged to blow if I don’t get what I want.”
“And you want me?” I ask.
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted,” he confirms. “It never should’ve gotten to this point. All you had to do was see me, like me,needme.”
“Why didn’t you just flirt with me like a normal person?” I snap. “Or, I don’t fucking know, ask me out on a date?”
“Because you were always mooning overhim,” he sneers, nodding at Poker. “Filthy criminal biker can’t give you the life I can.”
“Uh, buddy,” Poker comments dryly. “Hate to break it to you, but you’re a criminal too. And so is she.”
Malcolm frantically shakes his head. “No, no, no! I did all of this for love! It can’t be criminal if it’s for love!” He takes a few deep breaths, seemingly trying to gain some composure. Eventually, he focuses on me. “Come with me,” he pleads. “Come with me, and we can put this behind us.”
“No, Malcolm. I don’t love you. Shit, right now I don’t even like you. I trusted you, and you threw it in my face.”
“I’ll make it up to you, I promise,” he says, my words not sinking in.
“Shoot him,” Esteban orders from his position under the table.
“I’ve got bigger plans for this asshole,” Poker growls.
“Shut up!” Malcolm yells. He takes several steps toward me. “Just shut up!”
Poker moves to stand in front of me. There’s about thirty feet of space between me and Malcolm, and I have no doubt that Poker won’t let him get any closer than that.
