Page 154 of Roulette Rodeo
He flashes that practiced smile that probably works on omegas who don't know what real predators look like.
"I stopped by to see if anyone needed a ride. The rain's getting dangerous out there." His eyes sweep over the three eager omegas before landing back on me. "The roads are flooding. Figured some lovely omegas might be stranded."
"YES!" Brittany-Bethany practically shouts. "Our alphas aren't here yet, and we're SO scared of the storm!"
"Please, could you take us home?" Madison-Addison adds, already gathering her things.
"Of course, beautiful," Luca purrs, but his attention never leaves me. "I'd be happy to ensure you all get home safely."
The three of them are already heading for the door, chattering excitedly about riding in whatever expensive car he's driving. But Luca stays put, watching me expectantly.
The silence stretches. I return to my book, finding my place and deliberately starting to read again.
"Aren't you coming?" he finally asks.
I look up, feigning surprise. "Oh, no. I can wait."
His perfect smile falters slightly. "If you're waiting for your alphas, they're still at the medical center. I saw their cars parked there on my way here."
I nod, unsurprised. "Rafe's picking me up, so I'm not worried."
A frown creases his forehead. "His fancy little car isn't going to get through the mud and flooding out there. The roads are getting worse by the minute."
I shrug, the picture of unconcern. "I'll wait regardless."
His jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. "Don't be stubborn. I'm offering you a safe ride home."
"I don't get in cars with strangers," I say simply, returning my attention to my book.
The frown deepens into something darker, more dangerous, before he catches himself and plasters on that fake smile again.
"Suit yourself," he says, voice dripping with false concern. "Hope you enjoy waiting alone in the dark."
"Don't waste your time on her," Jennifer calls from the door. "She's a weird one. Probably gets off on the danger."
Brittany-Bethany laughs, the sound sharp and mean. "Maybe she's hoping to end up like Sophia. You know, for the attention."
The words hang in the air like a curse. Luca's eyes flash with something—anger? Interest? It's gone too quickly to identify.
"Ladies," he says smoothly, "let's get you home before this storm gets worse."
They file out into the rain, their squeals and complaints fading as they rush to his car—something low and expensive that growls to life in the parking lot. I watch through the window as the taillights disappear into the storm, red eyes blinking out in the darkness.
The coffee shop feels different now. Emptier. Quieter except for the storm's fury against the windows.
I get up and lock the front door, flipping the sign to 'CLOSED' even though the shop was supposed to stay open until ten. The owner, Mrs. Chen, had left an hour ago, trusting us to lock up when we were done. She'd given me a spare key last week after I'd helped her reorganize the lending library, saying I was the only omega she trusted not to steal anything.
The overhead lights flicker as thunder crashes again, closer this time. The electricity holds, but I can feel its tenuous grip. I turn off the main lights anyway, leaving only the small lamp by the reading corner. If someone's watching, better they think the shop is empty.
I settle into the corner furthest from the windows, back against the wall so I can see both exits. Old habits from the casino—never sit with your back exposed, always know your escape routes, trust no one who smiles while they circle.
My phone buzzes:a text from Rafe.
Rafe: Roads are flooded. Can't get through. Stay put. DO NOT accept rides from anyone else.
I type back quickly.
Red: Already locked in the coffee shop. Luca tried to give me a ride. I declined.
