Page 6 of Roulette Rodeo
Her scent hit the room like a bomb—cherries soaked in brandy, dark chocolate, and something indefinably rebellious.
It was similar to mine but older, more refined, with an edge that spoke of experience these alphas could only dream of.
"Gentlemen," she purred, her voice honey over broken glass. "Mr. Marnay sends his compliments and his apologies. The young omega is needed at the roulette table—apparently, there's been an incident with the Japanese delegation."
Her eyes briefly meet mine, and it’s as if I’ve found my saving grace in the high tides of ruin.
She’s…my escape route.
"But we had a bet—" Tommy started.
"Which is why I'm here." She moved into the room with predatory grace, her hips swaying hypnotically. "Mr. Marnay has authorized a special compensation package for tonight's winners. Code Platinum Sierra."
The mood in the room shifted instantly.
One of the younger Castellanos whispered, "What's Platinum Sierra?"
Tommy's eyes went wide.
"It means anything goes. No limits, no safe words, no rules for one hour. It's the ultimate package—costs fifty grand usually, and there's a waiting list. Two years wait, to be exact."
The woman's smile widened.
"Mr. Marnay values your patronage, Mr. Reeves. He thought you might appreciate a more... experienced vintage." She touched Marcus's chest lightly, her fingers trailing down his tie. "Unless you prefer them greener?"
Marcus grabbed her wrist, not gently.
"You'll do."
She laughed, the sound like wind chimes in a hurricane.
"Red, darling, Mr. Marnay said you have exactly five minutes for a break, then you're needed at table seven. The high-stakes roulette. Don't be late—you know how he gets."
Now it finally clicked in my brain.
I knew that voice.
Even with the sultry affectation, I knew it.
Briar.
Briar Monroe, who'd disappeared two years ago.
Briar, who'd smuggled exit keys and hoped to desperate omegas.
Briar, who'd supposedly found a pack that loved her, freed her, took her away from all this.
Briar, who'd been the closest thing to a mother, sister, and friend I'd had in this forbidden place.
She caught my eye as Marcus pulled her against him, his hands already roaming. The wink she gave me was pure Briar—defiant, protective, and heartbroken all at once.
Her eyes, visible through the mask's cutouts, held a message:Run, Cherry Bomb. Run and don't look back.
"Thank you," I whispered, the words barely audible over the alphas' renewed excitement.
"Clock's ticking, sugar," she said louder, already being pulled toward the suite's private bedroom by eager hands. "Four and a half minutes now."
I moved toward the door on legs that felt like water, my mind struggling to process what I was seeing.
