Page 50 of Russian Roulette
“Anything the asshole Giovanni didn’t want to dirty his own hands with. Jobs that couldn’t be traced back to him. Giovanni ruined the man’s life. He’s still controlling him even now, and the man is in prison.”
“Is this why you’re worried?” I swallow hard, trying to process the gravity of the situation. “You’re afraid Giovanni will find things in my background and make me work for him?”
“I’m glad you’re finally grasping the situation,” Seven says. “That’s exactly why we’re all worried. Not just me. That’s how Giovanni operates. He holds things over people to make them do his will.”
“Is this man your family member? The one who Giovanni is threatening you with? How did he end up in prison if Giovanni doesn’t involve the police?”
“Giovanni set him up to take the fall for something he wanted done. That’s all I’m saying. I’ve told you too much already.”
“I’m sorry, I had no idea,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “There’s still something that doesn’t make sense to me. You didn’t even know me. Why would you care enough to get involved? There must be another reason. Spill it.”
“It’s hard to explain,” he says, hesitantly. “I was drawn to you the first time I laid eyes on you across the crowded casino. To say you ‘caught my eye’ is a massive understatement. Something drew my attention to you.”
I start to make a smart ass joking comment and stop. He’s struggling to explain the connection he felt between us. The same intense emotional and physical connection I felt the first time I saw him, then Vulcan and Kit.
Whatever there is between all of us is real. It’s different with each guy, but it’s still there.
And undeniably powerful as fuck.
“I wanted to meet you, but I let the opportunity slip by,” he continues. “You went back to playing the slots or whatever you were really doing, and I walked out the door. Then, when I spotted you a second time, I knew there was something unique about you. There was no way in hell I was going to walk away again without talking to you.” He pauses, a small smile crossing his lips as he remembers our conversation. “You weren’t happy and couldn’t wait to get rid of me. And your expression when I dropped my snake into your hand was priceless. The old lady sitting beside you almost had a heart attack.”
“I thought you were a freak,” I say, smiling at him.
“And now?” he asks, leaning closer, his eyes twinkling.
“Your freakiness might be growing on me,” I reply. “A little.”
Seven leans closer and cups the side of my face with his hand. His lips are mere inches from mine. I move toward him and close my eyes in eager anticipation of his kiss.
“Looks like someone is throwing a party and forgot to invite us.” I jump back, startled, when Vulcan barges through the open patio door and onto the balcony, followed by Kit. “Hope we’re not interrupting anything. Actually, I hope we are,” Vulcan says.
The moment Vulcan steps out, his presence fills the whole balcony. He leans over Seven’s shoulder and grabs the bottle of champagne out of the ice bucket. “Dom Perignon,” he says, reading the label. “I’m glad you’re springing for the good stuff tonight.” He tilts up the champagne bottle and takes a big swig.
“Would you like a champagne glass?” Seven asks, annoyed at the intrusion. “It wouldn’t hurt to use your manners around Jade.”
“No, I don’t need a glass, not when I’ve got the whole fucking bottle.” Vulcan grins at Seven, knowing full well he interrupted something. “Why are you bitching? Since when do you care if I drink out of a champagne flute?”
27
SEVEN
“Since there’s a lady in the house,” I snap back at him. “And have you guys never heard of knocking?”
I’m irritated at being interrupted just when things were heating up with Jade. From the expression on Vulcan and Kit’s faces, they realize exactly what was going on when they barged in.
“We knocked and then I used my key,” Vulcan replies, throwing a mischievous smirk at me. “It’s not our fault if you were too busy to hear us. What’s with the fishbowl drink?” He sinks down beside Jade, grabs the straw out of her hand, and takes a sip. He makes a face and hands the straw back to her. “Yuck! That is way too sweet for me. And sticky. Cotton candy gives me the creeps.”
Jade laughs. “Why? What did cotton candy ever do to you?”
“Nothing, it just reminds me of spider webs. How they’re all sticky and shit. Go ahead and enjoy your drink while I finish off this lovely bottle of champagne.”
“Did my car make it to Kit’s safely?” Jade asks him. “And next time, please ask before you drink out of my straw. What if you have rabies or something?”
They’re teasing each other back and forth like long lost friends. It’s weird to watch. I feel like I’ve missed something.
“Don’t worry about your car,” Kit replies, walking to peer over the railing. “I put it in my garage where it can’t be found. I’ll take good care of it.” He’s standing there with his hands in his pockets, clearly uncomfortable. “I’m going to the kitchen to get a glass for the champagne.” He glares at Vulcan. “I’m not a caveman like someone else.”
Kit heads back inside, and I follow him into the kitchen. When we’re out of earshot of the others, he whirls around. “What’s going on here?” he asks. “I get the impression we walked in on something.”
