Page 38 of Tainted Deception

“We were helping her,” Kian gritted out.

“I wasn’t asking you,” the guard snapped.

My heart pounded as I debated what to say. These two worked directly for James, which meant they cleaned up messes in a bloody way. I was sure the guy who’d attacked me wouldn’t have a good rest of his night. If word got back to Pacific Point that Kian and Jace had been beaten because of me, that would only escalate everything. I just needed them gone from here.

“They were helping me,” I finally said, backing Kian’s words. “But I don’t think they have a room here.”

“Trespassing?” the guard questioned, his eyes narrowing at Kian. “You two leave now. I don’t want to see you here again.”

“You have them in your pocket?” Kian muttered before releasing me. “What are you planning, Rynn?”

“I’m trying to enjoy my vacation,” I told him sweetly. “See you back at school.”

Jace let go of the guy, and one of the guards grabbed him, ignoring his arguments. My eyes drifted past them, my stomach flipping when I saw Gage watching from the shadows. His glare was pointed at Kian, but he didn’t make a move to come closer.

“What are you going to do with him?” Jace asked, nodding to the guy.

“He’ll be dealt with,” the guard answered. “We don’t tolerate harassment here. But first, I’ll escort both of you off the premises.”

Jace and Kian didn’t argue. They both looked at me before turning around and stalking away with one of the guards following them. The guy was screaming at the other guard to let him go as he was dragged toward the back of the hotel. Once I was alone, Gage walked over to me, his mouth set in a frown.

“They gave in too easily,” he said quietly. “They aren’t leaving.”

I sighed. “I know. We’ll make plans for tomorrow night to make sure they don’t get in the way.”

“They were protecting you,” he said in a resigned voice.

I scoffed. “From that guy? I could have handled him myself.”

“That’s not the point,” he shot back. “They didn’t even hesitate to stop that asshole. I think they actually do care for you. But…that could work in our favor.”

I rolled my eyes. “Come on. Let’s go get the penthouse ready for the game tomorrow.”

He stayed at my side as we walked back into the hotel. My nerves grew as I thought about tomorrow. Everything had to go perfectly, and with Jace and Kian here, it was going to make it more difficult. We’d just have to make sure they couldn’t interfere.

16

The night wasoff to a good start, even though I had been more than a little on edge since Jace and Kian had shown up to the benefit dinner last night. We’d still be able to do what we planned, but making sure they stayed out of the way was going to make it more difficult. Tonight’s festivities had nothing to do with school, and we’d kept it quiet, but I still half expected them to somehow show up tonight. Rynn was chatting with the guys who were here already, a grin on her face as she bounced around the room, greeting everyone.

We were in the penthouse of the hotel, which was a stark difference to where these types of games were usually held. But the owner of this hotel did business with Ellie, and he was more than happy to offer us the penthouse for the weekend. Smoke swirled through the air as guys smoked both weed and cigarettes, and drinks were already getting poured. If everything went smoothly, it was going to be a good night.

This game had been planned for over a month, and even though I was positive Rynn was nervous about tonight, there wasn’t any evidence of it. Her eyes were bright, and her posture radiated confidence as she took the buy-in from the newcomers. The buyout pot was large tonight, and the environment was a mixture of tension and excitement. Most of the guys here knew each other in one way or another, and for the most part, there was no bad blood, which was how we wanted it.

“Shadow,” a guy yelled, coming through the doorway. “Damn, girl. How are you?”

My teeth slammed together when he strode across the room and picked up Rynn, giving her a tight hug. She giggled, hugging him back for a quick second before untangling herself from his hold. It took every ounce of my self-control to stay where I was when he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and planted a kiss on her cheek. Her eyes flicked to mine, as if she knew I was holding on by a thread.

After we’d had sex, she made it clear that we weren’t a thing. And to the outside world, I was a guy who worked for her and that was it. Especially this weekend. We couldn’t fuck this up. Which was the only reason I hadn’t knocked this guy out yet. But my patience was nearing its breaking point, and I almost didn’t give a fuck if people thought she was my girl.

“It’s good to see you, Reese,” she said with a laugh while she ducked out from under his arm. “I’m glad you could make it.”

My rage was threatening to spill out when the asshole hovered near Rynn as she moved toward the kitchen to grab a beer. Reese’s light brown hair was buzzed short, and from what I could tell, he was covered in nearly as much ink as I was. I wasn’t sure who he had loyalty to, but I’d find out. I crept forward, getting closer without announcing my presence.

“Where have you been, Shadow?” Reese was asking before he sipped his drink. “It’s been what, over a year? You’re the only person I trust to buy from.”

“I’ve been busy with business,” she answered with a small grin. “You know I only work in the summer.”

“I didn’t see you last summer,” he pouted. “The guy I found who sold me weed cheated me.”

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