Page 149 of My Mafia King

Without another word, I go inside and, later, head to the dimmest bar I can find in the hotel. I need a drink or two and something to take my mind off her.

27

CARMINA

The bright worldof Las Vegas ends where the desert begins.

If you turn your back to the city and just look into the night, your whole life has a different feel.

You forget about the angst of living and ugly people making your life unlivable at times.

I don’t remember a time in my life when I felt so alone.

I miss my home, and I miss Tina and Jen. I even miss my old job with its grueling hours and rowdy crowds.

I wish I could go back to that without facing my father's wrath, but that’s not possible.

And he is no longer possible.

He has no place in our lives.

I stare at the starry sky, wishing so many things for myself and Tina, most of which seem impossible.

And then I look back at the brightly lit city, and it’s like staring at my destiny.

And I’m not sure I want to go back, but on the other hand, I know I can’t fight it.

So I go.

After spending a few more moments enjoying the view, I make the trip back.

I arrive at the hotel around midnight and park my car in the same spot before putting my heels on and draping my jacket over my shoulders.

There’s no rush in my step as I go back.

Spending the night alone in that apartment doesn’t appeal to me, so I wander into the hotel and go back to the casino.

No one stops me as I enter the room, hoping to see someone from Damaso’s crew.

There’s no one I know.

And then, I go a step forward and start asking about him. No one had seen him. And the woman who took me upstairs is not here to answer my questions.

I return to the concierge and ask the man working there.

He hadn’t seen him either. But someone else working here says he just walked into the club.

“Tonight?” I ask, not believing my ears.

“Yes,” the woman says.

“Do you remember when?”

“About an hour ago.”

They both give me directions on where to go, and I head that way.

The lobby is quiet, and no black SUVs are in front of the building.

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