Chapter 118Katie's POVHe uncrosses his arms and straightens as if getting ready to leave while I suck in a long, tense breath.“All right,” he says, appearing to be set on walking out when I speak again.“Are you working?” I ask.He swings his gaze to me.“Are you working now?” I ask, suspecting that he is.He could also be on his way to a different hotel room where he might fuck someone.I don’t know what makes me think I’m an expert in reading Cephus Salla’s expressions.I guess trying to avoid dangerous situations with my father has sharpened my perception.It's a survival mechanism, I suspect. Trying to stay alive and telling the bad guys from the good guys.I’m not an expert, but I rely on my budding intuition.He doesn’t answer.Or maybe he’s looking for an answer.“Would you mind staying with me a little longer?” I ask in a wavering voice. “I have a hard time falling asleep.”And that’s the truth.These past twenty-four hours have been a rollercoaster. A race for survival. I’
Chapter 119Katie's POV“Server?? Are you sure?”I ask, unable to stifle my surprise.Is this all I’m getting after all the shit I’ve been through?I’ve almost gotten myself killed for this??To work as a server?Didn’t I just quit a job like that?The man in front of me studies my face for the fifteenth time. And no, he’s not studying my expression.He simply can’t take his eyes away from me. I don’t know what I’ve done or if I’ve done anything to have him so interested in me.Other than brushing my hair, putting some product in it, and amateurishly styling it.I’m trying to look my best, with my hair bouncing down my back and my eyes highlighted by mascara and dark eyeliner.I put on some makeup and did my hair, but I didn’t expect to stop the traffic with my appearance.He likes what he sees and tries to be as professional as he can be, not crossing the line, but he is still very much obsessed with my face.I wonder if I could have the same effect on everyone else.But back to being
Chapter 120Cephus’ POVLater that dayI round the corner and enter the largest gambling room in the back of the casino.The place is packed, the crowd is loud, and the money flows. I signal to Vito to follow me, and we walk down the corridor and enter one of the chambers.My eyes fly to the screens.“How many do we have?”He crashes into a chair while I round the desk, claim my own seat, and check out the livestreams.“About twenty.”I lift my eyes and lock his gaze.“Any problems so far?” I ask.“No. They behave. Boris will be here tonight.”It’s not the first time the Russians have paid us a visit.We don’t mix business with pleasure and mostly cut deals and try to get along.I don’t mind them in my casino.They are big spenders and like our women.They are too flashy for my taste, but I don’t care about that part and have no problem taking their money.The business we discuss has mostly to do with staying out of each other’s territories. Once in a while, some clean-up is needed in
Chapter 121Cephus’ POVThis is true in life, business, crime business, or for women like her. No matter how good you are at the game, you can swiftly get obliterated by someone who doesn’t even play that game.I’ve had tons of people in my life, and many were women.Most of the time, most of the people fear me.It comes with the territory, the type of business I am in, and being at the top of the food chain.So, I’m getting different flavors of submission from men and women.And I’m not talking about the sexual aspect of it. I’m talking about people trying to please me and having a shtick when dealing with me so they can stay alive.I have a strategy too, and it has become my second nature.I can go from being friendly to being menacing and lethal at the drop of a hat.I can end someone in a second. And to be clear, I’m not doing it for pleasure. I’m doing it out of necessity.Some things need to be taken care of quickly because there is no room for errors in this business.The rules
Chapter 122Katie's POVAn hour before“Jen.Jen… Listen. Things are fine. I’m okay. You don’t have to get crazy over it.”“Are you sure?” she says at the other end of the phone line.I put her on speaker and moved my focus to my clothes.This is my first night on the job, and aside from Jen being highly strung for what I think is nothing, today has been a fantastic day.I filled out the paperwork, had lunch with my co–workers, participated in the ning, and even got a glimpse of the pool.I don’t have a bathing suit, but I’ll buy one when I get my first pay.So yes… Things are good.And here I am, getting ready for my job.Holding two of my dresses up, I carefully inspect them and get easily distracted.“Car?” she murmurs.“Uh… Yeah. What were you saying?”I put the black dress on the bed while the other one goes back into the closet.“Are you sure things are alright?”“Yes, I am. I don’t know who told you what––”“It’s not about who told me what. It’s about you. That man is back,” she
Chapter 123Katie's POVWhat I’m saying here is that Tina will be safe there for a while, and you will be protected, too. In the meantime, something else might come up and whisk this prick away. I’m talking about Anthony here. If it’s a pressing matter as it seems to be, he’ll have to make a different plan,” I say, hoping that I’m right.The more I think about it, the more I wish I’d take Cephus Salla up on his offer and have Beau Anthony finished and abandoned in the desert.That would’ve solved so many of my problems.It’s possible that fact alone would’ve brought more dangerous men to my door, but that seemingly happens anyway.How can this go to hell so damn quickly? How? And it’s all because of this man.“What do you say?” I murmur, afraid I wasn’t convincing enough, and she might change her mind.Her answer comes after a few seconds.She sounds like she’s away from her phone.“I’m packing as we speak,” she says, and a warm sensation sweeps through me.“How long would it take yo
Chapter 124Katie's POVThe club is spectacular at night.I saw it when I toured the place today with the rest of the new hires, and it didn’t look like it does now.Aerial dancers perform, flashing their limber bodies, supple muscles, and sequined costumes.A huge dance floor spreads out in the middle, and mirrored walls reflect the lights, tables, two packed bars in the back, and exotic dancers on the platforms.The lights alone are a show in itself, and the bursts of confetti make everything look like a joyful celebration.But what is Las Vegas, if not that?Impressive bouncers keep a tight eye on the crowd and everything is under control, whether it’s the people approaching the entrance or the patrons inside.I get the hang of it quickly, taking orders, bringing the food to the table, and pocketing the tips. Around eleven, my direct boss signals me to go in the back.Those rooms are less noisy and more private, and people gamble over there, so the vibe is different.I enter a corr
Chapter 125Katie's POVThere’s not a smidgen of light in here, and the room looks like a frozen grave.And I have nothing on me to help me with that.Wait… My phone.I slide my hand inside my pocket and pull it out. The bluish light of the screen is not a lot, but it’s still something.I shouldn’t use it now, though.I need to stay put until they leave before I look for that switch, open it up, and get out of here.What a terrible turn of events.I put my phone back into my pocket, spin around, and press my spine against the sealed entrance, listening to their voices.They’re in the other room.All men.Heavy steps, baritone tones.They don’t sound like customers or employees.Hopefully, they’ll finish their business quickly so I can get out of my spot.I swear I’ll never do this again if I get out of here unharmed.Stupid, stupid move on my part.Someone barks orders in the other room, and I straighten at once, tense.My hair stands up as what sounds like an altercation unfolds outs