Page 42 of Klaz
But as Klaz’s hand found mine, squeezing gently, I realized that maybe, just maybe, we could be something more than partners in crime.
KLAZ
The Suraisu Casino loomed before us, a glittering monument to excess in the heart of the city. It was hard to believe that just a day ago, we’d been trudging through the frozen wasteland outside Mama Raza’s hotel. The nearby mountain range was barely visible through the gathering storm clouds, a reminder of how close we still were to that fateful lodge.
I handed the doorman our forged invitations, courtesy of Mama Raza’s underworld connections. He barely glanced at them before waving us through. The beauty of high-class establishments like this: act like you belong, and no one questions you.
The moment we stepped inside, my senses went into overdrive.
Security guards positioned at every entrance, their hands resting on concealed weapons. Cameras disguised as decorative orbs hung from the ceiling. Patrons from a dozen different species mingled around gaming tables and bars.
Through the grand windows, I noticed dark clouds gathering on the horizon. The storm that had been brewing all day was finally rolling in, far faster and more ominous than the weather reports had predicted.
I leaned close to Cinta, my lips brushing her ear. “Six exits. Four visible security stations. At least twenty undercover personnel.”
She laughed as if I’d said something amusing, her fingers trailing down my arm. “You always know how to show a girl a good time, darling.”
Ice sculptures dotted the room – intricate replicas of stellar formations and alien beasts. The air held a crisp chill, in the casino’s own attempt to balance the heat radiating from the crowds of patrons.
A Lyrikan woman approached, her eyes fixed on Cinta’s ankle. “Oh, what a stunning piece! It matches your dress perfectly.”
“Thank you,” Cinta replied, her voice steady despite the circumstances. “It was a gift from a very... persuasive admirer.”
As the Lyrikan walked away, I saw a flicker of irony cross Cinta’s face. A con artist trapped by a glittering lie – the symbolism wasn’t lost on me. I silently vowed to find a way to remove that deadly piece of jewelry before Mama Raza could make its true nature known in a very explosive fashion.
I guided Cinta towards the bar, my hand resting on the small of her back. “What’s your poison tonight, my dear?”
“Oh, surprise me.” She winked, leaning against the bar, emphasizing her curves.
I ordered two Novarian whiskeys, neat. As we waited, a Xarian couple to our left engaged us in conversation.
“First time at the Suraisu?” the male asked, his faceted eyes glittering.
“Is it that obvious?” Cinta laughed, her charm on full display.
“We’re here celebrating our bonding anniversary,” I added, pulling Cinta closer. “Thought we’d try our luck.”
The female Xarian trilled. “How romantic! We simply must introduce you to the Spiral Roulette. It’s our favorite game.”
As they chattered, I subtly scanned the room. A cluster of Mondians argued near a craps table. Two Fanaith security guards whispered into their comms, eyes fixed on a nervous-looking Orlian.
Our drinks arrived, and I raised my glass to Cinta. “To us, my love.”
She clinked her glass against mine, her eyes locked on me. “To us.”
The whiskey burned pleasantly as I sipped it, the flavor rich and complex. Cinta’s lips curved in a smile I knew all too well – she was enjoying this far too much.
Her eyes sparkled as she took in the opulent surroundings, her excitement palpable despite the deadly anklet adorning her leg. Even with her life on the line, she thrived on the thrill of our dangerous situation. The contrast between us struck me hard.
I felt every one of my years weighing on me as I watched Cinta’s excitement. She saw this as an adventure, while I saw potential danger at every turn. Was I too jaded for someone like her?
“Shall we try our luck at the tables?” I asked, offering her my arm once more.
“Lead the way, handsome.”
We made our way to the high-stakes area, pausing to admire an ice sculpture of the Centauri Nebula. I pointed to a particularly intricate spiral. “Reminds me of that time we got lost in the Veil Cluster, remember?”
Cinta laughed. “How could I forget? We nearly ran out of fuel before finding that refueling station.”