Page 18 of Bloodlust

"Enjoy," he says, opening the door for me. Soft music and the shuffling of cards sounds from within.

"Oh, I will." I toss him a wink before striding inside the underground casino.

The Dragons did an impressive job with this place; I wouldn't guess that it was a rundown basement before. I take in the eggshell wallpaper, clean gray carpets, and prim servers floating around the room. Not bad. Mine would be better...but not bad. I shake my head. Focus. The scent of booze, smoke, and sweat permeates around me as I scan the roulette, craps, and poker tables looking for Fred. On the left side of the long rectangular room, I spot the red curls of one Fred Keegan. Busted, my little public servant. Before I can take a step toward the poker table, an all too familiar face sits down next to Fred.

What in the actual fuck?

I glare as Leo unbuttons his suit jacket and places his drink on the table. He smirks, tossing a few chips on thegreen velvet before glancing at Fred and saying something.

Do they know each other? Why is he here? Are they working together? Is Leo a fucking snitch? Is that why he came back?

"A drink, Miss?" a passing server asks, interrupting my thoughts.

"Vodka." I keep my raging gaze on the poker table. Unanswered questions are the downfall of any queen. I refuse to fall. I point to where Leo and Fred are sitting. "I'll be at the table."

Straightening my posture, I prowl toward the empty seat next to Leo at the poker table. "May I?" I slam my purse down as I give Leo a glowering stare. Then, I look at Fred and his eyes widen like a doe caught in headlights. "Judge? What..." I blink sarcastically. "What're you doing here?"

Judge Keegan clears his throat, gaze bouncing between me and Leo. "Miss...Miss Bianco—" he takes a sip of his drink, shrinking before me, "—hello."

"Hi." I take a seat and place a few bills on the table. The dealer passes me chips. I take one in my hand, twirling it between my fingers. "How's the table? Hmm? Hot?" I side-eye Leo. He's not nervous. At all. If anything, he's amused. "Or cold?"

"Certainly hotter now that you're here," Leo grins at me, turning to the Judge. "What do you think, Keegan? Hot or cold?"

"Not sure yet," Judge Keegan swallows as the dealer passes around cards. I don't bother looking at mine as I toss a few chips in the center of the table. "Just got here."

"Do you like it here, Keegan? Hmm?" Leo asks, peeking at his two cards before looking up at the Judge. "Does this place...bring you joy?" His voice is laced with threatening undertones. I frown. What's his game? The Judge doesn't reply, keeping his head down. "Oh, come on now, Judge, don't be scared. Answer the question. Do you like it here?"

"I do," Keegan whispers, the color draining from his face.

"Well, that's good," Leo hums as a server passes me a drink. I hold the glass against my lips, watching Leo intently. He's got a mask on tonight. A mask that I haven't seen before. A mask that our fathers havepermanently glued to their faces. "I'm sure you can stay here for as long as you want." Leo downs his whiskey. "As long as you behave, that is." He meets Keegan's defeated gaze. "Are you going to behave, Keegan?"

"Yes," the Judge mumbles as the dealer flips over three cards. I mindlessly call. "I'll behave."

"Excellent!" Leo exclaims, standing up. "Play my hand, Mils. I need another drink."

"Wha—" I stand up abruptly, following Leo as he strolls casually toward the bar. "Leo!"

"Mils!" He mimics me, a shit-eating grin clipping the side of his mouth as he stops walking. I cross my arms, and he sighs. "Always so pouty. Cheer up, bella, you're making me sad."

"Why are you here?" I ask, irritation searing my skin. "What was that?"

"That?" Leo points to the rattled judge. "Just obeying orders."

"Orders?" My jaw sets. "Whose orders?"

Leo sighs. "The Council."

I narrow my eyes. "The Council?"

"Yes." He runs a tired hand through his hair as if I just killed his buzz. "They asked me to take care of your little problem."

"I could've taken care of it myself," I grunt. Those fucking bastards. They went to Leo? This isn't good. "I don't need your help."

Leo smiles, scanning my face. "Your hands need to stay clean, Mils."

I snort. "Is that what they told you?"

Leo shrugs. "It makes sense."