Page 14 of Creed

“So, you’re saying I was bad because I was spoiled?”

“Absolutely, and you’re getting riled up about it because, deep down, you know I’m right.”

“I know no such thing.” With a scowl on her face, she sat up and eased on top of me, saddling her knees at my side. “I was a delight.”

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that.” Damn, she was always beautiful, but when she got feisty, and that fire lit in her eyes, she took my breath away. “But I know the truth. You were a brat.”

“Jameson Levi Jones! I was not a brat. I was…”

Before she could finish her thought, I lifted and wrestled her back down on the mattress. I pinned her arms above her head, and just before kissing her, I whispered, “You keep getting worked up like this, and we’ll never get out of this bed.”

A sexy smirk slipped across her face as she sassed, “I’d be okay with that.”

And just like that, we were going for another round, and I was all for it. Hell, I couldn’t get enough of her. After, she fell asleep with her hand on my chest, and I remember thinkingthis was it. This was the good I didn’t deserve, but I was going to fight like hell to keep it.

But I was a damn fool and didn’t fight hard enough.

Skid cleared his throat, and I was pulled back into reality. I looked back over to Devin and watched as she laughed at something the dealer said. Her friend nudged her with a grin, and both ordered another round.

I’d had enough.

It had been almost twenty years since I’d talked to her, touched her, and I couldn’t wait a moment longer. Skid was yammering on about something, but I had no idea what. I just pushed off the railing and told him, “I’ll be back.”

I started down the steps but didn’t get far before Nikolai stepped in front of me. I had no idea where the kid came from. I hadn’t seen him all night, but that was Nikolai. Even with his fierce expression and tattoos, he had a way of blending into the crowd. It was a talent he used to his advantage.

“Nikolai.”

“We’ve got a high roller coming in.”

“Okay. Why you tellin’ me?”

“Not sure if he’s on the up and up.” His eyes narrowed. “I’ve watched him the last couple of times he was here, and if he’s counting or something, he’s good. Damn good. I haven’t beenable to catch him. I need you to take a look at him and see what you think.”

I’d let it slip that my ol’ man was a card hustler and cheated more than his fair share of men out of their weekly paycheck. He did it all: false shuffles, dealt from the bottom, stacked the deck, counted, and even used my brother and me to tip him off. I’d learned all his tricks and could use them to spot someone doing the same. I didn’t mind giving Nikolai a hand, but his timing couldn’t have been worse.

I didn’t bother hiding my annoyance as I asked, “Now?”

“Yeah, if you’ve got the time.” Nikolai shook his head. “He got us for ten grand last night.”

“Where is he?”

“Just hit the back table.”

I glanced over my shoulder at Devin, and she was still there with her friend. As much as I wanted to go over, work came first. Besides, it didn’t look like she was going anywhere, so I gave him a nod and said, “On it.”

“Thanks, man. He’s the one in the black suit and cowboy hat.”

I gave him a nod, and just like that, he vanished into the crowd again.

I made my way to the back, nodding at a few familiar faces, but I couldn’t help but glance over my shoulder, hoping for another glimpse of Devin.

I was a glutton for punishment. I always was when it came to her.

I continued over to the table where the heavy hitter was sitting, and I was anything but impressed. This guy was showy. He had a thick gold chain around his neck, a few fat diamonds on his fingers, and a Rolex that was impossible to miss.

I leaned against the edge of a nearby column and watched.

For the first few minutes, nothing stood out. His hands were fast but clean. He barely looked at the cards. He played with a cocky rhythm that was either pure luck or something else entirely.