Page 6 of Creed (Satan’s Fury MC- Little Rock #6)

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 been able 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.

I don’t know how long I stood there watching the asshole, but I was growing tired of his boastful laugh and the way he’d paw the girls when they brought his drinks over. Dude was a real douchebag, but he seemed legit.

Until I saw it.

It was just a twitch.

It was subtle as hell, but I’d seen it before.

He’d shifted in his seat and slid his palm over his thigh like he was just wiping off sweat.

Only there was more to it than that. Much more.

He had a small bump under his jacket that was easy to miss.

Hell, I’d missed it for almost an hour, but once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it.

The damn thing was plain as day. The device was tucked just inside his cuff, and he was using it to catch the dealer’s cards before they hit the table.

Son of a bitch.

I watched him do it twice more, just to be sure.

Same motion. Same shift. Each time, his bets doubled right after.

I pushed off the wall and caught the eye of one of our floor guards, motioning with a tilt of my chin. He followed me like a shadow as I circled around the table.

The guy didn’t even notice me until my hand landed heavy on his shoulder. I kept my voice low and calm as I told him, “Sir, we need a word.”

“About what?” He blinked up at me, that slick grin faltering just a little. “I’m in the middle of a hand here.”

“Your hand is over.”

The guard slipped his hand under the guy’s arm and pulled him to his feet. He started reaching for his chips, and I growled, “Leave them.”

He started to protest, but the guard gave him a firm tug and escorted him from the table. A few players whispered beneath their breaths but carried on with their hands. Most had seen it before. They all knew the Black Crown didn’t play around.

We made it to the back hallway near the service entrance, and that’s where I stepped in front of him. “It’s time for you to go.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“If you cheat here, you’re done here.” I stepped closer. “Permanently.”

“I don’t know what you think you saw, but…”

“Don’t waste your breath.” My voice was low and threatening. “You know damn well what I saw.”

I glanced down at his wrist, where the device was hidden, and his shoulders squared. “Yeah, well, what the fuck are you gonna do about it?”

I didn’t move.

I just stood there, calmy staring at him before replying, “You best rethink how you talk to me, or you’ll be spitting teeth and beggin’ for your momma.”

“Fuck this. I’m outta here.”

“Wise choice.” I got in his face as I added, “If you even think about coming back through those doors again, I’ll show you exactly how we take out the trash around here.”

He swallowed hard and nodded, all that cocky energy from the table gone in a flash. I turned to the guard and ordered, “Make sure he gets the message.”

He gave me a quick nod, and then, they disappeared down the corridor. I took out my phone and sent Nikolai a message, letting him know that the situation had been handled. I slipped my phone back into my pocket and started back out to the main floor, hoping to track down Devin.

I was almost back to where I’d last seen her when I spotted Preacher leaning against the VIP rail.

He had Tabitha at his side, and both of them looked like the day had taken its toll.

They were pushing too hard, and if they weren’t careful, it would catch up with them. I didn’t bother telling him that.

He knew, and he knew I knew.

I would’ve just passed them by, but I’d caught Preacher’s eye. He gave me a slight chin up and said, “Hey, brother. Having a good night?”

“Trying to.” I stopped next to him. “Got quite the crowd tonight.”

Tabitha looked over and smiled. “It’s been steady all week. Hopefully, it will stay that way. The boys are counting on it.”

“Don’t think they have anything to worry about.”

“No, they don’t. And neither do you.” Preacher gave her a wink before turning his attention back to me. “We talked to Misty earlier. She and her sister are gonna start helping out at the stables.”

“Good. Glad to hear it.”

I looked back over at the blackjack table.

Unlike before, it was empty. Devin was gone.

My back stiffened as I quickly scanned the area, and I spotted her at the bar.

She and her friend were both surrounded by a half-circle of men who were closing in like a pack of fucking wolves.

She was smiling and laughing, but it wasn’t her real smile.

This one was for show.

Or maybe that’s what I wanted to believe.

I didn’t fucking care. Nothing was going to stop me from going to talk to her. My eyes were still locked on her when I told Preacher, “I’ll catch up with you later.”

I brushed past a couple of slot machines and was within a few steps of her when my burner started to ring. Damn. I grabbed it from my pocket and answered, “You’ve got Creed.”

“Hey, brother. You busy?”

“Not at the moment.” I knew Grim well enough to know that he wasn’t calling to shoot the shit, so I asked, “Why? What’s up?”

“Need you at the clubhouse.”

“I’m at the Crown. Give me ten.”

I ended the call and started for the door. Once it slammed behind me, I pulled out a cigarette and took a long drag as I made my way out to the truck. The smoke burned down my throat and settled low in my lungs. It was official. This night was officially fucked.

I couldn’t catch a damn break.

Devin was right there within reach, and I couldn’t make a fucking landing. It had taken years for me to stop waiting for her shadow to show up in every corner of my life, but I had made peace with the way things played out.

But now she was back.

Same laugh. Same fire.

That had to mean something, and I was damned and determined to find out what that something was.