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My legs are bouncing as we sit on the bus, my body bouncing from the bumpy ride.

My face feels tingly. I bring my hands up to my face, pressing the pads of my fingers into my skin and revel in the way sparks zap over my cheeks.

I let out a little squeal, and the curious gazes of my teammates meet mine.

I smile broadly at them, so excited to get off of this bus.

I like buses. They bring me to new places. I like new places.

Looking out the window, a brightly lit building that shines even in the daylight stares back at me. The word “Casino” is written in purple and red neon over the top of the building, and a large sign beside it reads, “Come be a winner today!”

“I wanna be a winner.” I breathe, my eyes never leaving the sign.

“What was that?” Adhira asks from her seat beside me.

I don’t take my eyes off of the building until we’ve passed it entirely, and I jump when I feel someone poke my side. My eyes swing to Adhira’s.

“What’d you say?” she asks, and I tilt my head in confusion, unsure of what she’s talking about.

Rafael’s deep voice is behind me, sending a chill down my spine, and heat pools in my core. He’s so sexy, it should be impossible to look that good while being that grumpy.

“Yeah, well, most people would say the same about you, I’m sure,” Adhira deadpans. Had I said that out loud?

I hum, and the driver turns the radio up. I dance in my seat, and it isn’t long before we’re parked and I’m sprinting out of the bus. Or has it been long? Unsure.

We pile into the locker rooms, and there are so many people talking it’s hard to make out what they're saying. None of it matters.

I’m about to be a winner. I slip past my roommates, heading down the hall, bobbing my head as I wander until I see a sign that reads, “Exit.”

I make my way out through it, wind whipping past my face as dark clouds roll in. Huh, that’s not good.