the roulette games next. None of the players stood out to me as especially demonic, nor did any of them resemble Seneser’s human host. I was just checking out the blackjack tables when a man approached me. Brown hair, brown eyes, late twenties. He wasn’t unattractive, but there was nothing particularly striking about him either. He didn’t seem to have bad intentions, but there was still something off about him.
“Do you play?” he asked. His voice sounded wooden. Like an actor being fed a line.
“A little poker,” I said. “But it’s been awhile. You?”
“I mostly come for the view.” He smiled intently, and I got the impression he was trying to flirt with me. But the delivery was wrong, like he’d been coached.
“Tell him you’re going to play a hand and invite him to watch,” you instructed. I did as you asked. I had a moment of panic because I hadn’t figured out the tables just yet. I saw one that looked like Texas Hold ’em and sat down. The man, who introduced himself as Mason, followed me there, then stood at my side with his drink in his hand as though posing for a portrait.
You’d gotten poker chips for me earlier in the night, and I figured there was no reason to hold back now, so I lined them up. Luckily, it was a beginners’ table where the bets were modest. I lost a few hands and then, once I was able to read the energy of the players, I started winning. Your voice buzzed in my ear.
“Invite him for a drink.”
I groaned aloud. I’d somehow forgotten we were on a mission. “But I’m winning,” I said lowly, so no one else at the table would hear.
“Vincent,” you said in the no-nonsense voice I wished you’d use in bed.
“Yes, sir,” I purred to show you I could be good.
Mason’s eyebrows lifted at my renewed attention. Like he was waiting for his next instruction. Weird.
“Want to get a drink?” I asked.
“Are you sure? You seemed to be on a roll.”
Thank you, Mason. I forced a smile while wondering if he was trying to stall me. “Do you work for the casino?” I teased.
He gave me an abrupt and forceful, “No.”
“Relax, Dude. I’m kidding.” I laid a hand on his arm to guide him to the bar where you were waiting. You gave him the once over, then turned away and said only to me, “Ask him if he knows Seneser.”
I laid my hand on Mason’s wrist where there was a pale band of skin showing. He must usually wear a watch or bracelet because there was a distinct tan line there.
“What are you drinking?” I gave Mason my best smolder. Again, he seemed surprised, as if I hadn’t just invited him for a drink.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
“Penicillin it is.” I asked the bartender to make us two more of the Pink Ladies, and after Mason had taken his first sip and commented on its unusual flavor, I captured his gaze and asked him if he knew Seneser.
“Who?” he said. I showed him a picture and he shook his head slowly.
“Ask who sent him,” you buzzed in my ear.
“Tell me, Mason…” I stared at him with what I hoped was a playful expression. “Did someone ask you to look for me here tonight?”
He swallowed and tried to look away, but I directed his attention back to me.
“I had to find you,” Mason replied urgently. “He told me I couldn’t leave until I did.” His nervous energy spiked as you climbed off the stool and patted him down, rougher than necessary. I assumed you were searching for a weapon, which was smart, but you’d interrupted my seduction.
“You’re scaring my new friend,” I told you while rubbing Mason’s shoulder lightly. I hoped no one noticed your impromptu frisk.
“Don’t make a move,” you ground out. Mason shuddered in fear.
“Let’s be calm,” I reminded you. I’d get better answers if the man wasn’t terrified. I took Mason’s hand again and gently massaged it until he settled down a bit. Beside me, you growled. I could kick you for being so possessive right then.
“That’s it, Mason. Relax. Doesn’t this feel good?” I nuzzled my nose into the palm of his hand and exhaled into it. He shivered again, this time with pleasure.
“Vincent,” you cautioned.
I said, very sweetly, “If you hadn’t rattled my friend Mason, I wouldn’t need to reassure him, and the more you interrupt me, the more he’ll need comforting.” Hopefully, you’d get the