Poker Face (The Masks Series Book 4) (14 page)

Caitlyn

Sleep was an illusion. I barely captured a wink. By the time Monique tenderly patched me up and tucked me into bed, I was a blubbering mess. In spite of my sheer elation that Eric was in Vegas, getting to him was going to be impossible. He hadn’t seen me on the street. What if he never found me? What if he tried, failed and then just gave up for good?

Part of me knew he should. Being in this town was dangerous for him. What if Marchant spotted him? It was a slim chance, no doubt, but it was still a chance. The idea of Eric being captured and tortured made me want to throw up...which I did.

Biggest mistake of my night.

The throwing up just confirmed that Santiago’s thunder punch had probably fractured a couple of my ribs. By the time I was done, my tears were fueled by more than emotional angst. I was in agony.

I couldn’t tell Monique any of my fears even though I wanted to. Both her masked and unmasked expression showed me how worried she was, but I couldn’t ease her fears. I was a mess.

She made me take two Tylenol before easing out of the room.

It didn’t help.

Getting comfortable with a volleyball-sized bruise on one side of my ribcage and a swollen cheekbone on the other side of my face just added to my woes. It was a miserable night. I spent most of it lying awake in torment before falling into fitful dozes that never lasted long.

Monique reappeared to dress me at seven.

“Santiago wants you on security this morning.” She placed a tray of fresh fruit and buttered toast next to me and moved to open the curtains. I squinted at the sudden brightness, but it didn’t take long for my eyes to adjust. My shaky hand made straight for the steaming cup of coffee on the edge of the tray. Sitting back against the pillows with a hiss, I ignored Monique’s sympathetic smile and sipped at the brew. It was damn good. I wrapped my fingers around the mug.

“You look pale.” Monique sat on the edge of the bed and reached for my forehead. Her cool hand reminded me of Mom, which only brought on a fresh wave of tears.

I swiped at them, sick of the crying, wincing as I brushed my tender cheek.

Monique reached for me again, but I flinched away.

Her smile was sad. Tucking a lock of dark hair behind her ear, she played with her earring. I could see on her face she was waiting for me to open up, but there were no words. I couldn’t think straight enough to talk. I was exhausted and broken. The last thing I felt like doing was security on the casino floor, but I couldn’t refuse. The aches in my body told me that.

I pressed my lips together and looked away from her.

With a gentle sigh she stood and moved to the closet, pulling out a pair of black pants and a fitted powder blue, button-down shirt. She laid it on the bed. “Once you’ve finished your coffee, I’ll get you ready.” Standing back, she studied me with her sweet, little face. “Don’t be too long. I’m going to have to take extra care with your makeup this morning. The bruise on your cheek isn’t too dark, but it will still take a little time to hide it.”

I nodded and focused back on my drink. It scorched my throat, but I didn’t care. It felt good somehow.

Although she’d told me to hurry, I took my time and forced a slice of toast into my stomach, as well. I still felt shaky as I rose from the bed. Monique helped me lift off my T-shirt, gasping softly at the deep purple bruise on my torso.

It freaking hurt.

My stomach was still sore from Bruno’s metallic fist, but Santiago’s knuckles... I looked in the mirror, running my fingers gingerly over the inky contusion.

“It’s best to stay on his good side.” Monique held out the shirt for me.

I humphed, sliding it on carefully and pulling out my hair. I hissed again. Every movement hurt.

“Just relax.” She eased me into the vanity chair. “You need to keep your movements as minimal as possible. The bruise will heal.”

“I feel like my ribs are broken.” I gritted my teeth and buttoned up the shirt.

“They probably are.” She nodded. “Santiago has not given me permission to strap them, but I can go and ask him.”

“No.” I shook my head. “Don’t worry about it.”

She touched my shoulder and silently asked me if I was sure.

“Just do my makeup already.”

I could tell she didn’t like snappy Caity, but I had nothing to give her. I couldn’t be a kind, good soul today; I just had to survive.

Monique hunched in front of me and got to work on my face. I kept my eyes on the mirror, staring out the window behind me. My vision grew fuzzy the longer I looked, but I couldn’t break free.

Images of Eric plagued me while Monique made me look like something I wasn’t. There was no wig today, thankfully, but the heavy foundation, thick eyeliner and dark lipstick still made me feel like a phony.

“That looks good.” Monique stepped back to admire her work. “People will have to look pretty closely and most of them will be too distracted with betting to even notice you.” She grinned.

I forced a smile back at her and rose from my chair, swallowing down the grimace as pain laced through my side.

“You can do this.” Monique squeezed my arm. “You are strong enough to handle this. You will survive.”

There was that acceptance again, that resigned smile on her soft lips.

I couldn’t help wondering if Gabriel had anything to do with her attitude. Maybe if Eric was here with me, it wouldn’t be so bad.

The thought made me snicker. As if! Eric would never let anybody turn him into a slave. He’d rather die.

I pressed my lips together and swallowed hard. I’d cried enough tears, and I couldn’t let Santiago see my anguish.

Clearing my throat, I put on my bland poker face and walked for the door. I wanted to whisper a thank you to Monique for taking such good care of me, but I needed to stay hard if I was going to make it through the day.

Lifting my chin, I walked out of the room and found Sal waiting for me by the gold elevator. I stepped in and kept my eyes straight ahead.

“Is there anything specific I’m looking for today?”

“He wants you watching the dealers this morning. Since you caught that guy last week, he’s been on the prowl.”

I huffed a breath out my nose.

Sal gave me a side-long glance, but he knew what I meant. Like I wanted to sentence any more cheaters to death.

“It’s you or them,” Sal mumbled, rolling his shoulders.

The elevator pinged open and we stepped out. I scanned the slot machines and looked to Sal before descending the three stairs onto the main floor. We’d no doubt follow the same path we did the last couple of times. I wanted to keep my eyes downcast and just get on with it, but I knew I couldn’t do that.

Resolved to the fact I didn’t want to suffer another power punch or be subjected to whatever Bruno had planned for me, I lifted my gaze and gasped.

Eric.

There he was.

Standing less than ten feet away...and staring right at me.

It took him a second to register, like somehow it couldn’t possibly be real, but then his eyes began to round and he moved towards me.

By that time, Sal had jerked in my direction, nudging my elbow to ask if I was okay.

I nodded stupidly and turned away from Eric, heading in the opposite direction.

It killed me to do it, but Sal would pummel Eric into the ground if he found out he was my boyfriend, here on some rescue mission. Sal may be nicer than Bruno, but he was loyal to Santiago.

It felt like a week ago all over again, except this time I didn’t have Kaplan in my ear and I wouldn’t be yelling at Eric that I didn’t want him. I did, with a passion, but I had to play this right or the love of my life was destined for a shack in the desert.

Eric

She turned away from me. I had to clench my jaw to stop from swearing and tearing after the guy beside her with every fist and foot I could pound him with.

Gramps’ voice whispered in my head,
“Keep cool, son. Don’t let that rage stop you from thinking straight.”

I sniffed in a sharp breath and followed after my girl.

I couldn’t believe I’d found her. My emotions were surging with elation then plummeting back into anger before cresting on a wave of relief.

She was here. She was alive.

Following her and Brutus, I tried to keep my distance and not look overly suspicious. The guy glanced behind him a couple of times as we meandered through the swanky bar. I made sure to dip my head and turned towards the bar, leaning against it as I waited for the barman. The second Caity was guided through the next entrance I shifted after them. Her body stiffened as she wove through the seedy, dark area. A husky voice that reminded me of an old-woman-smoker filled the room. I wrinkled my nose and kept my eyes on Caity.

She kept fidgeting with her drop earrings, a sure sign she was edgy, but for people who didn’t know her, they probably wouldn’t pick up on her little idiosyncrasies.

I smiled, feeling the privilege of knowing them all.

I had to get her out of this place!

We walked beneath an archway labelled
Fortuna
and their pace slowed considerably. I dropped back a little, stopping at the roulette wheel to watch a spin. I could see Caity out of the corner of my eye.

She scratched her left shoulder, stealing a glance in my direction.

Our eyes kissed and I gave her a smile.

She jerked away from it, biting her lower lip and scanning the players around her. She looked up to Sal and gave a brief nod before moving on to the next table.

I’d been trying to figure out what she’d been doing since entering the casino area and I finally got it. Santiago Gomez was using her as security. She was scanning each game for cheaters. I kept a close eye on her as she shifted to the right. She was walking behind the big guy now and turned to look straight at me. Her finger flicked skyward before she smoothed a lock of hair behind her ear. I looked up and noticed the bathroom sign.

With a grin I walked towards her, making sure I kept my gaze on the other side of the room as I passed. I had no idea if Sal was watching me, but I turned back once before ducking down the side corridor. Caity pressed her lips together, her eyes skittering towards me ever so briefly. I took that as a sign and headed for the girls’ bathroom.

Man, I hoped I had picked up the right clue!

This could go so badly if I got it wrong.

Easing the door open, I paused to listen for any noises. The room actually seemed clear, which felt miraculous, until I realized that it was still only 8:30 in the morning. Most of Vegas was still in bed.

I slipped into the first stall and locked it behind me, leaning my head against the wall and muttering any prayer I could. In the next few minutes, all going to plan, I’d have Caity in my arms again and then I was getting her the hell out of here.

The door swished open and I heard Caity’s voice.

“Sorry, Sal, but I gotta go.”

“Just make it quick,” he grumbled.

I drew in a soft breath and listened to the clip of her shoes. She paused and I took my chance, flinging the door open and snatching her arm. Dragging her into the cramped stall, I locked it behind us.

Caity spun to face me, her eyes that vibrant blue I could swim in forever. I reached for her face, running my fingers gently over her cheek before lurching towards her. Our lips found each other easily, our hot tongues smacking together in a kiss that was made up of tears, regret, joy and desperation. With a heaving sob, she wrapped her arms around my neck and clung tight.

“You’re here,” she wept, her body trembling.

I wrapped my arms around her, squeezing tightly until she let out a soft cry. Loosening my grip, I moved to investigate, but she clung tight.

“I’ve got to look at you.” Running my hands up her arms, I gently unwrapped her from around my neck. Her face was awash with tears. I frowned noticing that one side of her face was slightly swollen. The thick layer of makeup did a pretty good job hiding it, but I could tell a decent shiner lay beneath it. She looked absolutely hammered. I could see the exhaustion in her eyes, the weight of stress she’d been living under...the suffering.

My throat swelled, my eyes wanting to sting with tears of their own, but I couldn’t break down now. Her soft cry had me scared. Without saying a word, I gently untucked her shirt, lifting it so I could get a look at whatever was causing that grimace on her face.

My vision blurred with a red haze. She was a mess. I ran my finger lightly over the mammoth bruise on her side. I wanted to kill whoever gave it to her. I could tell it was bad by the dark color. I didn’t know what she’d been hit with, but it must have been pretty damn hard and fast.

“Caity,” I whispered, unable to hide my horror. She would have seen it anyway...and the rage...and the heartache.

She pulled the shirt back down, wrestling to tuck it in. “I’m okay. I’m okay.”

“What did they do to you?” She knew what I was asking.

Her face crumpled for a moment, her gaze reluctantly lifting to mine. I relaxed my expression, showing her that no answer could change the way I felt about her.

Her lips trembled into a weak smile. “Santiago wants me for my sight. This guy, Miguel Vera, took me from Quella’s house and gave me to him to clear a debt. As long as I don’t screw up, he won’t let anyone touch me.”

I nodded, not bothering to hide my scowl as I rested my hand on her hip and lightly ran my thumb over her stomach. “That bruise didn’t happen by magic, babe.”

“I’d take a couple of broken ribs over what Bruno wants to do to me.” Her voice faded into a pitiful whisper. She lunged back into my arms. “Don’t let me go,” she whispered against my neck. “Don’t ever let me go.”

“I’m not planning on it.” I kissed the side of her face, wanting to crush her to me, but knowing I couldn’t. “I’ve got to get you out of here.”

She went rigid in my arms before jolting away from me. “You can’t. It’s too dangerous.” Her lips moved a couple of times, obviously battling her words. She finally sucked in a quivering breath and blurted, “You can’t stay in Vegas, Eric.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

“But your life.” She shook her head. “I don’t have time to explain, but—”

“I know about the Marchant thing.”

Her eyes rounded with surprise. “How? That’s why I broke up with—. Kaplan promised me she wouldn't post that envelope!”

I gave her a gentle smile, hoping she’d read my gratitude at her sacrifice. Brushing her face with the back of my knuckles, I skimmed her lips with my thumb. “Rhodes told me. He’s here. ”

Her lips parted, a flash of relief washing over her face.

I wrestled for a soft tone, still hating the fact that she and Rhodes had worked so closely together and I hadn't even known about it. “He’s been helping me.”

“And Kaplan?”

I couldn’t hide my dark look. Whether she was reading me or not, she’d know exactly how I felt.

Her lips turned into a sad frown. “She cut me loose?”

My head bobbed.

Caity’s face bunched, her lips quivering. I could tell she wanted to let out a string of cursing insults, but instead she expelled an appalled scoff and shook her head.

Holding her face, I turned those sad lips towards mine and tried to kiss away the sorrow, the hurt, the betrayal. I knew I couldn’t make up for all she’d been through, but I wanted to try. I wanted her to know that I’d never cut her loose. I’d never turn my back on her.

A loud bang on the door pulled us apart. “Hurry up!”

The big guy’s bellow made Caity flinch. She hissed and reached for her side, closing her eyes and then putting on a brave smile when she re-opened them and caught my worry. “I’ll be all right.” She squeezed my forearm and reached for the lock.

“Wait,” I whispered, panic making my voice quake.

“If he catches you in here, you’re dead.”

“But I—”

“You’re getting me out. They're holding me in the penthouse suite of this casino, so...”

“I know. A contact of Rhodes spotted you with Santiago at a poker game on Friday. That's why we're here.” 

She touched my face with a sweet smile. “Then I guess I don't have anything to worry about, because I know you, Eric Shore, and you're not going to quit.”

I kissed the palm of her hand. “Never.”

Tears glassed over her eyes as she sucked in a shaky breath. “I trust you, babe, and I’ll wait for you. Just promise me you’ll stay safe.”

“Ditto.”

“I’ll do my best.” Her face crumpled with agony. Reaching for her one last time, I pulled her into my arms and kissed her neck. “No matter what happens before I get you out, I love you always. Don’t ever think otherwise.” I leaned back, kissing at her tears. “You’re my girl forever and
nothing
can change that.”

Her head bobbed against mine, a fresh wave of salty tears kissing my lips before she flicked open the lock.

“I love you,” she whispered, jerking out of my arms and slapping the door closed behind her.

I leaned my back against the interior wall, curling my hands into two tight fists. “I love you too, Caity.”