Domino raised her glass, her lips curving into a smile. “I always do.”
Teller’s gaze lingered on her, his usual swagger giving way to something deeper. “Good. Because I plan on making sure this is a night you’ll never forget.” He’d been in the mood for something new… something fun. Domino definitely seemed to be fun.
The evening pressed on, full of laughter, high stakes, and shared moments that seemed to suspend time. In the grand spectacle of The Royal Harlots’ Casino Night, Teller and Domino stood as a magnetic duo—unshakable, unpredictable, and undeniably captivating.
At the blackjack table, Domino’s sharp wit and bold choices drew attention. Teller, standing at her side, watched her play with an amused grin, occasionally chiming in with playful advice.
“Hit or stay?” she asked, her eyes narrowing on the cards in front of her.
Teller leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. “Trust your gut. It will never let you down.”
She smirked, sliding another chip forward. “Then I’ll hit.”
When the dealer revealed her winning hand, he chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re dangerous.”
“ You’re just figuring that out?” she teased, taking her winnings with a triumphant smile.
Later, at the roulette table, Teller took his turn with the dice. He rolled with effortless confidence, glancing at Domino after each spin. When he handed her the chips for the next round, their fingers brushed. A spark flickered between them.
“Think you can handle the pressure?” he asked, his tone light but his gaze intense.
Domino met his eyes, a challenge in her expression. “Watch and learn.”
She rolled, and when the ball landed in their favor, the cheers from the table were deafening. Teller dropped his head back laughing, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer. “Told you you’re my lucky charm.”
As they approached the heart of the festivities, Teller’s sharp eyes caught sight of Diamond in a small alcove. She was locked in a heated discussion with an unknown man, her expression tense, her posture rigid. Teller slowed slightly, his instincts kicking in.
Glancing around, he spotted Sayer standing near the edge of the crowd. Teller’s gaze met his, and with a quick, subtle gesture, he signaled for Sayer to keep an eye on the Harlots’ president.
“What is it?” Domino asked softly, sensing the shift in Teller’s focus.
“Nothing to worry about,” he replied, his tone even though his jaw tightened briefly. “Just making sure everyone’s playing nicetonight.” He shouldn’t feel the need to keep one of her own people out of the loop.
Domino’s sharp gaze flicked toward the alcove, catching the tail end of the exchange before Diamond and the man disappeared further into the shadows. “If you’ll excuse me, Teller.”
“I’ve got someone checking on it.” He realized too late he’d said the wrong thing. He’d just undermined Domino’s position as a member of the Royal Harlots. A woman could handle herself just like one of his men.
“Let’s go,” he told Domino since he could see Sayer already closing in on where Diamond had disappeared to. His luck it was a disagreement with a lover.
Domino’s eyes narrowed. “I appreciate your concern, Teller, but I know my crew. We’re not damsels in distress.”
Teller looked down at her. “Did I say that?” He didn’t miss the look Domino gave him. “I’m going so I can back my brother if he needs me. You can walk with me, or you can stay. It’s your call.”
Walking away, Teller left Domino to decide what she wanted to do.
Chapter Six
Sayer entered the lobby,his sharp gaze sweeping the room as he searched for Diamond and the man she had disappeared with. He spotted them off to the side, their voices raised in a heated argument. The tension in the air was thick. But what made Sayer’s blood turn to ice was the sight of the man’s hand wrapped around Diamond’s arm, twisting it with enough force to break the bone.
This wasn’t a lover’s spat. This was something else entirely.
“Hey!” he shouted. “Let go of the lady!”
The man’s head snapped up, his glare locking onto Sayer’s. He didn’t repeat himself—Sayer had already closed the distance between them, his stance a clear warning.
The man released Diamond, but not before he shoved her backward, sending her stumbling onto the cold marble floor. A sharp, angry heat rose in Sayer’s chest, his fists tightening at his sides. Every instinct screamed at him to go after the bastard, but Diamond came first. Always.
He reached out a hand. “Here, let me help you up.”
