Twisted Games of Revenge (Sinners of Ravens Hollow #3)

Chapter 6

I’m becoming just as obsessive over listening to the boys’ conversations as Geovani was in watching me. Malachi was only able to bug Ricky’s car. He’s still working on their house and the club, but the small snippets of conversation I do get to hear just make me ache for them all over again. When they finally left The Raven’s Nest two nights ago, they headed into the casino, and from what I could tell, stayed there the entire night.

“Wait, go back, what did they just say?” I ask Malachi to rewind the recording.

“I’ll make it slower and louder.” He adjusts something on his computer and plays it again.

“Police have pronounced Harley dead,” comes Alessandro’s voice. “According to the police report the commissioner has forwarded to Enzo, Harley died last week when the car she was in blew up in the back parking lot of a local restaurant.”

Doors slam, and the recording cuts off.

I stare at Malachi, not sure what to say. This is what I wanted, wasn’t it? But then I’m not sure how they can think I’m dead when nobody was in the car when I left it. Alessandro’s voice was so monotone as he talked about me being dead that something feels off about it, like they don’t believe it themselves. “They think I’m dead.”

“Looks that way.”

I let that thought sink in a little. “I really am free.” While the idea of been able to slip into Enzo’s life unnoticed is exciting, I know this is going to hurt the people I care about as well. That thought makes me feel sick to my stomach. What will Marco think? But the truth is, I’m doing this for him, and right now, I need him to think I’m out of the picture. It’s safer for him.

As promised, Sloane organized for a few of the girls to join me at the casino tonight, making it look like we are out on the town for girls’ night. She lent me a red velvet dress and heeled boots with little zippers down the side, and sent me off with Myriah and a couple of other girls from the club with the instructions to come home safe.

We stand in the main games room, Myriah’s arm linked with mine as we watch some of the big players at the craps tables. Sally and two of the other girls I have met this week are also here, gathering us fresh cocktails from the bar. I feel like they have accepted me into their group instantly, and I already feel like I know them. But no one is trusted with why I’m really here tonight except for Sloane.

Across the room, an older gentleman in a suit catches my eye, a smug smile playing on his lips as he racks up win after win. He motions for the dealer to stop his game then approaches me. “Beautiful, what’s your name?” he asks, all charm.

“Vivian,” I tell him with a shy smile.

“Sit by my side for some extra luck tonight,” he asks, the scent of his cologne a heady mix of sandalwood and cigars.

Myriah laughs, dropping her mouth to my ear. “Go on, that dude is Sebastian Huxley. He’s a billionaire who tips very generously when he wins.”

I can’t help but smile as I take his outstretched hand, feeling the warmth of his touch. I guess it can’t hurt to blend in and look like I’m actually here to have some fun.

Moving over to the table with him, he shows me a set of red dice. “Kiss them for luck, will you, sweetheart.”

I do as he asks, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. He rolls them across the felt table, their clicking echoing through the room. A collective gasp followed by a roar of applause fills the air as he rolls a seven. He grins back at me, his eyes twinkling with mischief, like it’s my lucky day. He wins again and again, the rolls piling up in his favor. Excitement swims within me. I have never gambled before and winning sure is fun.

The excitement draws a bustling crowd around us, and it’s not long before even Valentina Moretti’s attention is piqued. Out of my periphery, I see her glide across the room in a silver gown that sparkles under the lights.

The phone of the dude I’m playing with rings, and a look of surprise flashes across his face as he sees who’s calling and picks up the phone immediately. “Yes, absolutely,” is all I make out. Then he disconnects the call and turns back to me. “That might be me done for the night, sweetheart.” He takes my hand in his and presses his lips to the back of my fingers. “Thank you for an entertaining night, Vivian.” He passes me a handful of light blue chips and goes on his way.

I stare at the back of him in shock. How much money did he just give me? I slip the chips into my handbag for later and stand to return to my friends who have now found a table not too far away with their cocktails.

As I walk toward them, Valentina approaches me with a cunning smile on her red lips. “Haven’t seen you in Sinners’ Paradise before,” she comments, and I stop before her.

With all my effort, I flash the most beautiful smile I can summon. “I’m new in town, just moved here last week. Some of the girls from my new job invited me for a night out.” I test out my story, motioning toward them. Myriah offers a wave, her eyes asking me if I’m alright. I give her a wave in return.

Valentina runs her eyes over me, and I pray to anyone who listens that my disguise will be enough. “You’re working for the Strykers?” I should have known she would be watching everything that happens on the floor. I’m sure Enzo is as well. I glance up to the mezzanine level where the viewing box the boys took me to is, but I can’t tell if he’s in there or not, the glass must be heavily tinted. I have to wonder if my new wealthy friend took off so quickly because Valentina had her beady eyes on me and either she or Enzo made the call.

I tilt my head to the side, playing dumb. “Yeah, how did you know? I just picked a up a job at The Raven’s Nest.”

“Good for you, sweetie.” Her voice drips with the kind of pity that comes from someone who never had to work a real day in her life. This bitch is judging me and my friends while she struts around here in a gown that could probably pay all our rents for a month.

I shrug off her snippy attitude, unbothered by her attempt to get a rise out of me. “I don’t plan on staying there forever, it’s not any little girl’s dream to work in a bar when they grow up, but it’s a way to pay the bills until I can make my dream work. You know.”

A cold, hard glint emanates from her eyes, promising something sinister. “I could see you were an ambitious girl. What’s this big dream you have?”

“I’m an artist. One day I hope to have my own gallery or at least a studio where I can sell my paintings from.” My heart hurts a little using my ma’s backstory to get her attention. But I can’t sing for shit or act, and I know from my research they have a type of girl they pick to help them, and if I want in, I need a talent. I got more off my ma than my looks, I also share her artistic abilities. Luckily.

Her grin widens, revealing a flash of super straight white teeth. “That’s a nice dream.”

“Thanks.” I smile, tucking a strand of my platinum blonde wig behind my ear.

“One I shared when I was your age.” She studies me again, thinking for a moment before holding her hand out toward me. “How rude of me, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Valentina Moretti.” The fancy diamond necklace she’s wearing gleams under the lights almost as much as her cunning eyes.

I reach out, and our hands connect in a brief but firm handshake. “Vivian,” I respond with a grin and a nervous flutter in my belly.

“Vivian,” she tests my name out. “Walk with me, darling.”

I glance over my shoulder toward the girls from the bar I came here with. Myriah nods her head in my direction so I know she’s watching me. “Walk with you?” I ask curiously.

“I own this place, sweetie, and I would like to show you something very special.” Her smile toward me is filled with a genuine warmth, and I know for sure she has no idea who I really am. She never looked that way at Harley. All she sees is a pretty young blonde girl, ripe and ready for her to manipulate. She strides off, and I do the same, stepping in line with her. I glance up to the mezzanine level again for just a split second as we pass under it, but the room is dark. I can’t see any sign of the boys even if they are in there. I also haven’t seen Enzo tonight, and that spooks me a little. I just know he’s lurking around here somewhere.

We weave through the throngs of people gathered around the gaming tables, the sounds of clinking chips and hushed whispers swirling around us as we follow the route the boys took me on the night of the auction.

“If you’re new in town you might not know who I am just yet, but I run countless charities to help the people of this town. One of them is very close to my heart.” She shoves open the double doors to the ballroom we were in just a couple of weeks ago.

I gasp, overwhelmed by the sheer beauty in front of me. There are some of the most beautiful designer dresses I have ever seen all lined up on mannequins.

“Once a month my husband and I run an auction or charity ball with all the proceeds going to help young entrepreneurial women just like yourself. I have a lot of influence.” She laughs, placing a hand over her chest. “We assist these young women in networking with influential individuals, ranging from politicians to producers and everyone in between.”

“How incredibly generous of you,” I gush in fake awe as I wander through the maze of dresses. The detail is divine, and I know they would be worth a small fortune, with beading and lacework that can only be done by hand.

“I have been blessed with great wealth in my life darling, and I think it’s important to help those who have maybe had it a little tough.” Her pitying gaze makes me want to lash out and slap her across her fucking fake face, but I resist the urge, choosing instead to smile and nod in agreement. “As I said, I was an artist myself before I met my husband. Your life may have led you to work in a bar for a gangster, prostitute, or whatever Sloane Stryker is these days, but you don’t have to let that define you. Opportunities can come knocking when you least expect it.” Her hand rests on my shoulder. “I see something in you. A spirit I like the look of, and I would like to help you.” She holds out her hand, gently wrapping her fingers around mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m hosting a party at my estate tomorrow evening for all the girls who will model these gowns at the end of the month in our next auction. I think you should join me. Anyone who is anyone in this town will be there, and if this dream of yours really is important to you, I hope you consider what this could mean for your future.”

I blink back at her, wondering where this is really going. “That’s so kind of you. But you haven’t even seen any of my work.”

“I don’t need to, darling. I can see the determination in your eyes, and I recognize ambition when I see it. You have a quality I don’t find in many. A spark. Have a think about it overnight, but like I tell the other girls, I won’t offer this again, so don’t think on it too long. This might just lead to a lucky break for you.” She takes an invitation from the stage and hands it to me. “Details for if you decide to join us. Won’t keep you from your friends any longer. Looks like you and your gentleman friend won big tonight, by the handful of five thousands he handed you. If I were you, I would go cash those chips in and buy myself something pretty to wear to my garden party.” Her menacing eyes gleam with delight.

Holy fucking shit. Did she just say I have a bag full of five-thousand-dollar chips? All for kissing a few dice! I can see why people flock to this place and get swept up in the glamor and opulence of it all. The chance to change your life in a lucky instant, even if the chance is slim.

I wander out of the ballroom clutching my purse a little tighter, more confused than I was when I got in here tonight. From what I can make out, Valentina is scouting girls she sees at the casino, then sells them some pipe dream that she can change their lives through her charity work. No sign of big bad Enzo, nothing to even arouse suspicion at this point. If I was some unsuspecting girl, I would think all my Christmases have come at once. But I know better.