Chapter 10 Georgie
GEORGIE
The elevator spilled me out onto the main casino floor.
My chest was tight, my eyes were burning. Like I wanted to cry, but I couldn’t. I pressed my hand to my face. I hadn’t cried in so long.
Not when my father died. Not when Nash never came. Not even when I’d lost Viv.
I charged through the casino, the bells and whistles of the slots echoing in my ears. I already felt over-sensitized from everything that had happened tonight. Everything seemed to close in on me.
I should never have tried to find Nathaniel…Nash. He wasn’t Nathaniel anymore. That dangerous, cold man was not the young man I’d known. That I’d thought myself in love with.
You’re not strong enough. You don’t have what it takes.
Screw him. I’d dealt with everything that life had thrown at me. I wouldn’t let it break me.
I picked up speed, running through the casino, and stumbled outside. I gulped in air.
Parked outside were two Ferraris and a Lamborghini. Laughing people moved past me—some in jeans, others dressed in suits and evening gowns. Everyone was welcome at the casino to have fun and lose their money.
They were all going about their lives, and they had no idea other people were suffering. I had no life to go back to. I couldn’t leave, not only because I had nothing left to go back to, but because I knew Snyder and his thugs would hurt more women.
They had to be stopped.
Next time, I wouldn’t hesitate.
I’d prove to Nash that I did have what it took.
I strode onto the sidewalk and set my shoulders back. I needed a plan. One where I took out Snyder and Bruno, and preferably, didn’t get caught.
I knew their routines. I knew they left the club at around 3 AM most nights.
They often had dinner at Sparrow + Wolf, one of the most well-known restaurants in Las Vegas, then drove together to the club. They’d spend the bulk of the night there, then they’d leave to head back to Snyder’s mansion at 3 AM.
I’d take them out then. When they were sated, tired, and buzzed.
Resolve filled me.
I would do this. Alone.
I didn’t need Nash. I only needed myself.
I carefully loaded the gun.
I could do this.
For Viv.
Shoving the gun in my bag, I slid out of my car.
A cool breeze danced around me, and I pulled my jacket closer. I was surprised at how cold the nights could get here in the winter. Even at three o’clock in the morning, Vegas wasn’t asleep. Lights blinked from all directions, and I could hear shouts, laughter, and the thump of music.
I didn’t let myself think of Nash.
There is just you. You’re the only person you can count on.
I pulled out my phone as I walked and listened to the message from Viv.
“Hey, Georgie. I just… I just wanted to tell you that I love you.”
I listened to the end. “I hope you’re sipping pink champagne, Viv,” I murmured.
I didn’t care what happened to me now. If I survived this, and took out Snyder and his vultures, I’d get in my car and drive. As far away as possible.
I thought of Viv’s grave in the cemetery here.
I hadn’t been there. I’d still been in hospital when they’d buried her. I hadn’t been able to make myself go to see her gravestone.
It didn’t matter. She wasn’t there anymore. She was flying free.
I stiffened my spine. The closer I got to Red Neon, the louder the distant thump of music. There was no line outside at this time. I nestled into the shadows across the street and waited.
Sure enough, like clockwork, Snyder’s car—an expensive BMW sedan—pulled up, idling at the curb.
I dragged in a deep breath. He’d walk out soon.
I pulled out the gun. It felt heavy. My fingers clutched it.
I’d always been taught that taking a life was wrong. To trust in the law. I’d also been taught that bad guys didn’t get away with their crimes.
Unfortunately, I’d learned that little nugget wasn’t true.
The doors opened. I saw a group of giggling, tipsy clubgoers stumble out. The women were all arm in arm, laughing.
So carefree.
They disappeared down the street, then a second later, the door opened again.
Bruno walked out.
My heart hit my ribs. He was glancing back over his shoulder. He wasn’t smiling but didn’t look any worse for wear after my little attack earlier. Except for the bandaged cut on his cheek. I felt a spurt of satisfaction.
Alden followed him out.
Then Snyder.
I felt the roughness of the brick behind me and the cool air hitting my flushed skin. He wore a slick suit, and was smiling.
The singer was tucked under his arm.
My heart beat like a clock.
“Come on, baby, we’ll party together at my place,” Snyder drawled.
Shandy looked hesitant. “It’s late…”
Reaching up, he tucked some of her blonde hair behind her ear. Then he lowered his head and nibbled at her lips.
Rage oozed out of my pores. Viv was barely in her grave.
“Frank really likes you.” He nodded at Bruno and the man moved forward. He stepped up close behind the woman, too close. He set his big hands on her hips.
“And I like to watch,” Snyder added.
She jolted. “Dean…I like you.”
“I like you too, baby. So much. You want to make me happy, right?”
I’d had enough.
I lifted the gun and stalked forward. My hand shook a bit. Dammit. I gritted my teeth and firmed my grip.
This ended tonight.
I aimed and fired.
A bullet clipped Bruno. With a shout, he spun.
I fired again and again. The singer screamed. Snyder dove to the ground, dragging her with him.
The other guard fired at me.
I kept striding forward, uncaring. I fired at Alden. He fired back and I felt a burn across my arm. Gasping, I kept pulling the trigger.
Alden jerked and staggered back, hitting the front wall of the club.
I circled the car.
The woman looked up at me, tears and terror on her face.
“Do you see what he’s really like, now? He’s a monster. He wants to share you with his friends, record you, ruin you. Run.” I waved the gun. “Run!”
She hesitated, then scrambled up and ran.
I turned the gun on Snyder. His face was twisted with rage, but I saw a flicker of fear.
“Just you and me, Snyder,” I gritted out.
Then his gaze moved past me.
There was a flicker of movement, and that was the only warning I got.
Beefy arms wrapped around me and lifted me off my feet.
No! I’d forgotten about the last of Snyder’s posse. Zanotti.
I fought. I kicked and jerked. The gun fell from my hands and hit the sidewalk.
“Big mistake, Georgiana.” Snyder rose, dusting himself off. He nodded at Bruno
Bruno stepped in front of me. He raised his bulky arm, and the vicious backhand caught me in the face.
It hurt. Pain exploded through my skull and my eyes watered. I tasted blood.
“She’s ballsy tonight. Attacking me. Drugging me.” His next punch was to my sore ribs. I cried out. The pain made nausea rise inside me. “Shooting at us.” He reached out and grabbed the bullet wound on my arm and jabbed a finger into it.
I bit my lip to hold back my scream. These assholes wouldn’t get my screams.
“I warned you the first time not to come here,” Bruno growled. “But you didn’t learn.”
Snyder stepped closer, smirking. “Now, we’re going to teach you a very painful lesson about messing with me.” He gripped my chin and forced my head up. “You might not survive this one.”