Page 52 of Playing with Trouble

“You didn’t tell me this was a shirt-optional sort of thing,” I noted to Laney, jerking my thumb at Tate and the others.

“You’re always welcome to take yours off,” Laney replied cheerfully as she gave me a hug.“I’m sure Ford would love that.”

“Not where everyone else can see it,” Ford said beside me, and I couldn’t deny his territorial tone delighted me.

Tate, catching that, barked a laugh and slapped Ford on the shoulder.“Possessive much?”

“You have no idea,” Ford grumbled, but he was smiling.

I grinned, too, remembering our first time together, and how I’d goaded Ford by flirting with those other men at The Players Club by the pool.

We made our way to the starting line, and I tried not to feel overwhelmed, or spooked, by the amount of people around us.Ford was standing right next to me, talking to his coworkers, but my stomach was in knots.

“Are you okay?”Laney asked gently, her face etched with concern.“You look a little pale.”

“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a smile.“Just nervous.You know…crowds.”

Laney’s expression softened.“Ford told me what happened.When he asked me for help replacing your clothes, I got the whole story.Don’t worry.You’re safe, okay?”She looped her arm through mine.“You’ve got the best security in the business all around you, plus me.”

Her voice was so warm and certain it made something tighten in my throat.Laney might not have been military trained like her brother or father, but she was still Ford’s sister, and anyone who underestimated her would undoubtedly regret it.

“Thanks,” I murmured, feeling less stressed.

The starting buzzer went off, announcing the start of the walkathon.The crowd surged forward, and Laney tugged me along, her arm still hooked in mine.The walkathon wasn’t nearly as intense as a marathon.Just a few miles, an easy pace, the kind of event meant to bring people together for a common goal of raising money for a good cause.The Vegas heat climbed fast, though, and we stopped often at the watering stations along the way.

Laney eventually released me, fanning herself dramatically.“Too hot for emotional support handholding,” she said, grinning.

I laughed and nodded, and she stayed close by my side, so I was flanked between her and Ford.She chatted about things going on in her life, and somehow managed to make me laugh when I hadn’t expected to.She complimented me on my taste in art, and when she asked about my job, I tensed at first, but to my surprise she was genuinely curious, not judgmental.

She wanted to know all about dealing cards, and how I did the private parties.It was nice to talk to her.I liked Laney a lot and knew she was someone I could be friends with, outside of Ford.

We were about two-thirds of the way through the walkathon when we stopped at one of the tables handing out water and snacks.

“Thanks,” I said automatically, not really looking at the volunteer’s face as I took the paper cup they handed to me containing Gatorade.It was too crowded and everyone was trying not to jostle everyone else as they gathered around the table.

Just as we started to walk away, someone bumped into Laney and she stumbled, her drink spilling all over her hand and the ground.“Ahh, crap.”

“Here, take mine,” I insisted since I wasn’t overly thirsty, handing her the cup before she could protest.“I’ll grab another one here at this table.”

At the next stand, a group of kids with painted faces were passing out drinks.

“Thanks,” I said, accepting a cup from a smiling young girl with her face painted like a cute cat.

Laney chugged hers in one go, then pulled a face, almost gagging.“Ugh.Still hate Gatorade.”

I blinked at her in surprise.“Then why drink it?”

“Because I need the electrolytes,” she said, laughing.

I laughed too, shaking my head, then took a long drink of mine.It was cherry flavored and cold, the sweetness cutting through the dryness in my throat.Laughter and chatter pressed in around us again, but something about Laney’s silence made me glance her way.She looked pale, and she was clutching her stomach.

“Laney?”I touched her arm.“What’s wrong?”

She swayed slightly.“I feel…dizzy,” she murmured.

Panic immediately gripped me.I glanced around for Ford, who was nearby but talking to an older man he seemed to know.And while all the other guys had stopped while we’d gotten something to drink and surrounded us, they were still a few yards away.

“Ford!”I called out, getting his attention immediately.