Page 57 of Four Cards Exposed

Speak of the devil.

She turned to look at James, pissed off that even in her high heels, she had to look up at him.

She glared at him before turning her attention back to the rag in her hand, as if it were much more interesting.

“Hey,” he said. His fingers closed around her wrist—his touch warm and light.

Susan’s free hand snaked out before she could stop herself, striking his cheek with a resounding clap. The few people in the bar turned to stare.

James froze. Shock filled his expression.

Susan seethed. She couldn’t tell him what was going on, not without breaking their cover, which she’d never do.

She saw the moment he realized what had happened. His blue gaze softened.

“Sweetheart,” he said, his voice low and gravely.

“Don’t sweetheart me. I think I’m going to stay away from men. None of you can be trusted.”

He seemed about to say anything else, but then somebody else was there as well. Pia.

“Milena? Can you help me in the kitchen?”

Susan followed Pia into the space behind the bar.

“Hey. Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine. Jay wasn’t going to hurt me.”

Pia laughed. “I was more worried about you beating up Sean’s prized fighter.”

Susan smiled weakly. “That wouldn’t look good, would it?” She sniffed loudly. “He’s an asshole.”

“They’re all assholes,” Pia confirmed. “Listen, Milena, I know this isn’t my business, and I’ll shut up if you want me to, but I … I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I made.”

Susan felt the pressure behind her eyes that told her she was about to start crying.

“My daughter is the best thing that ever happened to me. I wouldn’t trade her for the world. But if I could have had her with … with a man who stood beside me …” She sniffed as well, wiping at her nose with her sleeve. “If he’s not like that, don’t settle, Milena.”

Susan looked at James, who still stood, frozen, on the other side of the bar. She saw a man who valued honor and control above everything. A man who would never compromise on his values. A man any woman would be proud to call her own. Even if he’d hurt her badly.

She held the woman’s reddened hand between her own two hands.

“Thank you, Pia. You’re a good friend.”

18

* * *

James

James jogged around the deck, stretching his legs. Inside, hundreds of people, guests and workers alike, milled around the bar area and in the casino. But up here, for now, he was completely alone, just him and the dark gray sky.

He stopped and stared out at the faint skyline of the disappearing city. Soon, they’d be too far to be able to see land.

James trusted Lorraine implicitly. She and the team would have found a way onto the ship and would make contact when the time was right.

Assuming you’re right.