Luckily, Solem doesn’t linger outside for long. I keep my grip iron tight on Lukas’s arm, refusing to release him until I’m absolutely certain that Solem is gone. Not just out of sight, but out of range. I hold on so tightly that I am probably digging my nails into his skin. If he ends up with claw marks it’s his own damn fault for being stupid and endangering both of us. Only when the street is empty, when the tension in the air finally breaks, do I let out a shaky breath and pry my fingers away from Lukas’s sleeve. My hand aches from how hard I was holding on. Everything falls quiet again. But we’re still not completely alone. I glance over and notice that the woman from the high roller’s table is still standing outside. She lets out a heavy sigh, and for just a second, the mask slips. She looks tired. Not just physically, but emotionally drained, like someone who’s been carrying the weight of a thousand secrets for far too long. Then, just as quickly, she straightens up, smoothing over the exhaustion like it never existed. But she doesn’t immediately go back inside. She just… Lingers. I get the feeling she’s taking a moment for herself. And then, Lukas starts walking toward her. I groan. Oh, for the love of- What exactly is his plan here?! Damn it, Lukas! I know he’s desperate for answers, but he takes way too many risks! The woman frowns as she notices him approaching, deliberately, like he’s on some kind of mission. I scramble after him. Is he just planning to walk up and grab her arm so he can read her mind? Just casually invade her thoughts with no actual explanation for his behaviour? This is ridiculous. I am supposed to be the impulsive one here! Lukas is the one who plans things out. He’s the careful, strategic one! What the hell is happening? Have I started to rub off on him?! Because if so, it is not in a good way! I reach his side just as he stops in front of the woman. I wait half a second, giving him the benefit of the doubt that he might actually have a plan. He glances at me. That’s it. No words. No explanation. Just a look. Alright then. Apparently, the plan is my problem. I appreciate the trust. I do NOT appreciate the pressure. Yep. Lukas and I will definitely be having words about this later. Because just because he can read my mind most of the time, that doesn’t mean I automatically know what he’s thinking. The guy has got to learn how to communicate. But right now? I don’t have time to be annoyed. I need to come up with a lie. And I need to do it fast.
I take a deep breath, slip into character, and put on my best flustered expression.
“Hey there!” I say, rushing forward as if I’m in the middle of a minor crisis.
“Uhm, this is so embarrassing, but did you happen to see a phone anywhere back inside the casino? I can’t find mine, and I think I might have dropped it in there.” I let out a dramatic sigh, adding an extra touch of frustration.
“Sadly, this dress doesn’t have pockets.” I lament, shaking my head.
“Disappointing, I know.” I sigh again. The frown that crosses my face is only partly exaggerated, because honestly? This dress would be infinitely better if it had pockets. The woman arches an eyebrow, studying me for a second.
“No, I didn’t see a phone anywhere.” She says, pausing briefly before offering a small smile.
“Your dress is nice, though. Not really my color… But it suits you.” She sounds a little uncomfortable, but not insincere. I blink, momentarily thrown. I wasn’t expecting a compliment.
My gaze flickers down to her dress, black, sleek, and made of… Something. Leather? Snake skin? It’s hard to tell, but it’s striking. Bold. I kind of hope it’s not real snake skin, because that feels ethically questionable. Unless she has some kind of magic that lets her collect it without harming snakes? That seems possible. I mean, magic is a thing, after all. I don’t know why I suddenly care about whether or not this woman is ethically sourcing her wardrobe, but I do. Maybe it’s because she complimented my dress. Or maybe it’s because she winked at me earlier when Lukas and the annoying guy were having their ridiculous pissing contest. Either way, I feel an unexpected sense of feminine solidarity.
“Thanks!” I reply with genuine warmth.
“I like your dress too, though it’s probably not my style. I don’t think I could pull it off.” I add. As I say it, I push my luck just a little. I step in closer, reaching out to lightly touch the fabric. Now, normally? This would be totally weird behavior toward someone I just met. But right now, it serves a very specific purpose, giving Lukas an excuse to make contact with her. Sure enough, he places a light, fleeting hand on her arm, using the distraction to skim her thoughts. I keep her focus on me, making a big deal out of examining the texture of the fabric.
“Wow.” I murmur, running my fingers over it.
“This is incredible. Is it real?” I ask. She looks faintly amused by all the attention, but not bothered. She also doesn’t answer the question. Hmm…
Once I sense that Lukas has gotten what he needed, I back off, offering a sheepish smile.
“Sorry.” I say, putting on my best ‘I just realised I committed a social faux pas’ expression.
“That was totally rude of me. I just wanted to see your dress.” I tell her. It’s only kind of a lie, which makes it the best kind of deception. Also, I am fairly certain her dress is made of real scales. Which means it must have cost her a fortune. The woman waves me off like it’s nothing. “Don’t worry about it. It was worth it just to watch you bruise Arnold’s ego earlier.” She says. I frown slightly.
“His name was Arnold?” I say dubiously. She smirks.
“Yup.” She confirms.
“Huh. Not what I expected.” I comment. She laughs.
“You didn’t even learn his name? Wow. He really had no chance.” She seems thrilled by this fact. I shrug.
“To be fair, he never told me his name.” I point out.
“Probably assumed you’d be screaming it later.” She quips. I shudder and make a face.
“Gross.” I say flatly. Lukas looks equally as disgusted. She just grins. Then, to my surprise, she turns to Lukas, her gaze appraising.
“Your guy here is much cuter anyway.” She remarks, winking at him. It doesn’t seem like she’s hitting on him or anything, she’s just stating a fact. I nod along immediately.
“Right?! That Arnold guy was seriously delusional.” I agree. She snorts.
“He always acts like that. Thinks he’s a big deal. I’ve been so sick of it. It was fun to see someone put him in his place a little bit.” She seems pleased. Then, she offers a slight smirk. “I’m Vianey, by the way.” She introduces herself. I almost tell her my real name. Almost. But I don’t. Instead, I keep up the cover.
“And I’m Ari, this is Daniel.” I say smoothly. Lukas gives a small nod of acknowledgment.
And just like that, I feel a tiny pang of regret. I like her. She seems kind of cool. And I hate that I have to lie.
Our taxi pulls up in front of the casino, headlights cutting through the dim glow of the streetlights. Vianey glances at it, then back at us, nodding slightly.
“I think that’s your ride.” She says.
“It was fun meeting you both. I look forward to seeing what other trouble you cause.” She adds with a knowing smirk. I pause. Huh? What does she mean by that? I study her expression, searching for any hint of deeper meaning. She sounds amused, not suspicious, but there’s something else there. Something I can’t quite put my finger on. Lukas, beside me, gives her a small nod. It’s subtle, but there’s something different about it. Almost like… Respect. Interesting.
I flick a glance at him, instantly curious. What did he see in her mind that earned his approval so quickly? Lukas doesn’t trust people easily. He barely tolerates most of them. And yet, after just a few minutes of conversation, he’s treating Vianey like she’s earned something. He wasn’t even PART of the conversation. He hasn’t said a word. I really want to ask about it. Like, right now. But, annoyingly, this is a random taxi. We decided not to bother Cole unless we had actual useful information. He shouldn’t be anywhere near Solem anyway, just in case. So, for now, we keep our mouths shut. Lukas opens the car door, gesturing for me to get in first. I do, reluctantly shelving my questions, for now. He slides in beside me, and the driver pulls away from the curb, the bright lights of the casino fading into the distance. I fold my arms and sulk slightly. Waiting until we get home to talk about this is already going to be painful. But if I have to wait that long? It can definitely wait until I’ve showered and changed into my pyjamas. Priorities.