Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Delilah and I chat and comment on how beautiful everyone’s dresses and suits are as we walk around. Occasionally, we shake hands with people who recognize me. By pure chance, everyone we make physical contact with wins big in their next game.

“Amazing luck people are having this evening, isn't it?” I quip as I watch

Delilah pat a man playing cards on the back. He draws a king card and lays down a royal flush.

“Oui, lucky indeed,” she muses.

We get to a roulette table and I look around, realizing we lost our guards and Musu, Carly, and Diane. I rub my fingers over my forehead to hide my eyes.

“Marco? I’m sorry, we weren't paying attention. We lost you guys,” I apologize through a mind link, “We are at the roulette table.”

“We've got eyes on you. I'm only ten paces back. You're fine,” he responds. I look back and see Marco towering above the crowd, "Tyree is with the other ladies.”

“Excuse me, monsieur,” Delilah says to the man running the game, “How do you play?”

He patiently explains the rules. It sounds like there's a lot of luck involved and no one else is at the table, so Delilah insists we should play. We lay a couple chips down on different numbers and the man lets Delilah drop the ball into the wheel. We watch the ball circle around until it slides into a numbered slot.

“Does that mean I won?” Delilah chirps.

“It does indeed, mademoiselle,” he grins, handing her another chip. He hands me the ball bearing, “Mrs. Mason, care to take a turn?”

“I would love to!” I place a chip ona different number on the felted table. Delilah places her chips as well.

I drop the ball and watch it swirl around the wheel until it lands in another numbered slot...which just happens to be where Delilah placed one of her chips.

“Another winner,” he announces, handing Delilah another chip. As we continue to play, people gather around, hoping to hop on the winning streak my best friend and I are on. The man switches out our chips for a higher denomination until our chips are worth one hundred thousand dollars each.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Marco watching carefully. Musu is standing next to him with Carly and Diane ata blackjack table nearby. Tyree is positioned on the other side of us, watching intently as well.

“Delilah, I think this will probably be the last game, then we should go find Bronx. Make sure he hasn't gotten himself into too much trouble,” I scrunch my face up at her.

“Well then, we should go all in,” she smiles at the surrounding people.

Lex suddenly perks up in my mind, " Kas, danger, but it's not Leticia."

“Ladies, can I interest you in a drink?’ a server comes up behind us, hastily. When I turn around, Dionysus is standing with a small tray of champagne flutes and wine glasses. He is standing uncomfortably close to me, handing me a glass of champagne.

I

She said to take care of VIP guests, so I brought a glass of our best champagne, just for you,” his eyes betray

gesture, but no thank you. I don’t drink,” I shake my head and hand

Mason, I insist,” he says through gritted teeth. His expression darkens as he glares at me. I shake my head at him silently and brush my fingers against the side of my

Katherine was really the one

contents, if I drink whatever's in that glass, I'm going to

the fucking wine, Kas!” he quickly becomes unhinged at my resistance, grabbing my wrist, and yanking me closer. Instinctively, I put my other hand on top of his and let heat course through, burning him and ready to throw him over my shoulder before I remember humans are surrounding us. I pull the heat back, but don't move my hand. Dionysus freezes when he realizes Marco has a gun pressed against his temple and a large hand squeezed tightly to his shoulder. The tray he is holding smashes to the floor as Tyree grabs his other arm and twists it behind his

and grabs Dionysus by the neck, lifting him off the ground with one hand. Marco and Tyree both take a step

see Dionysus looking at me, his eyes bulging out of his head, with Bronx's

you are?” I hear Saint's voice growl from Bronx, “ You think you

Goddess, he is so damn

to get him under control before Saint shifts

as sends me extra strength to match Saint's

when six security guards come running up. I move around and put myself in front of Bronx, hoping no one notices his dark eyes. I gently place my hand on his chest and catch

fucking kill him. Snap his neck like a dry twig,” Saint's voice rages as Bronx's whole body shakes in anger. I put my hand on the elbow of the arm holding Dionysus and very carefully press down. He lowers Dionysus to the ground, but doesn’t let go of his throat. I don't turn around, but I can hear him gagging and struggling against Bronx's vice like

It’s going to be okay,” I say in a soothing voice, trying to keep as still as possible. If I move too quick, Saint could go off the deep end, “Come on, Sweetheart. Please don't hurt him. Let security deal with it. You andI can go for a walk. Get some fresh air? Just the

give this roulette ball back to the nice man, first” I drop

Tyree distract Bronx while they

Mrs. Mason?” the

to leave,” I say, taking Bronx's

million dollars,”

money wired. And make sure Katherine holds up

around at the scene. I watch as they continue to hold

back to the hotel. I think we need to give Saint a chance to cool down,” I send

you,” he replies, “James will escort everyone else

Anger is still rolling off of Bronx as we enter an open square with a fountain in the middle.

I ask, standing between his legs while he wraps his

you,” he

that’s why I have guards, Bronx. So you and Saint don’t have to threaten to kill anyone,” I explain, “Marco

at me, still gripping my waist, “All I could think

distance. A few people stroll