Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 108362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 433(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 433(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
“Shannon,” he breathed in between kisses.
“Jace,” I responded, his name half gratitude, half plea.
I cupped his jaw and pulled him back to me, resuming the kiss when a loud vibration broke through the haze of our connection. His phone was ringing. I felt it buzzing through his pocket as his tongue danced sinfully along mine.
Quickly, he pulled it out and silenced it, but almost as soon as he did, it started ringing again.
“Bloody hell, Elias, it can’t be that serious,” he muttered.
Noting it was Elias gave me pause. I really didn’t want to stop kissing Jace, but the call could be important. Elias hadn’t turned up to the memorial, and I remembered what I’d overheard last night, how he might owe money to some bad people. Jace had just silenced the call again when I placed a hand to his chest.
“Maybe you should answer.” I was still breathless from his kisses.
Jace shook his head. “It’s just Elias.”
“Right, but he might be in trouble. He could need your help.”
“He probably just wants to harass me about writing new songs for the next album.”
“I don’t think it’s that,” I blurted, and Jace frowned.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
I hadn’t planned to tell Jace about what I’d overheard, instead intending to speak with Elias privately. But if something bad had happened, then Jace needed to know.
“I … I think Elias might be in debt. I overheard him on the phone last night pleading with someone for more time to pay back what he owes. Plus, he never showed at the memorial, and it’s not like him to miss something that important.”
Jace’s expression hardened, and then his phone started ringing again. This time, he answered with a gruff, “Elias, what is it?”
I couldn’t hear the reply, but Jace’s features grew tense before he said, “Okay. Try to calm down. I’ll be there soon.”
He hung up then let out a long sigh, rubbing at his temples as he explained, “He joined a private poker game at a casino in town last night. Obviously, he was trying to win back whatever money he owes. He wouldn’t say how much he lost, but the people organising the game won’t let him leave until he pays up. He’s been stuck there all day. I’m going to have to try and plead his case.”
“I’m coming with you,” I said.
“No, you should stay here. Isla’s parked outside. She’ll keep watch over the house.”
“Jace, I’m not letting you go to some shady casino on your own.”
“I’ll have Dixon—”
“Dixon’s been working around the clock. He deserves not to be dragged out of bed in the middle of the night for this. Leave him. We’ll go together, and Isla can come with us.”
Jace didn’t look happy about the plan, but he must’ve seen the determination on my face because he relented. “Fine, but you need to stay by my side the whole time.”
I nodded, then went to grab my coat and handbag. Jace quickly filled Isla in on where we were going, and then we were off. I noted the casino was in a dicey part of the city. What on earth had Elias gotten himself into?
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Jace said, breaking the quiet.
“I’m not sure. What are you thinking?”
“Well, I’m just now piecing a lot of stuff together. Elias is constantly playing some roulette game on one of those gambling apps. I thought it was a harmless bit of fun, but now I’m wondering …”
“If he has a gambling addiction?” I finished.
Jace let go of the steering wheel for a second to rub his jaw. “Yeah.”
“It’s possible. Those apps are highly addictive.”
“Bloody hell, what a fucking family. First me, now Elias.”
“Hey, it might not be as bad as you think. Maybe he just got himself into a tough spot and lost control of the situation.”
“Hmm.” Jace didn’t sound convinced as he quickly parallel parked and then came around to help me out. I noted the graffiti on the building next to the casino, the unpleasant stench of urine and spilled alcohol masking the street. A group of sketchy looking men stood outside, smoking cigarettes and talking in hushed tones. A few of them glanced our way, taking our measure. On instinct, I sidled closer to Jace.
Isla was by our side a second later, and we approached the casino. After checking our IDs, the doorman let us in.
“Elias said they were keeping him in one of the private rooms in the back,” Jace said to Isla.
“I’ll go check it out.”
She disappeared into the casino. The place wasn’t too busy, just a few people playing slot machines, and a couple others around a roulette table. I hated to be so judgmental, but it was a real dive. There was a faint smell of mould and the sort of worn, dark patterned carpet on the floor that disguised a myriad of sins. I wouldn’t risk ordering a drink at the bar since it didn’t strike me as the sort of place with good hygiene practices.