The Artist

Chapter 7

6/17

Four and a half days later and we finally reach the place we were headed: A dreaded casino. I can only imagine trying to blend in here.

     The man who had met us in the woods was Tobias, or Toby, as he asked us to call him. He'd thought our nonexistent parents didn't approve of our relationship, so we ran to start a life of our own. It was convincing enough, seeing as how Toby found us. My face continues to burn with the memory.

     The man doesn't seem to be aware of our actual situation, which is good, otherwise I'm not sure what we would've had to do to him. He was nice enough, a little too nosy for my taste, and brought us into his home, where he shoved Drake and I into an empty room. I got the bed, which wasn't as uncomfortable as I'd thought it'd be. The next two days were a blur of meat and carbs, along with taking care of some of his animals in return for his hospitality. Then we all piled into his truck, me squeezed in between the two men, and drove for six hours, soon dropped off in the parking lot of the casino.

     I still can't believe that a possible enemy hadn't taken us in. A miracle, I'd say, in the least.

     I rub my shoulders, still able to feel the imprint of theirs against mine. I'd gotten more warmth than I had accounted for, judging by the sudden rush of departing heat.

     The building in front of me is absolutely massive. Marble arches beckon weary and wealthy alike, and the neon signs shout for me to come inside. Lights are strung along the pillars, illuminating the red carpet leading inside. Fake palm trees line the makeshift runway. The entire structure seems to glow in the darkness of the night. The stars glitter above it, making it even more enchanting. I am breathless, staring at it with wide eyes and an open mouth.

     "Remind me why we're here again," I breathe. He doesn't seem as awestruck as I am, but when he looks at me, his gaze is filled with wonder.

     I already knew why we had come, but Drake answers me. "We are meeting up with another League member. We just have to find her first . . ."

     I stare at the people entering and exiting the edifice, laughing and chatting away, entirely comfortable with their surroundings. I can only wonder how they would react if they knew that abominations were in their midst.

     "What does she look like?" I ask, peering over shoulders and behind me.

     "You're not going to ask of my relations to her?"

     His question may as well have kicked me in the face.

     "Excuse me? That is none of my business."

     Drake smirks and shrugs. "Apparently you like to meddle in others' affairs, from what I hear."

     I grit my teeth, but realize that this is probably the first time I've seen him smile . . . ever. I mimic his expression, and his goes ice-cold.

     "What?" he questions, suspicion in his gaze.

     "You just smiled."

     He huffs, rolling his shoulders. My devil's grin grows at his irritation. "Don't get used to it," he mutters. "Plus, you're going to have to pretend to be my date tonight."

     My nose crinkles, and he notes my disgust with a nod in agreement. "I don't like it either, but the sooner we get this over with, the better."

     We both take a deep breath at the same time before walking inside, Drake's arm a weight on my shoulder. I try not to look bitter.

      We circle the lobby, hoping to catch a glimpse of a faceless figure. After entering the main area, a wave of pungency slams into me. I clear my throat to get out of smelling the champagne, but to no avail. The rancid drink sears my senses.