y asked.
Milan pushed him aside. "No, this is just too good. I'll tell him."
"Tell me what?" I asked.
"Anya has been barred from playing," Artemis, Tony, and Milan said together.
I turned to Alan. "What are they talking about?" I asked.
"Turns out the Green Witch Ayaan is known for more than just her shady plays against our girl Arrowa, here," Alan said. "She was cited by the tournament organizers as 'play that does not befit the tournament spirit.'"
"She went on a tirade about the freedom that Dark Flag permits and how that is the whole point of the game," Artemis said. "Really, it just turned into a wicked witch monologue. Ended up sounding like some serious jealousy."
"She railed against you as limiting the game's potential with your moralistic overtones and clan hierarchy," Alan said. "Some people agree with her, but the major consensus is that Dark Flag has turned out to be a mirror for what we wish society to become, not the way we fear it is heading."
"Don't worry," Milan said. He patted my cheek. "You came out looking like a hero."
"Still," I said. "I hope it’s enough to offset the whole police arrest thing." The night flashed through my memory again and I reached for Quinn's hand. All I cared about is that she forgave me and we could move past it.
Quinn squeezed my hand. "It’s a great story now," she said. "The hero betrayed by someone close to him, tricked by a beautiful but underhanded rival, and finally cleared of all wrongdoing."
"By a true savior," I said. I pulled Quinn close to me and kissed her on the lips.
"Well, it’s about time," Milan said.
"Oh, I'm so glad! Didn't I tell you, Alan? I told you," Artemis said. She elbowed Alan sharply in the ribs.
"I know, I know," Alan said. "I mentioned the whole jealousy thing. It’s not like Anya was the only one that noticed how Owen looked at her."
Quinn buried her face in my chest. "Her?" she asked. "I'm standing right here."
"Yes, you are," I said. "Clan, I think it is about time I introduce you to my girlfriend, Quinn Thomas."
Their good-natured jokes and comments faded. The whole gold spectacle of the Caesar's Palace lobby faded, too. For a moment, there was just Quinn and I.
I held my breath. I should have discussed it with her before, but it just seemed right. I hoped it was right. I hoped for more, but this was the first step and I did not want to stumble over it.
"I'll just go get my room key," Quinn said. She waved to everyone and went off to the counter.
I played it casual and chatted with the other players for a few more minutes and then caught up with Quinn as she headed for the elevators. Somehow, in the immense hotel full of people, we managed to get an elevator all to ourselves.
"Too much?" I asked. "I know we didn't talk about it, but now at least you know how I feel."
Quinn shook her head. "Owen, this is a big tournament for you, and the last thing I want to do is get in your way. Whatever we are does not have to be part of your public image. I know you fought hard to get where you are and I don't want to cause any controversy for you."
I dropped my bag and took both her hands. "That's all in the past. And now that you are moving on with your career and Dark Flag as your hobby, there is no reason why I can't tell everyone who you are and what you mean to me."
Quinn went still, her hands warm in mine. "What do I mean to you?"
I had to kiss her three times before the words would come. "Everything," I said. "Quinn, I love you."
The look in her chocolate brown eyes melted all my fears. Quinn reached up on tiptoe and kissed me again. "And I love you."
I had just wrapped my arms tightly around her waist to delve deeper into the kiss when the elevator doors opened.
"There you are!" a voice called.
Mr. And Mrs. Thomas appeared. "We were just knocking on your door. I thought you would have checked in by now. Don't you have a game to be getting ready for?" Mrs. Thomas asked.