ONE
LOGAN
It was justafter ten when I pulled into the circular drive of the mansion hidden deep in the forest outside Redemption Hills. Night stretched long and dense across the heavens. It didn’t matter. The sun could sit square in the sky, and you would still be able to feel the darkness radiating from within.
A shroud of debauchery.
An oozing of sin.
You didn’t get this rich playing by the rules.
That was aruleI’d learned at just nineteen.
The moment I came to a stop, the valet opened the door to my Maserati.
“Sir,” he said as he stepped back for me to stand. “Welcome.”
“It is a beautiful evening, isn’t it?” I responded with too bright a smile as I rose from the driver’s seat. I inhaled the cold, mountain air and casually readjusted my suit jacket as a bolt of anticipation jumped into my veins. It curled beneath the surface of my skin like a demon that had finally found a place to sink its talons, and a thirst that felt like an old, familiar friend lit in the well of my chest.
Nine cars were parked facing out along the long, curved drive that looped around the front of the house.
Dealt like a hand of dirty cards.
A Bentley.
An Aston Martin.
A G-Wagon, among others.
I was certain I’d be the proud owner of at least one of them tonight.
The valet slipped into the seat of my car so he could park it next to the rest.
Ante up, baby.
I strode toward the expanse of concrete steps that led to the double doors. When I hit the top landing, one side opened, and I was escorted into Haille Manchief’s home by a guard named Oz who was dressed in a designer suit. His holster peeked out from under his jacket and a massive scar ran the length of his face.
“Mr. Lawson.”
“Oz. It’s a pleasure to see you again. Tell me you brought backup.” I grinned.
Let’s just say the last time I’d visited, there had been a small disagreement when another player had feltplayed.
He roughed a chuckle. “Tell me I’m not going to need any.”
I patted his shoulder. “Now what would be the fun in that?”
“You are dangerous, you know?” He smiled when he asked it. “You’re lucky the boss likes you.”
I ran a hand over my trimmed beard. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Everyone likes me. I mean, come on, man, have you seen me?”
He laughed, his accent thick as he eyed me from the side and said, “I know firsthand that is not true.”
“Jealousy. Admiration.Like.They’re all very closely related. Some people just have a hard time managing the proper way to show them.”
Amusement gleamed in his blue eyes. “Like I said, dangerous.”
He led me deeper into the bowels of the home decorated in dark woods, plush, oversized rugs, and exposed, raw stone. A giant fireplace roared from beneath a two-story mantle in the main room, accenting the carved staircase that led to the floors above.