Page 53 of Dark Alliance
A muscle ticced in Zeno’s jaw. His eyes flared with sudden violent rage, and his fists clenched at his sides. For a split second, I prepared to draw my weapon, fully expecting him to try to drag her out by her hair right here on the ballroom floor.
But the flash of a society photographer's camera went off ten feet away.
Under the public gaze of Las Vegas's elite, Zeno swallowed his fury. His lips curled into a terrifying, rigid smile, projecting the image of a billionaire mingling with his peers.
"We will see about that," he murmured softly, the threat aimed directly at Daphne’s throat.
Without another word, he pivoted on his heel. He stormed into the crowd, his security team swallowing him as he immediately donned his public mask to greet the mayor, biding his time.
Aidon smiled and nodded, but I could see the underlying restlessness as he gradually moved closer to us. He and Esme mingled with other guests, making small talk, and when they approached, Aidon positioned Esme next to Daphne and me.
“Looks like a successful evening,” Aidon remarked.
“Yes, of course, we met our fundraising goal,” I replied.
“Excellent work,” he said, nodding and raising his glass of champagne in a mock toast.
“It’s for a good cause,” I responded.
“It is,” he agreed. “Although it could have come at a more convenient time, couldn’t it?”
Was he suggesting that he knew?
“What do you mean by that?” Daphne asked. Aidon shrugged. “I’m confident we share the same sources.”
“The two of you look as tense as he does,” Esme commented as she leaned in, making sure only we heard her remark.
“Is it that obvious?” Daphne asked.
A slight smile touched her lips. “Perhaps it’s just because I’m aware of the threat.”
“In that case, yes, the timing could have been better,” Daphne said. “But this event has been planned for months. Hopefully, whatever is coming our way won’t arrive until this is over.”
“I agree.” Aidon scanned the room. “I’d hate for innocent people to get hurt. But considering the reputation of our shared enemies, I wouldn’t put it past them.”
“Nor would I,” I agreed. “That’s why this room is full of hired guns. Our shared enemies, as you call them, would be taking quite a risk to choose to strike tonight.”
“That’s true,” Aidon said. “What about him?”
He gestured with his chin toward Zeno.
“What about him? Whose side is he on?”
“Aren’t we all on the same side? Us against the syndicates?” I asked.
“I’m not so sure Zeno’s aware of our unspoken alliance.”
“That will only hurt him,” I replied.
The sound of breaking glass interrupted me. We all turned as a waiter dropped his tray, but it wasn’t an accident. It was a tactical sweep. He pulled an automatic rifle from beneath his jacket and chaos erupted.
Screams, shattering crystal, and the rhythmic thud-thud-thud of lead hit expensive decor.
I reached for Daphne, but she was already a blur of midnight silk. She didn't wait for a savior. She kicked a heavy mahogany chair into the lead shooter's path, a split-second distraction that saved our lives, then dove for cover behind a massive marble pillar.
“Get behind the marble, Daphne!” Zeno bellowed from ten feet away, drawing his piece as he dove toward our position.
Zeno reached us just as the first volley of glass sprayed the room like shrapnel. I hauled Daphne the rest of the way behind the massive marble pillar and used my body as a heavy shield against the debris.
