Damon's POV
The casino grand opening was in couple of hours and I had to appear the part.
My phone was buzzing as I was halfway tying my tie. A new email.
It was from Aria Blackwood.
I opened it and it was the official invitation of the casino with my name on it. I had not even time to smile when my phone rang. Unknown number.
I answered. "You're quick."
Through the line came her laugh. "Well, I said I'd send it, didn't I?"
"You did."
I hope you are coming yet this evening.
I would not miss it, I said smiling a little.
"See you soon, Damon." She said.
"See you, Aria."
The line went dead.
I put the phone aside and breathed deeply. She was making it too easy.
Once prepared I went down the stairs where my guards waited.
"Alright, boss," one of them said. You are sure you want to go into a den full of gamblers and not know how to play?
That is why I have you, I said, sitting down.
The next twenty minutes they taught me the crash course on gambling, the way to hold the cards, what to bet on, what to avoid. I paid attention, where I got the fundamentals.
At the end of it I took a small pill out of the bottle in my pocket and drank it with water. Just in case. I had not been having panic attacks recently but I was not taking chances this evening.
The cars were already lined out outside.
"Let's go," I said.
We passed through the town until the high golden edifice came in sight.
On reaching the entrance, two giant bouncers stood in my way.
"Invitation?" one asked.
I drew my phone and presented them with the email.
They looked at each other and began to laugh. "Yeah right. Anyone can fake that."
I told you, she wrote it herself, I said.
"Sure she did. Move along, sir, before we--"
"Before you what?"
Aria was strolling towards us with a glass of wine in her hand and that same diamond necklace on her neck.
She halted before the bouncers. "Is there a problem?"
One of them said hastily, "Invited by this man, ma'am.
I did ask him, said she, sharply. And then, next time, you will think of embarrassing my guest.
The two men looked shaken. "Apologies, Miss Blackwood. Sir."
It is all right, I replied, but I was liking the picture.
She turned to me and smiled. "You clean up well."
"Thanks. You look... expensive."
She laughed. "That's the idea. I will present you to my family, come on.
She led me inside. The casino appeared even larger inside--great chandeliers, a stage in the middle, and tables crowded with already gambling people.
Leo, her brother, and her father Marcus were standing close to the bar.
"Dad, Leo," she called out. It is Damon, the man who bid me more than I bid at the auction and who handed me the necklace.
Marcus chuckled. Oh, it is you who made my daughter lose her head this morning.
"Guilty," I said with a smile.
Leo shook my hand. "Damon Carter, right? I heard about your company. You bailed out an oil company a few months ago, did you?
"That's right."
"Smart man," Marcus said.
I nodded meekly, and my eyes were already sweeping the crowd. I wasn't here for compliments. I was looking for two people.
But I didn't see them.
Leo soon went to the stage and made a brief address. "Welcome, everyone. It is time to make this a night to remember. Blackwood Casino is officially open!
There were shouts of approval and the games commenced.
Aria pulled me into a table where her father, brother and three other men were already seated.
I want to know how good you are, she said, smiling.
We played some rounds, and Aria continued to lose. She groaned after every game.
"This is ridiculous!" she said. Oh, I tell you the cards are against me.
Perhaps you should have a little luck, I said, and leaned toward him.
"Then give me some."
I grinned and put my hand on hers giving her a new pack of card. "Try again."
She drew her cards. This was the first time she won that night.
Her eyes widened. "What the--"
I guess I am a good luck, I said.
She laughed. "Don't go anywhere, then."
Her father and brother too were laughing. Leo's eyes sparkled. "You're good, Damon. Later on this evening you must play me a little game. My place."
I shook my head. Tempting, but I get out as soon as I get home. I barely sleep as it is."
Then do not go home, Leo said smiling. "I'm hosting an afterparty. You will wish to be awake at that. Entertainment, drinks, the works, live. Come, and we'll play there."
I smirked slightly. "Alright. You've convinced me."
Aria clapped. "Perfect!"
People applauded, alcohol was flowing and by the time the afterparty was in place Aria was already slightly intoxicated.
We got into the same car. She continued to speak, words falling over one another, with laughs.
The place we are going, you know, off-grid, giggled she said. "No cameras, no reporters. Just family and... special guests.
Sounds... private, I said, as though I did not care.
As we got there, it was an old warehouse on the outside but on the inside, it was luxury once more.
I had one glass of champagne and waited hours but they did not show signs of them, just people partying and drinking.
Maybe I was wrong. Maybe they weren't here.
Then Leo climbed to the small stage and took a mic. Ladies and gentlemen, said he smiling. It is the time we have all been waiting.
All stared at one another when a laborer drew a big black curtain in one corner of the room.
And then I saw them.
Ethan. Sophie.