The Tenth House

by Ashley R Scott

  “Look around you. Why not be a part of this? Casinos are everything in this town. You get to be among the people.” Bos smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

  “Casinos are evil. They’ve sucked the life and business out of this city.” I lean back in my chair with a little too much force.

  “Ciara!” Jocelyn fidgets, crimson staining her cheeks. “She doesn’t mean that. Ciara has a management job handling the money for a casino down the street.”

  Bos chuckles, greed twinkling in his eyes. “Then you understand the call of money. You understand how easy it is to rise to the top here. How easy it is to get what you want when so many of the people here are so willing to hand it over.” He leans across the table in front of Jocelyn. “You and I are not so different.”

  “I only do what I have to.” I drum my nails on the table and try to look away but can’t. I don’t like this man and won’t be compared to him. I’m past my limit for creepy guys in one day.

  “Don’t we all?” Bos leans back, chuckling softly. He gently lays his hand across Jocelyn’s arm.

  I turn, staring out over the railing, my attention on the gamblers meandering between the machines below. Who is this guy and how do we get away from him? My thoughts are sharply interrupted by an elbow in my ribs. I suck in a sharp breath through my teeth and give Jocelyn my best what the hell look. Frowning, she turns back to Bos.

  “I’d love to.” Jocelyn cups her chin in her hand, leaning on the table.

  Bos runs his gaze over Jocelyn, and a flash of green and brown swirls briefly light up his eyes. His gaze flickers to me before returning to Jocelyn.

  “If you’ll excuse me.” He nods at his security as he leaves.

  Leaning close to Jocelyn, I whisper in her ear. “Did you see that?”

  “See what?” Jocelyn frowns.

  “His eyes. They changed. They did this weird swirly thing, like mixing green and brown paint.” I shoot a quick glance over my shoulder to make sure Bos isn’t coming back, and his henchmen aren’t paying attention, before scooting closer. “And love to what?”

  “I knew you weren’t listening.” Jocelyn pouts. “Bos asked me out. And there’s nothing wrong with his eyes. They’re gorgeous.” She pulls a compact out of her jacket, checking her already perfect makeup.

  “Seriously, you didn’t see that?” I bite my bottom lip, a knot forming in the pit of my stomach. “I can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. I don’t know. Maybe I’m just tired. We should get out of here before he comes back.”

  Jocelyn firmly snaps the compact shut, slipping it back into her pocket. She looks at me, her eyes cold and slightly glazed. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Please. I don’t like this.” I sneak another glance over my shoulder, wiping my cold, sweaty hands on my pants.

  “You never like anything that isn’t in your safe, practical little bubble. I haven’t been on a date in a long time, and just because you got dumped doesn’t mean I can’t try and enjoy myself.” Jocelyn’s voice rises, thin and sharp.

  Her words are as good as a slap in the face. I scoot my chair back. “That’s low.”

  Jocelyn stares at me, a flicker of regret flashing across her face before disappearing behind the cold mask. “Well, it’s true.”

  “Let’s just go.” I wait for her to join me, checking the door once more. “What is the matter with you? Why are you acting so strange?”

  “You can go. I’m not ready to leave.” Jocelyn twists in her chair, leaving me staring at her back.

  I blink back the burning tears and march around in front of her, the stomping of my boots muted by the loud music. “You drove.”

  “Not my problem.” Jocelyn turns her head, looking over the railing at the karaoke stage. I storm from the balcony, bumping her shoulder as I walk by, careful to keep my eyes on the door, refusing to let Jocelyn see the tears spilling down my face.

  I stare at the people navigating the bright lights as an escalator takes me to street level, their stone faces expressionless.

  My eyes lock on a tall figure, dressed in an ankle-length brown leather duster, standing rigidly in the center of the machines. He watches me with red eyes, the color of glowing lava.

  I close my eyes. I’m not crazy. I’m stressed. It’s a trick of the neon lights. I slowly open my eyes, but he’s gone.

  I reach the bottom and push through the glass doors, the icy wind freezing the tear tracks to my cheeks.

  CHAPTER TWO

  I march down the street, ignoring the ice-covered sidewalks. The snow, now falling in earnest, spreads a fresh blanket on the already covered city. I pull my coat tighter around me to stop my shivering and pick up the pace.

  A blast of wind flutters my hair, and I jump as the strands catch the corner of my eye. I keep my nerves in check and duck my head, scanning every inky pool of shadow I pass.

  The farther I get away from the neon lights of downtown, the deeper the darkness closes in around me. I keep a steady pace, checking over my shoulder every few steps, my breath rising in tiny white clouds. The silence is deafening, and I break into a slow jog, my heart beating faster as my imagination runs amok.

  The crunch of footsteps at my back stops me short. I spin around to search the darkness for the source, swallowing my now pounding heart back into my chest. No movement in the darkness.

  I turn back into a jog, heading down a side street, straining to listen beyond my shallow breathing and the sound of my boots. More footsteps, beating the ground in rhythm of my racing heart.

  I run, fighting to keep my balance on the icy sidewalk, then hit a slick patch and slam into the corner of a red brick wall on the side of a building, barely staying upright. I grit my teeth against the pain and roll around the corner, disappearing into the narrow alley, careful to avoid the tiny pools of yellow light.

  My eyes dart from corner to corner, frantically searching my surroundings as I will them to adjust to the blackness. I spot a green metal dumpster at the back of the alley and slip around behind it to crouch in the snow.

  I concentrate on my breathing and strain to hear over my hammering heart. The falling flakes muffle any other noises. For the second time tonight, I regret leaving my house.

  I stiffen at the sound of slow, crunching footsteps, suddenly very aware that there’s only one way out of this alley. I quietly reposition my shaking legs underneath me, flexing my fingers to keep the feeling in them. A shadow appears on the snow in front of me. Cursing my luck, I take a deep breath and spring from my hiding place.

  I hit him full force in the chest, grunting with the impact as he slips on the ice, taking me down hard with him. I scramble off him, ready to run. There’s a firm tug on my ankle, and I’m back on the ground as he yanks my leg, pulling me closer to him. I kick hard with my free leg, landing my boot squarely on his chin. He swears, letting go of my ankle.

  I’m on my feet in seconds, running for the street, but he tackles me from behind, grabbing my waist and dragging me back down. All my air rushes out of my lungs as I land face first in the snow. I roll over, gasping.

  “Stay down. Catch your breath.” He lays a firm hand on my shoulder, pinning me to the ground.

  “Leave me alone. What do you want? I don’t have any money.” I cough, my ribs protesting the movement.

  “I don’t want your money. Can you move? We need to get out of here.” He pulls his hand back, offering it to help me stand.

  “We? Who are you?” I ignore his hand, groaning as I slowly pull myself to my feet. The whole world tilts in front of me, taking my stomach with it as I struggle to stay upright and not vomit. “I think you broke something.”

  “My name is Aidan.” He looks me in the eyes, and I find myself speechless as I stare into the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. Even in the darkness, they glitter like a midday ocean. A bruise, the perfect match to my heel, blossoms on his chin beneath his shaggy brown hair, blending into a thin white scar on his left jaw. “I need to keep you safe. If y
ou’re ready, let’s go.”

  “What are you talking about?” My voice rises several octaves.

  “You’re being followed.” Aidan looks toward the street, squinting through the darkness.

  “Yeah, by you.” I turn, determined to go home and forget that any of this happened. Aidan grabs my arm, pulling me back to him, his black leather jacket creaking softly.

  “I’m not talking about me. There are others following you. You’re in danger.” Aidan pulls me so close, I can feel the heat radiating from his body.

  I break away from his grasp. “I’m leaving.”

  “Please. Will you trust me?” Aidan asks, holding my gaze.

  I open my mouth then close it without speaking.

  Slow, deliberate footsteps crunching in the snow interrupt my thoughts. I stare wide-eyed at Aidan as he slowly puts a finger to his lips and gently pulls my arm, guiding me quietly into the shadows. I point toward the dumpster, but he shakes his head. He steps in front of me, and together we squeeze tightly against the wall. The deafening silence fills the night.

  I peer across the dimly lit alley, a shiver running up my spine, and suck in a sharp breath as two large figures loom large on the edge of the sidewalk, blocking any chance of escape. Bos’s security guards.

  Aidan carefully reaches down and grabs my hand. A warm tingle rushes up my arm, and my stomach flips.

  Slade slowly raises his hand, pointing directly at us. “There.”

  Aidan squeezes my hand, forcing me out into the alley. “Run!”

  I race at full speed, my heart in my throat, heading straight for the street, with two giant roadblocks in my way. I change directions to cut by them and lose my footing, hitting the ground hard enough to add a bruised hip to my already sore body.

  The momentum of my fall carries me straight into Wesley and Slade, knocking them over like a couple of bowling pins. I throw my arms up, shielding myself from their crashing bodies.

  I roll to the side and scramble to my feet as the two men struggle to untangle their bulky limbs.

  Aidan grabs my hand, and we dash off into the street, crossing the road in the direction of my house. Focusing on gripping Aidan’s hand, I struggle through the snow that now reaches mid-shin.

  My breath comes out in ragged gasps. “I don’t live far from here. We go left on this street up here.”

  Loud scraping cuts through the night. Aidan drags me behind a large bush on the edge of a house that could benefit from a fresh coat of paint. We wait, listening to the approaching noise, as the cold seeps deeper into my bones.

  Flashing yellow lights race across the houses as a snow plow turns slowly down the street. We huddle closer for what seems like an eternity behind the safety of the bush as the plow passes our hiding spot.

  As soon as it disappears around the corner, Aidan pulls me to my feet. “Let’s go. Keep to the street, so we don’t leave tracks.”

  My body screams in protest, but I force myself to move as stiffness already works its way through my body. We climb the mountain of freshly plowed snow and slip carefully into the street. As we pass beneath a yellow pool of light from the street lamp, a shout comes from behind us. Groaning, I push myself into a run.

  “Next block turn right. I’m just up that hill.” Fighting the stitch in my side, I push myself to keep up with Aidan. We keep low and slip our way through the cover of shadows.

  I choke back a sob of relief when we reach my front door. I fumble in my coat pocket for my keys, my frozen, shaking fingers numb against the tiny metal pieces.

  “Hurry,” Aidan says.

  I glance up at Aidan, as he scans the darkness of the street.

  “I’m trying.” I pull the keys out, immediately dropping them on the concrete. They land with a clang too loud in the quiet neighborhood. I snatch them up and force my shaking hands to the door.

  Aidan slips his surprisingly warm hands over mine and takes the keys. We rush inside, slamming the door shut behind us, twisting the lock back into place.

  I sag against the door, letting my feet slide until I hit the floor, and take slow, deep breaths, struggling to get myself under control. “I don’t usually let complete strangers in my house.”

  “I understand. I just want to make sure you’re safe.” Aidan moves away from the front door, carefully parting the floor-length brown curtains to peek out the large picture window.

  “I don’t see anyone out there.” Aidan looks over at me, his face softening. “Are you alright?”

  “How can I be? I don’t know what’s going on. Why were those guys following me? I recognize them from the casino, they’re Bos’s security, but what the hell? And I still don’t know who you are or why you’re helping me.” I slump even deeper against the door, my whole world spinning out of control.

  Aidan moves away from the window, careful not to disturb the curtains too much, a shadow passing across his face. “Let’s take you into the kitchen. Make you some tea, and I’ll explain what I can.”

  I slump into the chair, exhausted and bruised, wanting nothing more than to cry and go to bed. But there are too many questions racing through my mind. So many, in fact, I’m not even sure where to start.

  “Where do you keep your tea and cups?” Aidan stands in the center of the kitchen, staring around like he’s in another universe.

  “I’ll do it.” Grimacing, I push myself out of my chair, thinking that tomorrow is going to be hell. The soreness has crept into every facet of my body, making my head throb.

  “You stay there. Just tell me where to find everything. I’ll take care of it.” Aidan takes a step closer to the counter and hesitates, wringing his hands. He glances back over his shoulder at me and raises his eyebrows, waiting for instruction.

  “Cups are in the cabinet over the coffee pot. The tea is behind the door to the right of the cups. You’ll just have to boil some water in the pan on the stove, because I don’t have a tea kettle.” I close my eyes, gripping the table as my head spins, and lean back against my chair.

  “I don’t understand what happened tonight. Why were you there?” I peek one eye open to look at him.

  Aidan looks up from the pot of water with concern on his face. “I’ve been keeping an eye on the Bullion Casino, more specifically the new owner, Bos as you called him, ever since he took over a few days ago.”

  I snort. “Are you like a spy or something? Someone from the government?” I sober quickly at his look.

  “Not exactly. I was watching, and I saw you there with your friend. Then you left in a hurry. What were you doing up there with him?” Aidan carries steaming mugs with mint tea bags to the table. He sits across from me and slides the drink between my hands.

  I wrap my fingers tightly around the cup, letting the warmth seep into my frozen fingers. My hands are no longer shaking, yet still feel numb. I take a cautious sip as the refreshing smell of mint rises on the steam and immediately begin to relax.

  “I didn’t want to go up there. Being near Bos gave me a strange feeling. I didn’t like that he was hitting on Jocelyn, but I’d do anything for her, so I went up to his table. Jocelyn had been acting strange since we got to the casino, and we got into a fight.” I hang my head. “I shouldn’t have left. I hope she’s okay.”

  “What kind of feeling?” Aidan asks as he plays with the string from the tea bag.

  I open my mouth but hesitate. “I’m not even sure how to describe it without sounding crazy. Bos had weird eyes.” I study Aidan carefully, looking for any clue that I don’t sound ridiculous.

  “Anything else?” Pushing his mug out of the way without having a drink, Aidan leans forward, resting his elbows on the table.

  I stare into my cup, unsure of how much more to say. “No. Why were you following me?”

  “I saw you leave. Bos came back and saw that you were gone. He whispered to his guards on the balcony, and when they left immediately, I knew you were in trouble. I had to warn you or help you.”

  I don’t like the sound of t
hat. “In trouble how?”

  Leaning back, he picks up his cup and drains it in one long drink. He stands, carrying both mugs to the sink and setting them down with a clink. “Come on, now. Off to bed with you. You’ve had a long night.”

  Reluctantly, I stand, too tired and sore to argue. I’m warmer now, but I still have a deep chill that won’t go away. “What about you?”

  Aidan smiles warmly, the first genuine smile since I’d run into him, literally, in the alley. My heart flutters. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll stay and make sure you’re safe.”

  I nod. “Thanks.” I turn to leave and hesitate, looking back at him over my shoulder. “I’m Ciara, by the way.” I carefully climb the stairs, fighting my bruised body with every step.

  “Ciara? Ciara!” My door crashes open, vibrating loudly as it hits the wall. I shoot up in bed, shocked from a sound sleep.

  Jocelyn rushes into the room, flinging herself down on the edge of my bed.

  I blink at her, bleary-eyed and confused. My head throbs and all I want to do is go back to sleep for another year.

  “You look awful! Are you alright? Who’s that guy downstairs?” Jocelyn asks, her eyes wide with concern.

  I frown, squinting in the early morning light streaming through my window. The snow had stopped, and a cheerful sun shines through a break in the silver clouds.

  “Aidan is still here?” I rub my forehead, wanting to lie back down. “Can you grab me some aspirin? And what’re you doing here?”

  Jocelyn runs into the connected bathroom and rummages through the medicine cabinet, returning with two pills and a small glass of water. She sits back down and hands them over.

  “I came over here to apologize for last night. I felt weird, like I was in a fog or something that I couldn’t shake. I’m embarrassed that I treated you that way.”

  I pop the pills, draining the glass, and set it on the nightstand.

  “You hurt my feelings, but I guess we’re okay.” We’ve never stayed mad at each other very long—one of the beautiful things about our relationship.