The Dark Prince's Prize

Chapter 21-3

Samara watched from the back of the room. She started when Bear gripped her hand. He slightly jerked his head toward the door, and she shook her head.

Please, go with Bear, Adalard requested.

But… why? she protested.

His soft laughter sent a wave of warmth through her. It didn’t come off as nervous. At the moment, Gary looked like he was about to dissolve into a boneless blob on the floor, Rob seemed to be wishing he was anywhere else in the world, and Jerry—well, Jerry’s greedy eyes were glued to the diamond in the center of the table.

I would rather you not be here when Campeau realizes how well I can play this game, Adalard explained.

As much as she would love to stay and watch, she realized that Adalard was right. She could be a distraction, or worse, used as leverage against him. There were times when retreat was the best option, and it wasn’t as if Adalard couldn’t handle himself if things got heated. Her brothers on the other hand… well, they deserved whatever happened to them.

Just make sure you tell me what happens. I don’t want to miss my brothers getting a good a*s-kicking, she answered.

What, no concern for me? he teased.

Nah. Something tells me a situation like this is a garden party for you, she retorted.

Silent laughter met her remark. Campeau paused and scrutinized the humor dancing in Adalard’s eyes, but he didn’t ask and Adalard didn’t offer an explanation.

Samara breathed in deeply and squeezed Bear’s hand to let him know that she had changed her mind. Releasing Bear’s hand, she stepped sideways to exit the room.

Her path was immediately blocked by one of Campeau’s men. She looked the guard up and down. The man looked like he was dressed for a Mission Impossible Cosplay event.

“I would like you to stay, Samara,” Campeau called from behind her.

She looked over her shoulder at him. “All the excitement makes me need to pee. Unless you want me trying to piss in a glass, I suggest your man move out of my way,” she crudely stated.

Campeau chuckled. “That will not be necessary. My man will escort you to the Ladies’ Room,” he instructed.

“And I’ll escort your man,” Bear growled, glaring back and forth between the guard and Campeau.

Campeau’s smile faded, replaced with a hard glare. “Jack, escort all of our other guests out of the room and shut the doors,” he ordered.

“Yes, sir,” Jack replied.

Samara pursed her lips to keep from grinning when she felt an unexpected bulge and weight in the pocket of her jacket. She slid her hand into her pocket and wrapped her hand around the device that had suddenly appeared. She widened her eyes when she felt the familiar shape of a g*n.

I hope you don’t expect me to fight my way out of here. I’d be better off staying with you if that’s the case, considering it’s like eight-to-one odds out here now, she dryly thought.

Bear has one as well. We had a talk on the way here. He knows who I am. I trust your aim—but the blasters are set to stun should you miss and hit Bear, he assured her in a teasing tone before she felt him pull away.

He trusts my aim, she thought with a mental roll of her eyes.

Samara followed Bear and her brothers out into the main room. She turned when Jack closed the doors to the private room behind him. The sound of hurried footsteps pulled her attention away just in time to see her brothers making a beeline for the exit in the back.

Nothing like a little concern for their sister, she bitterly thought.

Their exit meant that she and Bear would be left to deal with Jack and the rest of the security team. Bear smiled and flashed her five fingers before nodding at Jack. She lifted an eyebrow. She really hoped he was a good shot.

“I thought you needed to use the bathroom,” Jack said, pulling her attention to him.

She slipped the weapon out of her pocket and gave him a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I lied,” she said, pointing the alien g*n at him and pulling the trigger.