17. Chapter 17

Chapter 17

A few quiet days later, Dante came into Mari's office and sat on the corner of her desk. He waited patiently while she tied off the weave she'd been working on and swiveled to face him.

His dimples were out in full force. Saints, he was beautiful when he smiled like that. "When was the last time you were on a date?"

She blinked at him. "Pretty much never?" Friday nights at the club hardly counted, though she enjoyed herself, it was more like an obligation than recreation.

His smile fell for an instant, but even coming face-to-face with the demons from her past couldn't ruin his good mood. "I'm taking you out this weekend." Her face must have betrayed her doubts, because he continued, "I already asked dad."

That made Mari laugh. "So now that Vincent is out of the picture, house arrest is over?"

Dante nodded. "We have to take Rio as a chaperone, but I think he'll still let us have some fun."

"A night out with two of my favorite men in the world? That sounds like a wonderful time to me."

If his smile was bright before, it was dazzling now. "I would say wear something sexy, but everything is sexy on you."

When Friday rolled around, the outfit Cisco picked out for Mari's date was perfect. A sleeveless cherry red silk dress that caressed her curves with a hint of obsessive adoration. Lacing crisscrossed her back to hold everything in place while showing off the maximum amount of skin possible. The skirt was short and just slightly flared so that it swung with every step.

Cisco sat on the lounge in their bedroom with her foot in his lap, buckling the dainty strap of a glittering champagne heeled sandal around her ankle. When he was done, his hands drifted up her calf, over her knee to stroke her thigh. The hunger in his expression was obvious when he met her eyes.

She reached to run her hand through his hair. "I have to go," she said regretfully.

"I know." He kissed her knee and grabbed a handful of her ass through the matching booty shorts that he'd insisted on with a smirk. After a quick fondle, he swatted her playfully. "Have fun tonight. That's an order."

He escorted her out to the front hall where Dante and Rio waited. They were both dressed for a night out at a club—Dante in a skin-tight tank that sparkled with rainbows when he moved and Rio with a shimmering silver vest that showed off his muscular shoulders and trim waist. When she looked them both over and knew they were hers for the rest of the night, she was overcome with the urge to pull them into the nearest closet and have her way with them.

Cisco handed her off to Dante before she could give voice to her plan. "Call me if you need anything." He dropped a lingering kiss on her lips that had her following him when he withdrew. With a chuckle, he stepped back. "Go. Have fun."

"I'll have her back before the sun comes up." Dante grinned and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Maybe." He led her through the front door and out to the curb where a very sexy convertible waited in the darkening twilight.

She hesitated as soon as she understood that they were taking this car. It was so open and so exposed. Whenever she traveled outside the compound it was in the limo that felt more like a rolling tank.

Rio took her hand and smiled. "Pris spelled it so it will not only stop a bullet, but the wind won't screw up your hair either."

Mari reached out with her magic, sensing the familiar resonance of Pricilla's power. It wrapped the car in a comforting blanket of security that she was convinced would do exactly what Rio had said. She nodded and let him pull her forward.

Once she was settled in the front seat with the belt snugged across her, Rio leaned in to kiss her. "I have it on good authority that if you're amenable, he plans to fuck you in back seat at the end of the night."

She laughed as he pulled away and jumped lithely into the back seat.

Dante slid into the driver's seat. "What's funny?"

"Rio was trying to relax me by telling me you wanted to get frisky in the backseat later."

"Oh." He grinned. "I would have thought that was obvious. Why else have this car?"

She raised an eyebrow as she appraised him. "Where are you planning on initiating that?"

The car rumbled to life. "In the parking garage. Not sure yet if the top will be up or not."

Mari squirmed in her seat as she thought about what that might be like. The excitement of potentially getting caught. The illicitness of being out in the open. A shiver raised goosebumps all over her.

From the back seat, Rio cackled. "Maybe I'll offer pointers."

Dante looked into the mirror and winked back at him. "You can join if you want. Or just watch. Whatever."

The car purred as it pulled away under Dante's capable hands. They were conspiring to make her self-combust and they hadn't even left the driveway yet. She sat back and enjoyed the ride with anticipation tickling through her.

They drove out of the foothills and into the city proper, first through the neighborhoods where people lived and then into the stop-and-go that was the hallmark of the places where tourists outnumbered the locals.

After a while they turned onto the Strip and cruised slowly down. Dante put his arm up between the seats to stroke her shoulder as he drove. She knew he was letting her have the experience of being out among the glitz of the city she so rarely saw from this vantage. The lights and energy of the crowds on the sidewalks made her smile.

When they pulled into the Cosmopolitan, Mari sat up straighter.

Smiling, Dante ran his thumb up the column of her neck. "I'm glad I guessed right."

"About what?"

"That you wanted classy." He parked at the valet stand and went to talk to the attendant while Rio jumped out and opened her door.

Rio helped her out of the car and tucked her hand around his bare arm.

"Did you tell him I'd always wanted to come here?"

Rio shook his head. "He just knows you pretty well, I guess."

When Dante walked up, Rio passed her off to him and took up a position on her other side as they entered the building. They walked through the hotel lobby. The large displays showed artistic sensual photographs that she glanced over as they walked over the shiny floors at a pace designed to let her enjoy everything.

The casino floor was alive with so many sights and sounds that she didn't know where to look next. Dante rested one hand on the small of her back, his fingers stroking her skin through the lacing.

She smiled up at him. "Thank you for this."

"We haven't even done anything yet."

"I know, but thanks for thinking of me and understanding me. It just means a lot."

"Well hopefully the rest of the night impresses."

She stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "I can't wait."

Dante directed her onto an escalator that gave an impressive view of the Chandelier Bar as they rose to the second floor. He lowered his head to say, "We've got that corner reserved right there. Everyone riding this escalator will be able to see you."

She swallowed hard. "See me doing what?"

"See you smiling and laughing and having a wonderful time." He grinned and pitched his voice lower, "See you blush when I lean to whisper something dirty in your ear."

Her fingers clutched his arm as they got off the escalator. "Then what?"

"We'll have a drink or two there, then head to the club where I intend to rub up against your fabulous ass until I can't stand it anymore." He dropped his head to kiss her shoulder before angling her toward the bar. "Then we'll see what comes up." He chuckled into her skin.

Mari felt flushed as they moved to the hostess stand. The smiling redhead showed them to their table that had a curving bench. Rio and Dante sat on either side of her as she looked around the balcony. The view to the lower level was screened through a curtain of sparkling lights.

Dante leaned back with an arm behind her. "You look stunning tonight, especially up here."

She leaned toward him and put a hand on his chest. "Thank you. So do you."

He slipped one hand around to the nape of her neck and pulled her closer to cover her mouth with his. She murmured into his kiss. From the opposite side, Rio stroked her shoulder with two fingers when the server came to the table to take their order and she reluctantly pulled away.

They ordered small plates and drinks, and then talked about music until everything arrived. She hadn't known that it was a passion that Dante and Rio both shared until that moment, though their tastes ran in distinctly different directions. Rio liked Latin beats, while Dante was more a club music guy. They both promised to send her playlists as everything arrived at their table.

She had let Rio suggest her drink, which was a very fancy tequila she no longer remembered the name of, but she would remember the aromatic tingle of it tickling down her throat for a long time. When Rio saw how much she enjoyed her drink, he wore the smile of a satisfied cat as he polished off the remains of her pork belly buns. In turn, she stole pita chips dipped in a yummy veggie dip that Dante had pushed her way in favor of sneaking a couple bites from Rio's chicken and waffles.

They ordered another round of drinks and settled into a comfortable conversation about the party and other events that were coming up soon. The next time she kissed Dante, he tasted like maple syrup, and she let him pull her closer, until she was almost in his lap. It felt so normal to be out on a date in the bright lights of the city and kissing her boyfriend.

She settled into a pleasant buzz and couldn't remember a time when she'd been so carefree. That was why it came as a surprise when someone who was not their server walked up to their table and said in a deep voice, "It's been a while, Mario. It's so nice to see you again."

Rio jerked next to her, his glass falling to the table to shatter loudly. One of the servers bustled in their direction to clean up the glass, but Rio waved her away with a growl. "Vincent. I guess you didn't run away like a coward after all."

The man who stood towering over them at their table was beautiful and callous and looking at him made Mari clench her teeth so hard her jaw ached. His black hair brushed the shoulders of his impeccably tailored suit. "I still have matters to attend to here. Including dealing with the mess that you and your compatriots have caused."

Rio launched to his feet, sending the shards of glass tinkling to the ground.

Vincent raised one hand and a wave of calming magic rolled out from him. Everyone around him except Rio seemed to relax slightly; the servers moved less frantically and the patrons were less animated. "Before you charge over here to tear my head from my body, you should know that I have the phoenix."

Rio stopped in his tracks, every muscle in his body tense. "You're not lying."

"I'm not. And if you so much as touch me, you'll never find him." Vincent tilted his head. "Oh, you really thought he was dead. How sad." A cruel smile broke over his face. "No, he's locked safely away. You know I always had a soft spot for that one."

"What do you want?" Rio's voice was low as all of the aggression melted from his body language.

"What would you give me for him?" His liquid silver eyes pivoted her way for an instant. "How about an even trade for Basilio's daughter? She's not my type, but I would cut her once in a while just to hear her cry."

Rio stepped closer to the seraphim, interposing himself between her and him. "Take me and let him go."

Mari reached for Rio to stop him but Dante wrapped an arm around her waist and held her back.

"What fun would that be?" Vincent said with spiteful smirk. "I want something that means something to you. I know how little you value yourself, Mario. I had a hand in shaping it."

She hated this man with every fiber of her being. "Leave him alone." The glassware on the table in front of her rattled with her fury.

Vincent stepped to one side to focus on her. "Interesting. I had no idea things had progressed so quickly." His eyes swept to take in Dante and his face settled into a considering expression when his attention returned to Rio. "Think on what you'd give up to get your friend back. I'll be in touch."

Rio moved to stop him, but a burly man with deep brown skin and glowing red eyes intercepted him when Vincent turned away. "Stay where you are, kitty cat. Don't want to start a fight where all the normies might get scared by the teeth and claws," the bodyguard drawled with a menacing leer.

They glared at one another until Vincent disappeared from sight, and then the bodyguard nodded and turned away.

Rio waited until the bodyguard was gone and then he gestured for Mari to get up. "You have a room here, Dante?" He had his phone out by the time she joined him.

"I borrowed Esmé's penthouse for the night."

Rio held the phone up to his ear. "Bellagio side?"

Dante nodded.

"We need a pickup. Penthouse. Fountain side." The person on the other end responded, and Rio disconnected before picking up Mari's hand and heading toward the exit of the bar.

"What's going on?" Mari asked while looking around. "Don't we have to pay?"

"It's covered, sweetheart," Dante answered as he walked behind her.

"We need to get you out of here now that we know that Vincent is here," Rio said.

She struggled to keep up with him as he walked quickly out. More than anything she wished she'd worn more reasonable shoes. "He seemed much more interested in you than me."

Looking around briefly, Rio stepped onto the escalator and then shook his head. "He wasn't interested in anything but you. Causing me pain was just an amusement."

She squeezed his hand to get his attention. "Was he talking about Tris?"

Rio swallowed. "Yeah. He was the last phoenix. They are only born every 500 years and it's not anywhere near time yet."

"So he's not dead?"

Rio's head swiveled, looking for threats as he led her across the casino floor. "I don't know, Mari. Vincent certainly believed what he was saying."

"Where are we going?"

"Good question." He glanced toward Dante.

"Over there." Dante pointed to an alcove with the words "Employees Only" painted across swinging doors.

Rio let Dante lead the way through the doors. Mari felt the tickle of strange magic over her skin as they stepped through. The dim area beyond was empty, and there was no way out.

Dante took a breath. "Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." When Mari looked at him curiously, he shrugged. "Hyssop is a big Alice in Wonderland fan."

On the wall behind Dante a portal shimmered into existence.

"I assume there's a panic code too?" Rio asked.

Dante nodded. "That's standard operating procedure."

"Can I ask you to stay here and use it if anyone else steps through?"

"Absolutely." He leaned to kiss Mari's forehead. "Get her out of here."

"What? No," Mari started, but Rio cut off her protests by scooping her up into his arms and dashing through the portal. Hyssop's magic tingled over her as they were moved between one place and the next, stealing her breath momentarily.

The portal shut behind them, not to be opened again unless Dante said the words downstairs. They were in a very fancy hotel suite with modern finishings and what was quite obviously mood lighting.

When Rio set her on her feet, she hit him in the shoulder. "That was a dick move."

"I know. You're right to be mad, but getting you safely out of here and back behind the wards at home is more important than anything else at the moment."

"Explain," Mari said, her tone gruff with annoyance.

"The only thing he cared about was getting his hands on you. He tried to play it off like it was about me, but it wasn't." He let out a slow and controlled breath. "And the idea that he might get you terrifies me."

The fear that shook his voice made her step toward him and wrap an arm around him. "I would much rather ride back with you and Dante."

"We don't know where he is or what kind of resources he has here." He kissed the side of her head. "Please just do this for me. When you're safe Dante and I will drive home."

"If anything happens to you I'm going to be really angry." She squeezed him tight. "I hate that he said those things to you."

He purred a bit and tightened his grip on her. "We'll be okay, querida. Trust me."

"Okay." She sighed. "How am I getting home? Another portal?"

"Cisco is coming to get you."

It took her a few beats to understand. "I'm flying?"

"Yeah, he should be here soon." He led her through the suite to the balcony. After peeking out the sliding door to make sure it was clear, he stepped through and set his phone on the railing with the flashlight on.

Once he was convinced that no threats were waiting, he gestured for her to come outside. Below them the Bellagio fountains were dancing. She'd seen them, of course, but never like this. From above, the lights seemed to shoot into the sky, propelled by some sort of magic.

Rio curled his arm around her and held her to his side. "I'm sorry your date was ruined."

"It doesn't matter," she said, her eyes on the water below.

He rested his chin on her head. "I know that it does."

If she hadn't been so rattled she would have realized that he would hear the lie. She nuzzled against him, letting the heat of his body soak into her to hold the chilly evening air at bay. "Okay. It doesn't matter as much as everyone being safe."

They stood together quietly watching the fountains until Cisco swooped onto the balcony a few minutes later. "Everyone okay?"

"Yeah," Rio said. "Dante is in the portal room in case anyone comes after us."

"Good thinking."

Tilly flew in and landed on the railing, her clawed feet wrapping around it to hold her steady. "All clear on the roof."

A moment later, an oversized golden eagle flew onto the railing as well. Mari had never seen Nara in her impressively huge shifted form. She was surprised how much backup Cisco had brought.

"Give me the situation," Cisco said.

"Vincent confronted us in the bar. He said he had Tris and he wasn't lying, but I don't know what that means."

Cisco winced. "We'll deal with that later."

Rio nodded. "He wanted Mari. The taunting was just his attempt to get her when he couldn't aggress on us in a public place."

"Who else did he have with him?"

"Clarion was the only one I saw, but that means Halcyon isn't far."

"That was the hellhound?" Mari asked.

"Yeah, I'm not sure why they are still working for him. They always hated him." Rio frowned. "At least it wasn't anything that flies."

Cisco grunted. "Vincent can fly."

"True, but I'd doubt he'd risk himself against you."

"Nara, you're on patrol. If you see anything in the sky other than us, I want to hear about it."

The eagle shrieked her agreement and took to the air.

"You ready to go?" he asked her.

Mari swallowed despite her nerves. "I have no idea."

Cisco held out his hand. "I won't let you fall."

She gave Rio a kiss before stepping toward Cisco. "I know, but it's still scary."

His warm hand wrapped around hers. "Of course it is. I can put you out if you'd rather?"

"N-no." Her voice quivered but her resolve grew when Cisco's lips curled into a pleased smile. "I want to fly with you."

Lifting her easily into his arms, Cisco cradled her against his chest. He turned toward Rio. "No risks on the way home. As soon as she's behind the wards I'll fly out to meet you."

Rio nodded. "We'll be okay. Just get her back safe. I love you both."

Cisco leaned his head down to bump against Rio's. "Te quiero."

"Love you too," Mari said as she wrapped her arms around Cisco's neck. "Stay safe."

"Take a breath and hold it," Cisco ordered. "It'll be a bit before you can remember how to breathe."

Mari obeyed immediately, not knowing what to expect.

Cisco crouched and then launched into the air with a powerful beat of his wings. For a moment, she didn't know what all the fuss had been about because the surge upward felt so strong, before gravity took hold and they plummeted toward the ground. She barely kept herself from screaming by pressing her face into his chest.