Her self-control was way worse than either of them-worse than Mavis, even.


    That''s why, most of the time, she needed both of them-her and Mavis-looking out for her.


    Whenever they were around, things were so much better. But the moment she was left to her own devices, she''d spiral out of control more often than not.


    "I know," Portia shrugged, picking at her sd. "My brother gave you the cash just so you could keep an eye on me. Plus, he knows we''re loaded. He probably figures if he gives us enough money to y with, we''ll get bored and stop after a while."


    Gambling, though-there''s no real end to it, right? It''s never just one game. You y a little, and before you know it you''re hooked. Suddenly, you just have to win, and if you don''t... Well, that''s it. Game over.


    Normally, Crispin would never let her set foot in a casino. The only reason he allowed it this time was because Callie was with her-otherwise, no way.


    Portia knew all this. She didn''t argue.


    The three of them headed to the bistro first, grabbing a bite before the games started.


    Damien had nned to sit a couple of tables away, but Calliope waved him over. "Come on, don''t just lurk over there. Sit with us!"


    So Damien slid in across from them, still looking like he''d rather be anywhere else.


    Calliope took a bite of her burger, then grinned. "So, Damien, you want to join in? I can spot you some chips if you want."


    Damien nearly choked on his fries. "Ma''am, I''m here to protect you, not to gamble!"


    "I''m technically on the clock, you know? If Mr. Myers ever found out I was ying, he''d probably have my head."


    Honestly, just sitting here eating with them felt like breaking the rules. He was Mr. Myers'' guy, after all-he had to keep to the code.


    Calliope was the boss.


    "He won''t find out," Calliope said breezily. "If you want to y, just say the word. I''ll front you the chips."


    Damien shook his head, looking horrified. "No way! I''m terrible at this stuff, anyway."


    Calliope nodded. "Alright then, just watch us. That''s fine."


    "Really? Not even a little?" Portia teased, raising an eyebrow at Damien.


    Heughed. "Nope. I''m just here to keep you two out of trouble. If you need me to fetch chips, I''m your guy. If you win big and want to toss a chip or two my way as a bonus, hey, I won''t say no-but I''m not ying."


    Calliope grinned. "Deal. Guess I''d better win extra for you, then!"


    "I''ll handle losing the money, you focus on raking it in!" Portia joked, winking.


    Damien rolled his eyes. "Just don''t lose it faster than she wins it, alright? Otherwise, my bonus is toast!"


    "Rx, Callie''s a pro!” Portia said, nudging Calliope. "You''ll see. She''s got the best luck, and she''s good at everything. There''s nothing Callie cant do. Heck, her mentor was basically the king of Vegas


    "Seriously?" Damien nced at Calliope, surprised.


    She just shrugged, cool as ever. "It''s not all that. I lose sometimes, too. I just get lucky now and then."


    Damien nodded, chewing thoughtfully. After a few bites, he pulled out his phone and sent a quick update to Ss.


    Calliope watched him, suspicious. "Who''re you texting?"


    "No one," Damien said quickly, switching apps. "Just ying a game."


    He shed his screen at her-some pointless mobile game.


    Calliope narrowed her eyes. "You''re not reporting to Ss, are you?"


    "Of course not! Mr. Myers isn''t spying on you. He trusts you. I''m just here as backup that''s a


    Damien


    tried to sound casual. "If I did to report something, I''d just Say it straight up."