Chapter 5

'So they have fun at the casino.' Angel observed in disappointment as the boys led her into the luxurious Tres Spades casino. She'd been hoping for something a bit more exciting. Beautifully dressed men and women mingled on the casino floor, the sound of delicate laughter and cheering and the clinking of wine glasses floated into her ears.

'Why don't you try it too, Angel?' Ota asked, noticing the look of uninterested detachment on her face.

'No thanks.' She tried to decline politely, hoping she wouldn't get dragged into the gambling. No matter how many times she played, she almost always lost. It was one of the few things she could never get a hang of. 'That and ice skating,' she thought, recalling one dreadful mission where she had to do both. She shuddered in distaste at the embarrassing memories.

'Soryu, want to check out the floor?' Eisuke asked.

'Yeah.'

Angel watched, a little sadly, as Soryu disappeared with Eisuke without a word to her. Had she offended him in some way? She still wasn't very used to his cold demeanour. And, even though he had assured her that he loved her, she still felt uncomfortable seeing how many women instantly smothered him the minute he entered the crowd.

With a sigh, she turned to Baba, who was scoring at a blackjack table.

'Come on. Have a go!' Baba prompted, pushing her towards the table.

'I suck at gambling. I always lose.' Angel grumbled, hating to admit it.

'What? You're a covert spy, busting all those criminals and you don't even know how to play black jack?' baba asked, eyes round with shock.

'I didn't say I don't know how to play- just that I'm not very good at it.' Angel snapped.

'Finally! Something you're not an expert at. Baby this is my territory. Come on. I'll show you how to win.' Baba grinned, sliding an arm around her waist and pulling her onto the seat next to him. By the next round, Angel was completely absorbed by the game, watching everything intently. Baba was doing excellently and Angel screamed in delight as they wound the next round as well.

'Oh my god! Yes, Baba! You're so good at this.' He winked flirtily at her, showing her where to place the next bet. As Angel laughed and joked with Baba, having a terrific time, she'd completely forgotten about Soryu and was having the time of her life; feeling a little bit heady after one too many shots. As she squealed (having won yet another round of blackjack) and leant in to give Baba a platonic hug, she felt a hand grab her from behind, pulling her away and almost knocking her off the stool. Even in her drunken state, her sharp reflexes still worked and she whirled around, ready to face any potential enemy. To her surprise, she saw Soryu, glowering at her with his habitual cold expression.

'What the hell, Sor?' She demanded frowningly, her words slurring together slightly.

'You've had too much to drink. Let's go.'

'Oh please. It's only 5 shots. It takes a lot more than that to make me useless. Besides, weren't you off having fun with your lady friends over there.' She pointed jeeringly to the crowd of women still swamping Eisuke, on the other side of the casino floor. 'Why don't you go back to them and let me have a little fun.' She turned back to the game but Soryu merely grabbed her arm and dragged her away.

'Where are we going, Soryu?' Eisuke called out from the baccarat table.

'We're leaving.' Soryu said firmly.

'What are you talking about? The fun's just starting!'

'Ooooh. I think Soryu might be jealous.' Baba teased with a wink. 'Looks like Soryu's off to have his own fun.'

'No kidding. They're holding hands.' Ota remarked.

'You say it like it's not a common thing here.' Angel shot back sarcastically.

'No, actually its not.' Eisuke said coolly, surprising her. She had no idea how formal everything was here- maybe that's why it seemed like Soryu was always so distant. He wasn't used to displaying affection outwardly.

'You guys went on a date yesterday- hang out with us today.' Eisuke pleaded. Soryu just glared at them.

'Yeah, no matter how much you love Angel- Ahh! Sorry! I was joking; forget about it.' Ota broke off, terrified as Soryu reached towards his breast pocket, where he normally hid his gun.

'Just don't, Soryu.' Angel sighed in disgust. They were like children: squabbling and fighting and playing with their toys and women. Suddenly all the excited energy she had while playing black jack dissipated and she just felt fed up. 'You lot do whatever you want. I'm leaving.' She turned to leave but Soryu grabbed her again, pulling her in for an unexpected hug.

'Sorry. Don't let them get to you.' He muttered in her ear as the others whooped at his unusual public display of affection.

'No, it's not that…' Angel sighed, glancing over at the women he'd been chatting with again. Soryu followed her gaze to see what she was looking at.

'Angel, you know it's not like that. I don't even see other women. You're the only lady that can be in my life. Besides, you looked like you were having your own fun over there with Baba.' He said sulkily.

'That's cos you left me and disappeared, she laughed, swaying unsteadily on her feet.

'Right, we're leaving.'

'Soryu-' She broke off as he swept her off her feet, carrying her bridle style out of the casino. She was painfully aware of the scene he was causing: everyone was staring and whispering. He, for the first time however, didn't seem to care.