"I checked his room; I don't think he was there at all last night."
"Oy, where'd he get off to, then?"
"He's probably with some bunny girl. I think we should leave him."
Eight sighed. "The casino tokens are gone. I'm sure he's just...making good use of Cash and Carrie's reward."
Jessica crossed her arms. "It might have been nice if he'd asked us."
"Were any of the rest of us actually planning to visit the casino?"
Jessica scowled and went back into the hotel to wait.
Hours later, Angelo finally appeared, exhausted but with a definite swagger, a new sword hanging at his hip and a wrapped package in his hands.
Jessica was the only one still in the lobby waiting for him, and even as annoyed as she was, her relief at seeing him safe saved him from the lecture he richly deserved.
The smile which lit his face when he saw her didn't hurt, either.
She rose as he approached, determined not to let him off completely. "Where were you? We were worried."
"Thanks to some exceptional luck at the roulette wheel, I was able to make sure we're properly outfitted for the next part of our journey." He patted the sword fondly. "The casino has some excellent weapons."
"Nice of you to consider the rest of us."
"Oh, but I did. The new armor I got Eight and Yangus will be delivered later." He smiled and wrapped an arm around her, hand on her waist, the other hand offering her the package. His lips were against her cheek, breath tickling as he added, "I wanted to give this to you personally."
Unable to stay angry at him, Jessica turned her head a fraction, tasting alcohol and fruit on his lips. "Incorrigible."
"So I've been told." He kissed her again. "Open it."
She obeyed, the covering falling away to reveal a tightly coiled whip with three vicious points at the end.
"They assured me you won't find a better weapon anywhere," he murmured, his face still far too close to hers. "Am I forgiven?"
The hand on her waist was kneading lightly, fingers reminding her of how strong and talented they were. "Forgiven."
"Completely forgiven?"
"Completely."
"Care to come to my room and prove it?"
"Of course." Her free hand covered his. "I'll need to thank you properly for my gift, too. If you're up to it."
"Always," he assured her, and guided her upstairs.
Written for 101 Kisses. Theme: #39 - Best of All, #77 - Coin
