2.74

The chilly, winter air, was for once welcomed by me as a refreshing change from the building stuffy interior. 

"You did a good job," Alex's hand rested on my lower back again, steering me forward, "why don't you go pick out some things for a reward?"

Why was he trying to praise me and be sweet now? He was clearly still angry.

My curiosity got the better of me as I accepted his push and let him steer me to one of the streets facing the park. 

Even if I could sense the many souls from inside the gambling hotel, seeing them was another thing. The place looked lively as if it was just a normal day.

People happily chatted, walking in and out of the stores. Though the majority of them were men, the few women seemed to be old. Not a single pretty lady was around? 

That was probably in those women's best interest. Even pretty-looking men didn't have it easy in these times.