Page 5 of Wild Card

“That’s a second question,” I point out.

“But an important one. Is your ex trying to find you?”

“That’s a third, you cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater.”

He shakes his head. “Do you take anything seriously?”

“I don’t have a choice but to take everything seriously,” I admit. “If I didn’t, I’m not sure I’d be alive.” A weird mix of emotions flood me. It always does when I think of my upbringing.

“Rue.” He says my name gently, like he’s asking nicely for more.

Would it really be so wrong to tell him a little more about me?

“I grew up different. That’s all.” I shrug, trying to downplay it like it’s not a big deal.

“Tell me.” Maxim surprises me by reaching over and placing his hand on top of mine. I suppose that wasn’t exactly a question.

“I grew up with a traveling carnival,” I tell him, and like most people, he raises his eyebrows in surprise. “It could be a free-for-all with so many people around. It’s like a family but not. The people will take care of you, but they don’t really watch you. You know?”

“Fuck,” he mutters.

“It wasn’t all bad.” I play with the hem of my skirt while I think back. “But it wasn’t always the safest either.”

“Is your ex part of the carnival?”

“No. I met him when we stopped in a city for a month.” I don’t tell Maxim how he fed me lots of lies. Ones I wanted to believe. “Thankfully I came to my senses. It took me a second, but I caught on that he was a con and trying to steal my virginity.” I roll my eyes. “Men.”

The hand Maxim is using to hold mine tightens. “What happened?”

“He was persistent. He followed me to a few towns, and it really started to freak me out. Some of the guys scared him off, but he always came back.” I glance out the window. “He snuck into my trailer one night when I was sleeping.” I don’t mention that I’ve had trouble sleeping since that night. “I got away.” I grin and look up at Maxim. “And I might have stolen his car.”

“And he’s still looking for you?” I nod.

Gavin has gotten close a few times, but I know he won’t stop. Well, he’s probably not looking for me, per se. It’s more likely that he’s looking for the drugs and money I found in the trunk of his car.

Either way, I’m pretty sure he wants me dead… Or worse.

Chapter Four

MAXIM

“What are we doing here?” Rue asks when I pull up to the front of the hotel.

“I don’t know about you, but I could use a hot shower and a good night's sleep.” The valet opens my door, and I pass him the keys with several bills. “Ground floor, section B,” I tell him, and his eyes widen at the cash.

“Yes, sir,” he agrees before quickly tucking away the cash in his pocket before I have a chance to change my mind.

Another valet has already opened Rue’s door, and I step in his way to help her out. She looks up at me and then stares around with wide eyes.

“Maxim, this place is crazy expensive.” She darts a glance at some of the people outside as I lead her through the lobby. “I’m not dressed to go in there.”

Her small hand tugs on my arm, but I ignore her protests. “You’re fine.” She’s more than fine, but I keep that to myself. “Let’s hurry. I’m hungry.”

She doesn’t offer any more protests, but I see her looking down at her clothes and then trying to wipe off some nonexistent dust as I check in.

“Mr. Longhorn, welcome back. Can we offer you your usual suite?”

“Longhorn?” Rue mumbles, but I squeeze her hand to silence her.

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