Page 80 of The Laughing Game

I signed off on the paperwork, gave my banking details and arranged to pick it up in two days. I was oddly thrilled about it. I didn’t normally get excited about cars—they were a pricey necessity—and the entire process of negotiating a good deal and making sure you didn’t get taken advantage of was a pain in the ass. This had been a dream.

“Thank you, V,” I said as we left.

“Of course. I’m so glad you accepted my help.”

“My instincts were right. You killed it.”

“Thank you. It was highly entertaining, especially when he tried to trick me into getting an enhanced service plan, when the regular one covered everything you’ll need.” He clapped his hands together. “Now. We need some lunch, and then I’m going to take you to see my store. I’m in the mood for a fast-food burger. What do you say?”

“Hell, I’m always in the mood for a fast food.”

We ended up at A&W and, since Vihaal didn’t want to risk staining the leather seats in his Audi, we ate inside. It seemed strange for Vihaal to be in a fast-food joint, especially because he had worn his business suit to look intimidating and professional at the dealerships. I had to fight my amused smile as he ordered us two Cheddar Bacon Uncle Burgers and fries.

By the time we got to a table, I couldn’t help the laughter bursting out of me.

“What?” Vihaal asked, the beginning of a smile on his face.

“Nothing. I’ve never seen you acting so ordinary.”

“I don’t understand the ridiculous names they give these burgers,” he said, starting to unwrap his. “But they are fucking delicious.”

He got a few looks because, yeah, he had a Dom vibe, and he looked incredibly hot. It didn’t seem to matter what he was doing or where he was, Vihaal had this calm competence and sense of power that made people give him automatic respect.

When we got back in the car, before he started driving, Vihaal looked at his phone and started tapping.

“Gideon’s home,” he said. “I’m just letting him know where we’re going.”

“Sure.”

Once Vihaal had pocketed his phone and started the car, I got a text from Gideon.

You got a car!

Yep. Vihaal is an ace negotiator.

Lol. Good at negotiating me out of my pants. Everyone’s scared of him. What color?

Metallicblue.

When do you pick it up?

Monday.

Cool cool. Have fun at Tarnish. Watch out for Dominic. He’s a dick.

Ok

Vihaal’s blind when it comes to that guy. I think he’s a creep.

Okay. See you later.

Are you coming back here?

Maybe? I don’t have a car yet, and my laptop’s at your place.

Maybe you should just move in. laughing/smiling emoji.

I didn’t know whether it was a joke or if he was making a dig at my presumption. My thumb hovered over the keys as another message popped up.

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