Page 111 of The Laughing Game

“That fucking asshole. That fucking, duplicitous,asshole.”

“Oh God,” Gideon moaned, and I wasn’t sure if it was a good ‘Oh God’ or a bad one. He hid his face in his arms.

I turned to see Vihaal stride past the open door then backtrack.

“What the fuck is going on?”

“Massage,” I said. “Gideon had a rough morning.”

“A regular massage? Or a sexy one?”

“Does it matter?” Gideon asked.

“Not really. I’m just curious,” Vihaal muttered.

He sighed, as if seeing us having a relaxing time was thelastthing he needed.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I think my father sabotaged my antique store.”

“Huh. Told you,” Gideon said, his voice muffled.

“Yes, that makes me feel so much better,” Vihaal said sardonically. “I’m going to call and fire that skank manager.”

“Vihaal. You can’t fire him over the phone,” Gideon mumbled, then groaned as I dug my fingers into his calf. “Fuck, you’re good at this.”

“It’s all the typing. Strong fingers,” I said.

“You’ve been asking me to fire the bastard for years. Now you don’t want me to?”

“Yes, fire him for God’s sake. But do it in person. And preferably, withmethere,” Gideon said, then moaned again. “Oh, fuck me. This is better than sex.”

“I think Alice would make a good replacement,” I said, throwing it out there.

“Yes. I’m going to promote her. But we need to find someone to fill Alice’s job,” Vihaal said.

“Would you like me to draft a job posting?” I asked. “I’d be happy to.”

“Yes, Angel, that would be wonderful. I’ll email you the qualifications and requirements. Thank you.”

“Oh my God, Angel. I’m in Heaven,” Gideon moaned, lifting his head.

“Keep it down or I’m coming in there with a paddle,” Vihaal said, but it didn’t sound like a threat.

* * * *

The following evening, Vihaal drove us to Tarnish. He wanted an audience in case Dominic gave him any trouble.

“What do you think he’s going to do, V? Hit you?”

“He’d better not go anywhere near this nose or I’ll fucking flatten him.”

“You would, too. Okay, Angel, we need to protect V’s nose. I am not going through another out-of-control nosebleed.”

“I didn’t particularly enjoy it either,” Vihaal muttered icily.

“Well, it was seriously gross. You’re lucky we love you.”

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