Page 3 of Gambler's Conceit

Even being touched is less than ideal, but some things can’t be helped.

But I’ll pretend to like anything that can get me out of this trap.

“Anything you want, sir,” I purr. “But I really have to insist on a trip to the bus station after we’re… finished.”

Caleb finally releases my hand, but he slings his arm over my shoulder. “Your negotiation skills are terrible.‘Anything you want’is liable to get you into a situation you don’t enjoy. For example, in my suite, chained to the bed, while I wreck your pretty twink ass.”

I can feel my cheeks draining of color, and it takes me a moment to gather myself.

No.No. I’m not going to be chained down again. I’m not going to be used and abused and treated like I’m just a toy for anyone else.

“I didn’t realize I was negotiating with a sadist,” I say as lightly as possible, wishing my laugh sounded as airy as intended instead of full of anxiety. “Okay. I’ll give you the best blowjob of your life, then I’ll be on my way while I’m still a twink of mystery.”

Instead of a fucked-out twink who barely remembers what it’s like to smile because all I want to do is cry. Except crying isn’t allowed. Crying makes me blotchy and unattractive, and I need to be as pretty as possible for Caleb so he doesn’t kick me out back into the desert.

“There’s one rule I adhere to when I enter negotiations,” Caleb says. “Always start in a position of power.”

Right. Like I’ve ever been in a position of power. Like I could ever dream of being in a position of power right now, when he’d just kept me from going to an early grave from heatstroke or worse.

I fight the urge to sneer at him, but that really wouldn’t be very pretty at all.

He pulls my hat off, then uses his other hand to tap along my chin, drawing me back to the conversation. “Your current choices are to do what I want, or to get thrown back out into the desert.”

Two options I’m perfectly aware of.

Two options that tell me just what kind of person Caleb Spade is.

“Of course I’m going to do what you want,” I say with the most flirtatious smile I can muster. “But it’s not like you’re going to want me around for long, and Nacho and I have places to see and things to do.”

“Then a short break in my home, with all the comforts that my wealth affords, will hardly be a problem.” Caleb’s smile turns darker. “It’s not really a request.”

Yeah. I hadn’t thought it was, but miracles happen.

“Maybe your name is indeed apt,” Caleb says. “I feel quite lucky to have stumbled across you in the desert.”

I don’t feel lucky at all.

TWO

SEVEN

If I hadany hope of making a break for it when the car came to a stop, it’s dashed immediately. Caleb keeps a casual hold on my hand, and Vortex opens the door to help me out. He grabs me by the back of the neck, scruffing me like I’m a kitten myself. He keeps a firm grip on me as they lead me to the elevator, and Caleb has my bag with Nacho in it.

There are two guards on the top floor when we get off the elevator. They jump to attention when they see Caleb.

“Boss!” one of them says. His eyes flit to me. “The usual, sir?”

I don’t fit in here, and I don’t want to be here, but I force my best disarming smile and do my best to pretend I’m entirely unbothered.

I’m aware of the curious stare of the other, though, who must be taking in my disheveled, unwashed state.

“Correct. I’m not to be disturbed. And…” Caleb reaches out to ruffle the hair on the back of my head. “Seven might have improper ideas about leaving. Let’s make sure we keep him safe and inside the building.”

The smile I worked so hard to paint onto my lips falters, and I squirm. “I, ah… I think we might’ve had a misunderstanding,”I say. “I’m only here for… oh, a few hours,” I say, hating that my laugh sounds nervous instead of carefree.

Caleb inclines his head at me. “Hmm. It does appear there’s been a misunderstanding. You’ll be staying the night—and all foreseeable nights.”

“I… What?” I squeak, looking at Nacho’s furry little head and wishing I could grab him and run. He at least seems to be fine with being carried around, alert and inquisitive, but I don’t want to be an indoor pet anymore. “No, that’s not what we talked about…” I trail off, realizing that having an argument with the boss in front of his men is only going to make things worse.

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