Page 26 of Loki

“No. They serve food upstairs, but... It’s a burlesque club. I didn’t know, and I’m sure that’s not your kind of place.”

She shrugged. “I’ve seen enough breasts and asses in my lifetime that one is like another at this point. Besides, I’ve been told they have remarkable steaks.”

Benjinn blushed and gave a nervous chuckle. “So... you want to come on Friday?”

“She’s busy on Friday.” Loki walked up beside her. “It’s your turn, love.”

Val glared at him. Pet names were not her thing.

“I think Val can decide for herself if she is busy on Friday or not,” said Benjinn.

Loki smiled. “I would offer to fight for her, but I don’t believe Val is the kind of woman who appreciates two men fighting over her.

“I can fight my own battles. Thank you both.” She couldn’t believe this was happening. She was about to confront Odin and Benjinn, and Loki wanted to measure dicks.

“How about I make it through the night, and then we see if I’m in any shape to go anywhere on Friday?” said Val.

“Wait,” said Benjinn. “You’re fighting?”

She nodded. “I’ve waited longer than you can imagine for this opportunity.”

His eyes flashed golden. “You might be injured, though.”

His concern touched her. Benjinn was so different from Loki. Loki had encouraged her, whereas she was sure Benjinn would have tried to talk her out of it.

Loki chuckled. “You really are a soft heart, aren’t you? Val is more than capable of handling herself in or out of the ring. She’ll be fine. Besides, Odin isn’t allowed to use magic or kill her, so honestly, I would bet on Val to win.”

Val appreciated Loki’s confidence in her, but she couldn’t tell if he was trying to make her feel better or if he meant it.

“You’re fighting Odin? As in, the Odin? Norse God?” A ripple ran through Benjinn.

Whoa, boy!Wolfing out would not be a good thing for Benjinn. She was sure it would set off some kind of alarm bells and send some scary guards rushing in.

Benjinn’s gaze traveled from Val to Loki and back. “Your name isn’t a joke, is it? You are a Valkyrie.”

“Yes,” she replied. There was no reason to lie to him. If he hung around long enough, he’d find out anyway. Better that he learned the truth sooner rather than later. That way, he could run as far from her as possible. Someone as nice as Benjinn was only bound to be hurt in the end. Nice guys weren’t her thing.

Benjinn shook his head and addressed Loki. “Who are you? Thor?”

Loki sniffed. “Of course not. Thor is not half as hot as I am. I’m Loki.”

Benjinn looked like he might pass out.

Val put her hands on his shoulders and pushed him down on the bench. “It’s a lot to process, so why don’t you sit here and consider whether you want to take me out.”

Benjinn stared off, no longer looking at her. Well... there goes one guy. When would be Loki’s turn to tire of her?

“Don’t do it,” said Benjinn.

Yup.She’d been right. She turned to Loki.

He shrugged. “It’s your choice.”

Odin watched her from inside the arena. Anger flooded her, and she turned toward the cage.

The door shut behind her. Loki gave her a tight smile.

“He favors the left hook,” Loki said. “Watch out for it.”

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