Page 53 of Knights Game

“That I’d get something that would help ‘motivate me’. Any idea what that could be?”

I take a long drag, letting the smoke fill my lungs. “It’s Levi so it could be anything from a positive incentive like money, or your grandfather’s finger.” Her eyes widen in horror as I blow out the smoke. “We’ll just have to wait and see what tomorrow brings.”

“Jesus Christ, Luca.” She runs her hands through her hair. “How can you say something like that as if it’s the most normal thing?” She laughs humourlessly, shaking her head. “This is nuts.”

“It’s your life now, princess. So, suck it up and put that mask back on.”

“What mask?”

“The mask you wear to hide what you’re feeling so well.”

“Fuck off.”

I shrug. “Or get angry. That works well, too.” I open the window and flick the fag out. Reaching into the mini fridge tucked to the side of the Mercedes, I pull out a scotch and pour us each a drink.

“Here. Your Dutch courage.”

“You’re a prick.” She snatches it out of my hand.

“I know.” I grin and take a sip. “So, we have a deal then?”

“I don’t think I really have a choice in the matter. I either get killed by Levi, along with my grandad and Katy. Or I get killed by you when I stop being useful.” She shrugs. “At least I can have great sex until then.” She looks at me and pulls a sarcastic smile. My lips twitch.

I do love it when she’s riled up.

“Regardless of what happens to you, your grandfather won’t be touched. I’m not completely dead inside.”

“And Katy?”

“Is a loose end that may need to be cut if things don’t go according to plan.”

“No. That’s not good enough.” She crosses her arms. My eyes drop down to those incredible tits.

“Luca,” she snaps, and I shamelessly take my time in returning her gaze. “Katy is part of the deal.”

“Erm. No.”

“Yes,” she argues. “I’m negotiating, those are my terms. End of. So, are you going to tell me this plan at any point?” she says, changing the subject. I can’t help but grin this time. “You’re unhinged.”

“When we know what Levi’s incentive is. Yes. But until then we can only speculate.”

“Just when I thought things were turning a corner,” she says, quietly shaking her head.

“You should never have pulled me out of the car.”

“Okay, noted. Next time Luca’s in peril let him burn alive. Stick it in the terms and conditions.”

“I’ll have my lawyers draw it up.”

“This is a set up.” She points at me, her hand shaking as she holds the tumbler. “I’ve been set up! Why Luca? Why have I been set up?” Her voice rises, oh, fucking hell, she’s going to blow a gasket. “Because you’ve been following me. You are the reason for this.”

She sloshes some of the scotch onto the floor and I watch as the two-hundred-and-fifty-pound liquid is wasted.

“So yes, yes, we have a deal. What was it you said to me in that room? That you would find my weakness. Well, it looks like Levi has found yours. And for some reason he thinks that’s me.” She wags her head not believing it. “So yes, the deal will stick, but you’re also going to pay off my debt, you’re going to help me get legal help to go through my parents will, and-and I’m going to become a doctor.”

She’s breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling, the scotch running down her bare leg, I watch its path and lick my lips. She knocks back the rest of it in one quick gulp.

“So be it,” I say, not wanting to indulge her any further.

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