Page 29 of Captivated

“I think ten.”

“Oh, so it’s brand new.”

“Yes. And while we’re outside, away from the eyes and ears of your bosses, I’m looking for a cash deal. I know this is at least a hundred-thousand-dollar car and I already have an offer somewhere else. I came here to see if you can beat it.”

“Smart.”

“I thought so.” This guy looks over at me with a grin I’m sure he uses to close deals with women all the time, but all I see is an arrogant man who is gaging how much he thinks he can get away with cheating me without being obvious about it. I just smile likeI don’t know his game, and stand to the side as he inspects the car.

“I can offer you seventy-five.”

“Ninety,” I counter, and his grin widens.

“Eighty-five.”

“Ninety,” I repeat, seeing if I can get him to raise.

He chuckles. “Eighty-five.”

“Fine. Deal.” I stick my hand out and he shakes it firmly. “I never got your name,” I add, and he grins like he just won something.

“Of course. My apologies. It’s Lucas.”

“Cassie.”

“Nice to meet you, Cassie. Shall we get the paperwork started?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

I follow Lucas inside and spend the next forty-five minutes signing papers and waiting for my check.

He hands it to me and lingers for a moment before letting me take it. “I hope you buy yourself something nice with this.”

Yeah, my brother’s freedom.“I will.”

“How about I take you out this week and you can tell me the story behind the car.”

“That’s sweet of you, but I can’t. The guy who bought me the car probably wouldn’t like it. He’s a little crazy.”

“Oh, uh, right, okay,” he stammers, and I give him a bright smile.

“Thanks for all of your help, Lucas.” I give him a wink and walk away.

He was easy.

I was able to get ten grand more than the online service was going to buy it for, so now all I need is fifteen grand to save Sean.

I take the check right to the bank and deposit it into my account for safe keeping. I can’t cash it out and have that muchmoney laying around the house. I wouldn’t be able to sleep for fear someone would miraculously know I had that much cash and rob me. Or Sean would find it and gamble it all away.

On the taxi ride back to the house, I look up the club Sam told me to check out. Pandemonium.

It definitely doesn’t look as nice, classy, or dare I say,clean, as Dark Horse. But beggars can’t be choosers.

I’m dropped off in front of the house and walk down the block so I can make my phone call in peace.

“Hello?”

“Hi, is this Mitch?”

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