Page 17 of Deadly Offer

“You’ve gone very quiet,” Dmitrii said, moving closer. His strong sandalwood cologne made Reuben want to pull away.

“Nah, just thinking about what you said earlier.” Reuben’s voice was steady, his face relaxed as he met Dmitrii’s eyes. In his mind, everything became clear. Dmitrii was fake, all for show. And now that he saw this, he could guess what Dmitrii would do next.

“Oh?” Dmitrii lit up with interest.

“You’ve given me a lot to think about.” Reuben stacked up his chips and stood up. He wanted Dmitrii to think his plan was working. Let him believe he had made Reuben doubt Nikon.

“Leaving so soon?”

“I’ve got an early morning tomorrow.” The lie rolled easily off his tongue. “But I’d like to hear more about the old days. Next time?”

Fifteen minutes later, having cashed in his chips, Reuben walked outside, the cool night air feeling fresh on his face after the stuffy poker room. His phone buzzed; probably Nikon checking up on him. Again.

A moment’s hesitation, then Reuben answered the call.

Chapter 8

Traffic crawled past, red brake lights bleeding through the Mercedes’ tinted windows. Reuben counted the passing cars with his fingers. It was a habit he’d developed during these pre-game meetings with Nikon.

“You’re going to leave marks.” He tilted his head, exposing more of his neck to Nikon’s mouth.

“Good.” The word vibrated against his skin. “Let him see them.”

“Territorial much?” But Reuben’s hands were already slipping inside Nikon’s jacket. “I thought the point was for him to think I’m available to recruit.”

“Available to recruit.” Nikon pulled back, eyes dark. “Notto fuck.”

“Such a romantic.” Reuben’s laugh was fond, exasperated. The kind of laugh he reserved for moments like these when they were alone. “Is that why you insist on dropping me off every night I come to play here?”

“No.” Nikon’s hand slid to his throat, then paused, his grip deliberately gentler than it would have been months ago. “I insisted because you’re mine.”

Reuben’s pulse jumped against Nikon’s palm in time with the twitch of his own manhood down below as he leaned into the touch.

“I think I’m close to...” Reuben started, but Nikon’s grip tightened playfully.

“To coming? Just from my hand?” Nikon’s voice was low and teasing. “I know I’m good, but...”

Reuben rolled his eyes with a laugh. “No, you egomaniac. I meant with Dmitrii. He’s been more attentive lately. Not just the flirting. He’s sharing things. Personal things.”

Nikon’s grip shifted from playful to serious. “About?”

“You, actually.” Reuben traced the line of Nikon’s jaw with his free hand. “Apparently, he said you used to work your way through quite a few beds before I came along.”

“Did he now?” The words came out soft, dangerous.

“Mmhmm.” Heat pooled in Reuben’s groin at Nikon’s tone. “But it seems you’ve settled down recently.”

The tension broke. Nikon’s laugh was low and rich, his hand sliding from Reuben’s throat to cup his face. “Veryrecently.”

Their lips met, and for a moment, the mission faded. No Dmitrii, no poker games, no carefully crafted deceptions. Just the lingering taste of black coffee and mint from Nikon’s preferred gum, and the scratch of his stubble against Reuben’s chin.

A car horn blared outside, shattering the moment. Reuben pulled back, chest heaving. “I should go. Can’t be late.”

“You should get out here.” Nikon’s thumb traced his lower lip. “We’re a block away from the club. Can’t have my car seen anywhere near it.”

Reuben checked his watch—ten minutes until the game. His fingers lingered on the door handle as Nikon’s hand fell away. The warmth between them cooled, replaced by the reality of what lay ahead. Time to become someone else. Someone who might be tempted by Dmitrii’s offers of freedom and power.

“And if he touches you...” Nikon’s fingers curled into a fist against Reuben’s thigh, his jaw tightening until a muscle ticked beneath his skin.

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