Page 115 of Roulette: The Madam

“You don’t hav–”

“I’ll cut them on the flight, Princess.”

“Fine.”

She couldn’t help it. The smile on her face appeared against her will. With a shake of the head, I stood in front of the sink scrubbing my hands with soap.

With her rosestucked under her right arm, Roulette accepted my hand with her left. Together, we exited the villa and made our way around the bend where Raquim was waiting. The small duffle in my right hand held the dress and shoes she’d worn upon arrival, along with my tailored suit and the bowl of fruit we’d made together. The kiwis were in a paper bag stuffed in the beach bag on her shoulder.

“Raquim,” Princess greeted my driver, acquaintance, and shooter.

With a chuckle, he shook his head. “Good morning, Roulette.”

She didn’t budge. She remained planted beside the SUV, studying Raquim from head to toe.

“Prince–”

“If I wanted you dead or injured, you would be. Don’t hold an unnecessary grudge. Let it go, because you won’t win,” she warned with a precious smile on her face.

“Grudge?” Raquim asked, “You tried to kill me, woman.”

“I’ve nevertriedto kill anyone, Raquim.”

“Lucky me.”

“Yes, lucky you.”

“Man.” Raquim groaned, smacking his lips.

“I’d avoid popping my lips like that if I was you. It’s giving peg. Bender. Sister girl. Margarita with a sugared ri–”

“You gone let her bully me like this or you gone say something?” He asked with bulging eyes and a tilted head.

Sniggering, I tossed my hands in their air. Experiencing Roulette’s comical side was satisfying. I couldn’t quite put a finger on the reason behind it, but I was enjoying it. Her tongue was sharp.

“I’m not on his payroll. I’m sucking his dick. He has no jurisdiction over my actions.”

“In the car, Roulette,” I demanded, hardly able to keep a straight face.

On command, she obliged. The second her ass hit the seat, she sighed, realizing she’d lied through her pretty teeth. As much as she hated to admit it, she listened well. Stubborn for the most part, but a great listener when it mattered. No questions. Just actions.

“Yeah, now shut up and scoot over,” I fussed.

With a roll of her eyes, she scooted to the center, allowing me to get inside. I placed the duffle beside her and pulled her closer. She snuggled up against me. I freed her hands of the roses and her bag.

“Being sleepy after sleeping all weekend should be a sin, but here I am.”

“You should get a full eight hours of sleep tonight. You’ll feel better in the morning if you do.”

“I can’t wait to crawl in my bed.” She yawned. “And cut on the white noises. Maybe even invite my rose to bed.”

“You won’t be sleeping in your bed tonight.”

“Are you asking me to spend the night, Israel?”

“No, Princess. I’m telling you.”

“Fair enough,” she whispered.

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