Page 56 of Roulette: The Madam

When I reached her chair, Roulette’s eyes were still penetrating Henry’s chest like knives. She was demanding a response and the man standing behind her was demanding her attention. Not until she was ready did she stand.

“Goodnight, Henry,” she stated, exposing the lost opportunity of the bar boy.

I rounded the bar, following the hostess toward the table. However, my feet developed a mind of their own. As if there was a magnetic force I was naturally drawn to, I returned to the bar. This time, on the side closest to the table where I assumed the hostess was leading me.

“Henry,” I called out, garnering his attention.

He snapped his neck in my direction, finally breaking free of the trance. He rushed to me, nearly tripping over his long ass feet.

“Yes. Close your tab, Sir?”

“That and your fucking mouth when you see her unless you want my Glock between your teeth next time. And, trust me, you don’t want that.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I– She’s ju– She’s beautiful, man. Mesmerizing,” he groaned, remembering just how beautiful Roulette truly was. I agreed. She was stunning.

“I don’t bluff, Henry. Everything about me is factual. Understood?”

As if I had the barrel down his throat at the moment, he shook his head up and down rapidly.

“Good, now put her drink on my tab. She doesn’t need shit on the house.”

I left Henry standing, possibly in a pool of piss. My stride slowed as I approached the table where Meela was waiting. She was as pretty as I remembered. I was sure her pussy was just as wet. Grippy. And anticipating my breech.

“I apologize for carving out time I no longer need from your schedule, Meela,” I explained, removing the wad of money from my slacks.

I counted off ten hundred dollar bills and laid them on the table. When I pushed them in her direction, our eyes met. Confusion plagued her, but there wasn’t an ounce of confusion hindering me.

“Israe–”

“Goodnight, Meela. I apologize.”

I leaned over and kissed her forehead. Slowly, I turned and put distance between us. Though I didn’t feel good about dragging her out of the house for an impromptu dinner that was no longer on my agenda, I had no regrets.

I exited the restaurant with my phone in my hand. The call I’d placed was connecting. I placed the speaker up to my ear and waited for an answer.

“Chino–” I greeted him the second he was on the line.

“What’s up, El?”

“About that thing you mentioned the other day–”

“Yeah. With Roulette?”

“Yes. Yes. With Roulette. Set that up and call me back with the details.”

“Change of heart?” He asked.

He’d be waiting for a response until he took his last breath, because I didn’t have one to give him.

FOUR

Click.

Clack.

Click.

Clack.

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