Page 12 of Duped

“Saul would like to speak with you both in his office.”

Tarek’s heart dropped at the arrival of Saul’s guard. Mac was one of Saul’s personal guards—like one who took care of problems. With the mob, that made him fucking terrifying. The way Portland’s face hardened, transforming him into a stranger, made Tarek realize Portland knew it too.

“I take it this isn’t really a request.”

At Portland’s question, a terrifying smile touched Mac’s lips. “Not really, no.”

Portland dipped his chin. “Very well.” He set his palm on the small of Tarek’s back and motioned with the arm that still had Tarek’s things draped over it. “Lead the way.”

Mac’s smile turned even more feral. “You know the way. I think I’ll follow.”

As scared as Tarek was, he also experienced several odd thoughts. Mac seemed to be focused more on Portland than him. They seemed to know each other. Mac didn’t appear to trust Portland, and strangest of all, he got the feeling Mac thought Portland was dangerous—like he had to watch his back. Tarek was confused as hell.

As they crossed the threshold into Saul’s office, Tarek clasped his hands to keep them from shaking. He didn’t want to lose this job. Tarek didn’t understand what he had done wrong. Saul met his stare first. A kind smile touched his lips. Unfortunately, Saul possessed the most terrifying eyes Tarek had ever seen, so the smile didn’t really help. His eyes were a light gray that cut through a person. Tarek might have questioned if he had a soul, but he had seen the guy with his husband. There was a human in there. But then Saul’s eyes slid Portland’s way, and all warmth died. If Saul had been looking at him, Tarek might’ve taken a step back. His anxiety skyrocketed.

“Have a seat.”

Tarek sat.

Portland argued. “What is all this about, Gabris? We were headed home.” His voice didn’t even sound like Portland. Tarek couldn’t stop looking between Saul and him. Their cold stare-down was eerie. He felt like he started a movie halfway through and missed the entire plot.

Saul looked away, dismissing him. When he focused on Tarek, he turned human again. “How are you doing tonight?”

Tarek didn’t know how to answer. He went with honesty. “I suppose that depends on the nature of this conversation.”

Saul chuckled. “It’s fine. We just have a small problem that can be easily resolved.” He motioned Portland’s way without looking at him. “Mr. Wales is a regular high roller at this establishment. This puts us in an awkward position.”

Tarek’s heart sank. He hadn’t even considered that. He should have. Tarek knew how closely everything was watched. The casino would never risk there being any chance of odds leaning away from the house. “I see.”

“I don’t,” Portland grumbled. “I spend a lot of fucking money here.”

Saul’s friendly smile turned feral. When he spoke, his voice sounded like it came between clenched teeth, and he didn’t look Portland’s way. “And we’ll accept it no matter how it’s earned.”

Tarek found that odd. In fact, this entire situation felt a little fucked. He had to turn down the heat. “What do you need from me? I don’t want to lose my place in high roller.” He had worked too fucking hard to get bumped from the highest tipping job at the casino.

“You’re fine.” His gaze moved to Portland. “I just ask that Mr. Wales choose a different dealer when he visits us.” He focused on Tarek again. “And any public displays be off the clock, off the floor, and out of uniform.”

Tarek nodded. “Sounds fair.”

“No.”

Tarek’s head snapped around at Portland’s growled response. His face was hard enough to cut glass and Tarek nearly gasped. Portland was more than a little scary. Still, Tarek needed Portland to stop. This was his job on the line. He touched Portland’s arm. “It’s okay. I don’t think it’s unreasonable—”

“No,” Portland repeated, cutting him off. He didn’t look Tarek’s way. His murderous stare never wavered from Saul’s. Saul’s guards subtly moved closer. Portland either didn’t notice or didn’t care. “Tarek has done nothing to deserve your suspicions. He’s good at his job and loyal to this place. You won’t disrespect him by treating him like a cheat, and I’ll sit wherever the fuck I like.”

Saul was every bit as scary. “My problem isn’t with Tarek. I know he’s a good person. You seem to forget I know you, though, and this is my casino. You’re on my fucking turf. I choose who stays and where they fucking sit.”

“Whose turf?” Portland said, obviously mocking him.

Saul snorted. “If you’d like to take it up with someone else, feel free. I’m not sure you’d enjoy that outcome. There’s money and then there’smoney. One lackey versus an entire block of establishments. Don’t overvalue yourself and end up…” Saul smiled as he trailed off, leaving his threat unsaid. “What’ll it be?”

“That’s a shame.” Portland held his hand out to Tarek. Tarek didn’t hesitate to take it. “As much as I’m sure you won’t notice, you’ve lost this high roller and your customers' favorite dealer.”

“Wait. What?” Tarek was confused as hell.

Saul’s expression snapped closed. He focused on Tarek. “Say the word. If you’re not safe, don’t leave this office. We can keep him from taking you.”

“What?” Tarek had no clue why he kept repeating that single question, but it was all he could get out between Saul and Portland arguing.

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