Page 29 of Saving Blood

Playing Hector’s spy ranks low on my list of priorities. Especially since I have nothing against the RBMC and don’t understand Hector’s need to take over the world—or his little part of it.

“It’s the list of the upcoming fighters and their opponents for the next few weeks.”

“I can see that,” Hector says to my phone screen.

“For whatever reason, Blood writes it all out by hand.”

“Hmmm.” Hector’s dark eyes give away nothing. “And what is this to me?”

“You’ll know ahead of time who will be fighting and how to bet.”

“Somewhat valuable, but not what I need.” He flings the phone to the couch. What I want to know is about their gun shipments. When and where they will take place.”

“I don’t know where he keeps that information.”

“When you took this job, you assured me you would get close to one of them.” His black eyes bore into me. “Has it happened yet?”

I had no intention of telling Hector about my steamy sex with Blood.

“I’ll take your silence to mean you haven’t succeeded?”

“No, not yet.”

“I see.” Hector pushes off the couch then paces in front of it.

“There just hasn't been an opportunity to?—”

Hector stops pacing and glares down at me. “From what I understand of the biker world, sex is practiced freely and often.”

“As I said, I?—”

“I know what you said.” Hector’s voice rises just enough to send a chill down my spine. “But I find your words very hard to believe, which brings me to two conclusions—you either aren’t trying hard enough, or you have already involved yourself with one of them, and you’ve let your feelings get in the way.”

“Even if I did get close to one of them, they would never tell me such secret information.”

“Or perhaps you’re keeping your relationship with one of them secret because you are hoping they can help you escape?”

“No, that’s not?—”

Quick as a rattlesnake, Hector grabs my braid and twists it around his fist. “Which is it?”

My hands fly to my head, my scalp stinging as he pulls harder.

“Neither. I just haven’t?—”

“You haven’t whored yourself out to one of them as I asked. Don’t make me regret putting you here, Maxine. And don’t let all this freedom make you think you are anything else than an ornament—collateral, a bargaining chip.” Hector twists harder, angling my face to his. “You will make a connection with one of them this week. Is that clear?”

“Yes,” I whisper.

He releases me so fast, my head snaps to the side. I massage the back of my neck. My heart is beating so hard, I’m sure Hector can hear it.

“I’m glad we understand each other.” He glares down at me. “Don’t mistake my kindness or be fooled by my letting you fight for the Royal Bastards, because even though you’re not spreading your legs every night like the others, you are still a whore for me.”

I swallow the bile threatening to rise in my throat. Knowing the truth and hearing it are two drastically different torments.

“If you want to keep living here, then you will do as I ask because, as you know, I can take away your independence.” He snaps his fingers in my face. “Like that.”

Independence with a tangle of strings attached.

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