Page 111 of High Roller

“You could make millions with these,” I say, as crumbs of flaky pastry fall from my mouth.

Lili’s laugh settles on me like a favorite sweater, and I sigh as I stare at her across the counter.

“Grace. You’re staring.”

I blink and shake my head. “Sorry. You’re easy to look at. And I like having you around.”

Her cheeks flush pink and she picks up a sponge from the sink and wipes at crumbs I’m not sure are really there.

“I’m going to ask the security guy to take me for a walk,” she says after a beat.

“And I’m going to call Victor.”

She hurries from the room, and I wonder what scared her off. Is she uncomfortable with my expression of attraction?

I take another bite of fruit and pastry as I pull up Victor’s contact in my phone. I hover over the call button, hating to disturb him when he’s got so much to do today.

But I can’t leave and take care of my school problems if I don’t talk to him, so I tap the icon and lift it to my ear.

“What’s wrong?” His voice is gruff, and he sounds tense.

“I… nothing is wrong. But I have a situation.”

“I’m listening, butterfly.” His tone has shifted, and I release the tension in my shoulders as I explain the situation to him.

“Can I please have security take me to the school?”

Victor sighs. “Yes. That’s going to have to work because I can’t get away in time and this is important. Give me five minutes to speak to them and you’ll be on your way.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“How are you?” he asks softly.

“I’m good. A little sore, but good. You?”

“Aside from some work stress, I am perfect. Thank you for last night. I’ll see you later.”

The call abruptly ends, and I finish my food before rinsing the empty plate and putting the rest of the tart back in the fridge.

A minute later, the door opens and a guard steps in. “Mr. Serrano asked us to take you to campus, Ms. Marsh. Are you ready?”

I stand and brush crumbs from my shirt. “I just need to get my shoes and purse.”

He nods and straightens, placing his hands behind his back. “I’ll wait here.”

I hurry up the stairs and put on a pair of sneakers and grab my purse.

When I get back downstairs, he opens the door and ushers me to a black SUV.

In the backseat, I lay my head against the headrest and close my eyes. Images of Lili and the way she tasted on my tongue flash in my head, and I groan.

“Everything OK, Ms. Marsh?”

My face heats and I keep my eyes firmly closed to avoid eye contact. “All good. Just tired.”

He starts the car and pulls out of the long driveway.

At the university, I convince the guard to wait outside the administration building because he makes me uncomfortable. He is reluctant, but I promise him I won’t be going anywhere but the registrar’s office and right back to the car and he relents.

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