Page 49 of High Roller

I can’t help the laugh that escapes. “You don’t like talking about yourself very much, do you?”

She shrugs. “Victor is more interesting.”

I chuckle. “I’m not saying he’s not interesting, but give yourself some credit, Grace. You’ve got an interesting story, too.”

I can tell my observation makes her uncomfortable, so I change the subject to give her some relief. “Why does Victor work for the Pink Sapphire when you have this place? It seems like running the club and shop would be a full-time job.”

Her shoulders sag with relief to not be talking about herself anymore. “This place is definitely a lot of work. More like several full-time jobs. But everyone has a job somewhere else as cover.”

“Cover for illegal activities or just to keep the secret club a secret?”

“It’s a little of both, I suspect, but the rule is I don’t get involved in anything illegal. Or at least it was the rule until Victor brought you here.”

Grace makes a face, and I laugh. “It had to be quite a shock when he came barging in here with me, especially given my state of undress.”

The memory turns my laugh into a giggle, and Grace joins me.

“Shock was an understatement,” she says through laughter.

A knock startles us both and Grace looks at her watch. “It shouldn’t be Bellamy.”

A voice calls through the door. “Gracie? It’s Bellamy. I got done with my stuff early, so I decided to come now.”

Grace jumps up to answer the door, and I instantly like Bellamy when she enters the room.

“It sounds like you two are getting acquainted,” Bellamy says as she hands Grace a bag.

“That’s the body wash and a few other things I picked up.”

Grace passes me the bag and I smile when I find deodorant, shampoo, and three pairs of clean underwear.

“Bless you, Bellamy. Despite the strangeness of the circumstances, it’s lovely to meet you. It sounds like you have some interesting stories to share.”

Bellamy raises an eyebrow at Grace who shrugs. “I haven’t said anything.”

I raise a hand. “Apologies. No one has told me anything, but I met one of your husbands last night.”

“Owen mentioned that. I must say I’m not thrilled with everything that has happened as a result of your husband, but I’m interested in hearing your side of things.”

Is this some kind of covert interrogation? Sending in the wives and girlfriends to put me at ease so I’ll slip up and say something I shouldn’t?

As if she could read my mind, Bellamy laughs. “I’m not trying to put you on the spot. It must have been traumatic to be kidnapped by Victor. He’s the biggest asshole of all the guys.”

Grace snorts. “I’ve seen Owen give him a run for his money.”

Bellamy’s face goes red, and I wonder what that’s all about. I saw and heard nothing but love and devotion in Owen’s voice in the brief exchange about his wife.

Bellamy settles on the sofa and crosses her legs beneath her. “Tell me everything.”

Chapter 15

Victor

“Sheneedsanewcar, but if I just buy her one, she’ll be pissed. She worked hard for this car and had a party the day she bought it, and I don’t want to diminish that.”

Luke and I are standing in one of the garages for his limo company where we had Gracie’s car towed.

“Don’t worry, man. I’ll have one of my mechanics check it out and make sure everything is in good working order. Not just the tires. In the meantime, she can borrow one of the town cars.”

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