Page 80 of High Roller

I don’t understand how I’ve managed to fuck myself so badly where women are concerned. Actually, it’s pretty simple. I did it by breaking my very few rules regarding the fairer sex. This is nothing but proof that the rules are sound, and they work. As long as I follow them.

But it sounds like I’m about to break another one, which is to bring them both to my home. I’ve never brought a woman I’ve slept with home. And while I haven’t technically slept with Grace since high school, I’ve kissed her, spanked her, and seen her naked all within the last few days, so I might as well have, and having her in my home might push me over the edge. And Lili is a whole other can of worms that I’ve been trying not to think about, especially since Grace kissed her.

By the time I’m done with my calls, Luke and Owen are in the owners group chat arguing about the best way to move Lili. Owen wants to do it in two parts and involve Bellamy and several decoy vehicles. Luke wants to take her out in a linen cart. I’m not sure either is necessary, but I’m letting them hash it out.

Right now, I’m skeptical of my own judgment because I am still clearly attracted to her even after finding out who she’s married to. And the abuse she’s suffered at her husband’s hands is clouding things as well. I can’t handle seeing women be abused. The first life I ever took was that of an abuser, and to this day I’ve never felt an ounce of guilt for the act. I would end him again in a heartbeat.

Phineas Draven deserves the worst imaginable death possible, and I hope to be the one to deliver the final blow.

Then again, I would gladly give Lili the opportunity to enact her own revenge if she was so inclined.

Jesus Christ, listen to me. I sound like some sort of lovesick sap, and that’s not who I am. Even in high school where I first met Grace, I didn’t date or have girlfriends. Loner wasn’t quite the right word to describe me, but it was pretty damn close.

The one time we hooked up, I knew we would be connected for life, but I’ve kept her at arm’s length to protect her.

Now I’m pulling her in, and I feel like a bastard for putting her in harm’s way. But I’ll do everything I can to keep her safe unless it means letting her go. I’m too selfish for that now that I’ve had the taste I’ve been depriving myself of for nearly a decade.

My phone rings, and Matteo’s name lights up my screen. I answer, and he wastes no time with pleasantries.

“I’m bothered by Zara’s conversation with Lili. We know Pratchett was working for Draven. We know he hired Bryce and his crew to shoot up Tobias and Bellamy’s wedding to get to Owen. Why? What is it about us that Draven hates so much? Does my father’s death connect somehow? Danny has always been cagey about whether or not he actually did it. I’m starting to think we were wrong about that. Or at least that we don’t have the complete story. The only thing I can think of is that Draven’s got ties to the Russians, and we drove the Russians out of town.”

Matteo is saying everything I’ve been thinking for the last few hours.

“How do you suggest we find these things out?” I ask when he stops talking.

“I’m not sure. Lili seems comfortable with you. Perhaps you can ask her a few more pointed questions about her husband’s dealings with the Russians?”

Standing, I head for the door. “I can do that. I’ll report anything useful.”

Lili

Victorpokeshisheadinto my door. “Can we talk, Spitfire?”

“Not like I have anything better to do,” I snap.

I’m not sure why I’m so bitchy with him. It probably has something to do with the fact that I kissed Grace.

He doesn’t seem bothered by my attitude today, which takes some of the fun out of it. He pulls the chair from in front of the vanity—the same one I tied him to—and sits in it across from the sofa I’ve been resting on.

“Did your husband have dealings with Maxim Agron and his gang?”

I whistle. “I haven’t heard that name in a few years. Let’s just say when he went to prison, there was no cheer in the Draven household and Finn was... particularly cruel in bed.”

Victor’s fists clench and he shakes his head. “I don’t like thinking of what he’s done to you.”

“You like hurting women,” I say. “Why is what Finn does so different?”

Victor laughs. “I enjoy hurting women who want to be hurt. I seem to remember you enjoying the pain that night.”

My cheeks flame as I remember our one night together. I would pay good money for a repeat. But I’ll never admit that to him. Not now. I like Grace too much to hurt her that way, and while I understand his rationale, I’m still pissed at Victor for kidnapping me after our one amazing night.

“Did you ever meet him?”

“Agron?” I shake my head. “I met a few of his underlings that were local to Vegas, but Agron traveled a lot and didn’t really have a home base. Finn did what he could to keep everyone in that gang from going to prison, but the prosecution’s case was too tight, and Finn didn’t have him in his pocket. Now that the DA has been replaced, Finn pretty much gets what he wants in court cases around here, but he wasn’t able to work his magic on the Russians.”

“That’s helpful. Thank you. This is a weird question, but are there any pop stars he hates?”

I frown. “He’s not much of a music fan in general. The only one I can think of that he refuses to tolerate when I turn music on is Skylar Cameron.”

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