Page 17 of High Roller

He closes his eyes. “Shit. I completely forgot. Thank you for the reminder. Speaking of tomorrow, are you still prepared to scene with me?”

I blush but nod eagerly. “I’ve been dying to do more needles with you. You’re incredibly good at it.”

He winks. “I’m glad you think so, butterfly.”

He falls silent and looks at his computer screen. I stand awkwardly in the center of his office and wrap a curl of hair around my finger. “So… if I’m not opening the shop back up do you want me to stay?”

He blinks and looks back up at me. “What?”

“You said we should leave the shop closed. Do you want me to go home or stay here?”

“Oh. Fuck. I’m sorry. My head isn’t working right. Please stay in case I need to leave. Someone has to keep an eye on our guest.”

“Did her husband really do all of that to her thighs?”

His fists clench on his desk, and he blows out a long breath. Victor can’t stand abusers, and has a history with an abusive relative, but I don’t know the details.

“Yes. Phineas Draven is a bastard. I hope, for Lili’s sake, that she isn’t wrapped up in this, and if she isn’t, I’m sorry to have dragged her into it. But we’re here now and we have to make the best of it. With any luck, Phineas Draven will be in a body bag by morning and his wife can move on with her life.”

He’s quiet again, and he turns his gaze back to his computer screen, so I back out of the office to go clean up the shop. As I walk away, I wonder if he’s secretly hoping that Mrs. Draven will move on with him.

Chapter 6

Victor

“IsitalrightifI go home? It’s getting late,” Gracie says as she pokes her head in my office door. It’s clear she’s bothered by what I’ve done, and I don’t blame her. She’s tender, not the type of person I would typically involve in my illicit activities, but I had little choice today.

I’ll make it up to her after this is over. I’m aware Gracie has a crush on me, and I’ve had feelings for her since I met her, but I’m entirely too messy for her. My family has too much blood on our hands. If I marry, it has to be to a cartel woman who knows what to expect.

Why am I sitting here thinking about marriage? I’ve been avoiding that subject since my father told me it was time to look for a bride so I can take my rightful place in the family. If I get my way, I’ll never take an official place in the family organization. My brother Andres can run things when our father retires. He’s always had the taste for managing things. I prefer to get my hands dirty.

“Victor?” Gracie prods.

I blink and shake my head. “Yes. Go. Make sure your location services are turned on in case you get into trouble again. I still haven’t figured out who is sending you those flowers, and I don’t like what happened to your car.”

She smiles. “I won’t be turning them off again. The other night helped me see the benefit of keeping them on. I’ll be back in the morning, and we’ll talk about our needle scene.”

I give her a lopsided smile and wave her away. “Goodnight, butterfly.”

It’s nearly time for my next shift at the casino, and I’ve not managed to get Owen on the phone. Matteo sent a text saying he would call me back when he got the chance. So the inevitable ass-chewing I’m certain is coming has been put on hold.

As Gracie slips out of my office, I drag a hand through my hair. My phone buzzes on the desk and tears my gaze away from the closed door.

“It’s about time you called me back,” I growl when I answer.

“Calm the fuck down, Mate. What mess have you gotten yourself into?” Owen asks, annoyance running through his tone.

“It’s complicated, but Phineas Draven’s wife is currently in one of the suites at the club.”

Owen is quiet for a minute as he processes what I’ve said.

“Is she there of her own free-will?”

I let out a humorless laugh and Owen curses.

“Bloody hell, Victor. What exactly is your plan here?”

I take him through the story of how I ended up with Liliana Draven in my bed, and Owen curses with every additional detail I provide.

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