Page 32 of Catching His Runaway

That can’t be what they’re doing. Valeria is fine. The sight before me is flickering up my anger to where I’m questioning everyone and their intentions.

Taking in all the screens, my fingers curl into tight fists. I can see all the tables, all the slot machines. There are close shots, purposeful for trying to find those who cheat the system. Close enough to take in the features of all the participants.

I’m sure of it. This is where Elijah watched her.

The bastard gave her a second chance. He didn’t do it because he thought she’d pay him back. No, he did it because he wanted to extend this fucked up behavior of his. He thought she’d keep playing, keep falling deeper into the hole she dug. Turn her more and more into prey until she had no choice but to submit to this fucked up game of his.

Instead of playing into his hands, she ran away. Now it’s suddenly a problem.

Does the debt even mean anything? Paying it back would only satisfy Renado.

Instead of jumping straight into conversation, Renado checks the watch on his wrist like he’s waiting.

Of fucking course. Wearewaiting for someone. For the source of our problem. And not even five minutes later, I hear the door open.

Elijah Sutton, in the flesh. From his appearance alone, I can tell he avoids getting his hands dirty. Not unless there’s a handicap involved. No, I’m willing to bet he hires muscles to do the job for him.

Black beady eyes scan over us with each step he takes, like he’s processing what kind of threat we are. Tall and lengthy, his dark hair is slicked back with a thick layer of gel or grease from a lack of hygiene. On this guy, I can’t tell the difference.

The smile on his lips is what makes the heat of rage flick at my insides. More than a smile, those thin lips of his are sneering at us like we’re below him.

My fingers twitch, and my knuckles itch. I can’t remember the last time I’ve wanted to hit someone just for existing. To crunch his nose and make that fucking look on his face disappear is what begs me to move from Urzo’s side.

“I can see she doesn’t get her looks from her family,” he mocks, taking us both in. He then looks away, eyeing Renado. “The woman?”

“Didn’t need to be involved,” Urzo answers for him, keeping his voice steady. “We’re here to talk terms.”

“Terms?” Elijah scoffs and shakes his head. “I’ve already told him what I want. She owes me a debt, and we’re not done until she’s repaid it.”

“We’ll get you the money,” I hear myself say, “we need time.”

I can’t make that promise. I don’t speak to please him; I speak because I need to discover if this man is truly who I believe he is.

If he’s a sewer rat on the outside and the inside.

“No.” His face shrivels up in disgust at the very suggestion. “I didn’t make a deal with your family. I made it with her. Let her clean up her own mess. She’s a big girl who can handle herself.”

Renado sighs, listening to our back and forth. “We can have her work the floors to pay back the debt. We’ve got different roles that earn plenty. If she takes on clients, then she’ll have no issue paying it back in a few months. We’re known for our high-rollers.”

Urzo growls, letting his facade slip. “You did not just suggest we let my sister sell herself.”

Renado shrugs, motioning with his hands. Seems the Marino family may be dipping into different revenues after all.

“My demand is simple. She wants to clear this debt; she can clear it my way.” Elijah’s smirk makes my teeth clench. “She’s got a pretty face, any man would be happy to help her out for the right price.”

My imagination betrays me, and I picture it. Valeria destroying herself because of a debt she’d attempt to take care of herself. Letting men take one piece of her at a time until nothing is left but a hollow shell.

I’m willing to place my own bet on which bastard would be the first one willing to ask for her service.

“No.” Urzo is firm, his voice low. “Different terms.”

“Not interested. Don’t bother wasting your time by coming out here again.” Clicking his tongue, his nose wrinkles. “And don’t wastemytime without bringing what I want.”

Kill him. Break his jaw and rip his tongue out for suggesting such filth. Make him choke and gurgle on his vile blood.

“Keep her protected as long as you’d like. I’ll find a way to bring her back.” Spitting the words so confidently, there isn’t a lick of fear in Elijah’s gaze.

He’s never had his life threatened before. Never danced with a blade in a hand that isn’t his own. He doesn’t understand.

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