Page 130 of Vicious Princess
“I’m more than happy to pay for your gifts,” Gloria says. From the first drawer of her desk, she fishes out a silver cigarette case. When she opens it, she first offers it to me, and after I refuse, she lights up a slim cigarette herself. “But before that, tell me what a young, gifted human Decarios like you is doing so far from home?”
I don’t look away from her curious gaze. “Looking to make ends meet. Let’s say I’m not welcome in Wetra anymore, so I have to find a new place to call home.”
“Unfortunate for you,” she says, but there isn’t any pity or empathy in her voice. “Fortunate for me, though.”
I smirk. “How so?”
“I like to collect talent,” she says, smoke streaming past her lips with each word. “I pay well for it, but I require utmost loyalty.”
My stomach churns. Is this how they recruit new Caligos? “I’m listening.”
Gloria flashes me a toothy smile. “The only reason I run an extremely profitable establishment is because I make sure the house always wins. Talent like yourself, Calia, is how I make sure the house always wins. You see, we take bets on various brawls and competitions every day, allowing anyone who wants to make some money or build a reputation participate. Some of those competitions are not controlled, which helps build the hope that anyone can win. But, of course, there must be balance. So I have a number of talented folks who make sure not too many strays walk out of here with my money.”
“I see. Smart business,” I say. “What’s my cut as your talent?”
“You keep a healthy twenty-five percent of the profit you make me.” When my eyebrows rise, she chuckles. “Before you say it’s not worth it, consider that as your reputation grows, the money gamblers bet on you will rise. In no time, your cut will earn you more than what you would win if you were enteringrandom competitions around the country. And you only have to work a couple of nights a week. If that can even be called work for you when you’re naturally gifted.”
She weaves the words with such conviction, I’m almost tempted to accept her offer for real.
“So, all I have to do is show up here for a couple of nights per week and win a few rounds?”
“That’s where we start, yes. If that’s enough for you, then it’s where we leave it. However, if you prove yourself here, and you’ve got the ambition for more, I’m always willing to support my best talent. But that’s a conversation for a later date.”
Pursing my lips, I nod. For a moment, I pretend I’m thinking over everything she told me.
Finally, I say, “You got yourself a deal if you pay after every competition.”
Gloria nods. “Absolutely, I do.”
She grabs a pouch from one of her drawers and tosses it at me. It’s heavy in my hands. “That’s the full amount you won today.” She winks. “Don’t spend it all in one go.”
I snort a laugh and tuck the money into the pocket of my leather pants. There’s a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Gloria calls. To me she says, “We need to sign a contract to make it official, and then you’re free to go.”
I nod, and just as the door opens, I turn.
A familiar face pops up.
Fuck me.
Frozen, I watch Leti approach the desk. “Gloria, we’re preparing for another round ofAni-ki-ga. You want me or?—”
Leti notices and immediately recognizes me. My heart sinks when her eyes narrow. “You.”
Gloria’s gaze snaps to Leti at her right. “You know Calia?”
No, no, no.
Leti cocks her head to the side, a sneer curling her lip. “She’s the new pet Daegel keeps. One of his cadets at Ezkai Academy.”
The moment the wordEzkaileaves Leti’s mouth, the air in the room shifts. I sense the bouncers approach me from behind, and Gloria tenses.
“Ezkai cadet, you say?” Gloria asks Leti, but her eyes are on me.
“Yes,” Leti says. “A Phantom Ranger.” Leti jerks her chin at me. “Where’s Daegel, little pet? Did he already get bored of you and drop you?”
The malice that flickers in her gaze makes my blood boil with rage.
