Page 12 of Dead Devil's Playground
Something twists in me at the look. Fear, yes. But, I see it. A flicker in Oliver’s gaze. Not terror. Something sharper. Hungrier.
Interesting.
Rev is still glaring at Oliver. "If I find out you're lying, I'll peel your skin off inch by inch," he growls, his voice dropping to that dark register that makes even me shiver. He leans in closer, blade suddenly in his hand, the tip pressing just beneath Oliver's eye. "See if there's anything worth keeping underneath."
I watch Oliver's reaction carefully. There it is again—that barely perceptible shiver that has nothing to do with fear. His pupils dilate, his breathing quickens, but not in the way of someone terrified. It's... anticipation. Desire, even.
Rev sees it too. His eyes narrow further, and he drags the blade down Oliver's cheek, not cutting, just threatening. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? Feel the bite of my knife?"
Oliver's lips part, his tongue darting out to wet them. "No," he whispers, but his body betrays him. His eyes follow the knife with fascination, not terror.
"Liar," Kai hisses, circling behind him. "I can see it in your eyes. You're just begging for us to make you bleed."
I step forward, placing a hand on Rev's arm. "I think our new friend might have some... interesting proclivities," I murmur, watching Oliver's face flush. "Might be useful."
Rev's eyes meet mine, a silent conversation passing between us. He lowers the knife slightly but doesn't put it away.
"Here's what's going to happen," I say, moving to stand directly in front of Oliver. "You're going to be a good boy for us."
The effect is immediate and unmistakable. Oliver's breath catches, his eyes widening before dropping submissively. There's no hiding the way his body responds to those words—the slight tremble in his hands, the flush creeping up his neck.
"You're going to keep your eyes and ears open at the club," I continue, my voice soft but firm. "If you see anything suspicious, anyone asking questions they shouldn't, you tell us immediately. Understand?"
He nods quickly, too quickly. "Yes. I understand."
"Good boy," I purr, watching with satisfaction as he nearly melts at the praise. "And if you're very, very good, maybe we'll let you find out exactly what Rev's knife feels like against your skin."
Hudson steps forward, his expression unreadable as he pulls out his phone. "Give me your number," he orders Oliver, who fumbles to recite it. Hudson types it in, then shows him his screen. "This is my number. You see anything, you call. Day or night. And if I find out you've been holding back information..."
He doesn't finish the threat. He doesn't need to.
"Your bike's in the parking garage," Hudson adds, his tone dismissive. "Don't make me regret returning it."
Oliver nods again, his eyes flicking between all of us as if he can't quite believe what's happening.
"You can go," I tell him, stepping aside. "For now."
He backs toward the elevator, nearly stumbling in his haste. Just before the doors close, I catch his expression—a mixture of relief, excitement, and something darker that makes me smile.
The moment the elevator doors close, Rev rounds on me. "What the fuck was that?"
I shrug, dropping back onto the couch. "That was me finding us a potential asset."
"An asset?" Kai scoffs. "He's a dancer with a death wish and a pain kink."
"Exactly," I reply, smirking. "Which means he's motivated by things that are easy for us to provide. Fear won't keep him loyal, but his... other interests might."
Hudson makes a sound that might be a laugh. "You're playing with fire."
I turn my gaze to him, letting my smirk widen. "When don't I?"
Rev drops into the seat beside me, his anger seemingly deflated. "You really think he's not involved?"
"No," I admit. "But I think if he is, we'll get more out of him this way than by cutting him open right away."
Kai holsters his gun finally, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. But I'm having Camden run a background check on him. If anything comes up suspicious, all bets are off."
"Fair enough," I agree, leaning back into the cushions. The adrenaline from earlier is fading, leaving me suddenly exhausted. The cut on my neck throbs, a reminder of how close I came to real trouble today.
