Page 31 of Little Bird (Advantage Play 3)

I watch Regina lean forward in her seat, attempting to make eye contact with her fellow prisoner, but she isn’t successful. Still, her quiet voice murmurs, “Hi. Are you okay?”

Nothing.

From the back seat, Regina meets my gaze in the rearview mirror. Her concerned expression is highlighted by the passing headlights from the opposite side of the road. Helplessly, she gives me a soft shrug in her tight red dress as I turn onto a side road that leads to our destination.

I pull up to the back entrance of the estate then exit the car. After slipping the key into my front pocket, I open the back door to let the girls slide out. The wind blows a bit of Regina’s hair away from her face as her heel-clad feet touch the ground. She looks stunning. A stylist had curled her long hair after she had a chance to shower, but she left it cascading down Regina’s back. It’s gorgeous. She also added some makeup to her clear complexion. It’s the first time I’ve seen her all dolled up, and I hate that she’ll be paraded around tonight like a prized pony, but it doesn’t change the fact that she’s hot as hell.

Licking her plump lips, she inspects the giant house that is hosting the tournament as we both wait for the other girl to get out of the back seat.

When she doesn’t, I release a sigh and bend forward, popping my head through the doorway.

“Come on, darlin’. We need to get inside.”

She doesn’t move a muscle.

“Please?” I try again; the pleading feels foreign on my tongue. I’m not used to asking for favors, but it seems I’ve been doing it a lot since Regina fell into my lap.

The sound of heavy boots crunching the gravel along the side of the house grabs my attention.

“What are you doing out here?” My voice is hard and cold as I address the culprit.

“You’re late. All the other girls are in their places at the table. Their buyers are wondering where they are.” He motions to Regina and the other passion fruit who still hasn’t budged.

“We’re coming.”

With a smirk, Sei offers, “Want me to take it from here?”

“I’ve got it. Thanks.”

“Apparently, you don’t because one of them is having a little trouble getting out of the car, isn’t she?”

“I said, I’ve got it,” I grit out.

“I’m sure you do. If we had all day, I’d let you prove it. Unfortunately, Burlone is getting impatient, and you know what that means. Now, would you like me to escort the one who’s being a good piece of fruit, or would you like me to handle the difficult one?”

“I’ll go,” Regina interjects, her eyes the size of saucers as she puts herself in such a precarious position.

My jaw tightens. “You’ll stay with me.”

Laughing, Sei steps closer. “I knew you’d chosen favorites.”

“It’s fine,” Regina states, ignoring Sei. “Sei will just…escort me upstairs. Right, Sei?”

His amusement is clear as Sei registers Regina’s suggestion that borders an order. “Exactly. I’ll just…escort her upstairs,” he offers, repeating her exact words.

My gut tightens, but Regina doesn’t wait to hear my response. She turns on her heel and starts marching toward the entrance. With a grin, Sei watches her ass sway back and forth for a few seconds before mentioning, “She’s a ripe piece of fruit, isn’t she? Tell me, how does she taste?”

A low growl rumbles up my throat, but he raises his hand. “Don’t worry. I’m not stupid enough to touch her until Burlone’s plan comes to a head. Besides, my hands have been plenty full with the peach in the back of your car.” Leaning closer to me, he drops his voice low. “Want to know a secret?”

“What’s that?”

“He’s even going to let me keep her.” His mouth stretches wide, reminding me of a little kid on Christmas who was gifted the perfect present.

“Who?” I ask, confused.

Cocking his head toward my car, his eyes practically sparkle. “Don’t forget to put her collar on nice and tight. See you inside.” Then he rushes after Regina, leaving me alone with a girl whose fate is worse than death.

Chapter Twenty-Two

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