Page 101 of Stabby Little

"My mystery man slammed me against the door and demanded to learn my identity. I kissed him and scraped his chest with my fingernail. Things are too heated for me."

"That's the most toxic thing I've ever heard."

"That's why I can't go back. The sparks between us are too intense and I'm afraid I'll burn my eye."

"I'd be more concerned about burning your ass. This guy could have chlamydia."

"Gonorrhea is the one that burns, but thanks for the advice," I volley.

"I'm pretty sure chlamydia burns, too."

"Let's make a bet." I pull out my phone. "If gonorrhea burns, I won't return and you need to pay me a hundred bucks. If it's chlamydia, I'll go back."

"What if both burn?"

"Then I'll return."

"Sounds like a deal."

I pull out my phone to Google it. A result on the first page says that both STIs burn.

Goddamnit. I knew I shouldn't make bets. I never win.

"Well?" Sparrow preens.

I scorch him with the fiercest glare in my arsenal. "I don't want to talk about it."

"A bet is a bet. Who won?"

"Me."

"BS." Sparrow snatches my phone and shakes his head when he reads the screen. "You owe me one hundred dollars for lying."

"That wasn't part of the original agreement."

"You didn't read the fine print."

I pry myself off the bed. "Fine. I'll head back tonight."

"There's the go-getter I know."

"But if my mystery man discovers my true identity, I'm taking my rage out on you."

* * *

It doesn't take long to pull up to the Little Bunny Club later that night. When I hop off my bike, I enter through the back door and head to Valentin's room.

To my luck, he's sitting at his desk when I arrive. He glances up and beckons me in.

"Welcome." He pours me a glass of water. "I didn't think you'd come."

"We need to talk." Pulling my bag off my shoulder, I set it on the ground. "This is my final night."

"You're really connecting with your client. It'd be a shame to quit so soon."

"It's not for me." Shaking my head, I maintain my conviction. "I gave it my best shot. I really did. But this gig is taxing my mental health."

"I understand." Valentin issues me a curt nod. "Mental health is a serious concern."

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