Page 27 of The Gambler

His jaw clenched. “Natasha will get what’s coming to her as well.”

“Really? Do tell. What exactly are you going to do to her? A thirty-two-year-old former lingerie model, who’s basically acting exactly the way people expect her: spoiled. The biggest decision she has to make on a daily basis is what couture to wear.”

“I’ll do whatever needs to be done.”

“And what might that be? Are you even going to listen to her? Weren’t you sentenced to twenty years? Did you really want her to spend two decades waiting for you, not living her life? Or are you actually going to listen as to why she did what she did?”

While she didn’t approve of the way Natasha had handled things, Luca needed to know—no,sheneeded to know—that there was still a hint of reason inside him, a speck of mercy.

“I don’t listen to betrayal.”

Of course he didn’t. “Must be nice sitting atop that high horse, looking down on the rest of humanity. To live in such a perfectly clear black-and-white world. Ever thought that perhaps your former partner had a reason to betray you? Maybe Cruz didn’t actually want to betray you, but his hand was forced?”

His eyes narrowed. “Are you telling me you got info indicating that?”

This was where it got tricky. “I just believe in questioning someone first, instead of whatever it is you’re thinking of doing.”

“And why is that?”

“Because sometimes people screw up. Even when they have the best of intentions, they screw up.”

Like I did. Years ago.

He took a step toward her. Then another one, until they were standing nose to nose. She could see the ice blue of his irises. There was understanding in them. For a moment, she believed she had gotten through to him.

He put a hand on her shoulder. “I will ask him why he betrayed me.”

A relieved breath left her. “Good.” At least this time, she wouldn’t be aiding in someone’s death.

“Then, after I’ve listened to whatever sob story he comes up with, I will end him.”

Her heart plummeted. The raging fire in Luca’s eyes had turned into a blue inferno. This man would know no mercy, no compassion. If he ever found out…

The doorbell rang, shaking her from her dark thoughts.

Luca turned, taking a piece from his back.

She gasped. “You carry a gun.”

“Stay here.” After giving her a stern look, he went for the door.

“I’msonot staying here.” Like she was some poor little woman who couldn’t take care of herself. Princess Leia had thought her better than that.

The peaceful evening suddenly got shattered by Trevor’s voice. “Who are you?”

Had his voice always been that nasal?

Tess pushed past Luca, who was blocking the front door. She was glad to see that he’d put his gun back where it belonged, out of sight.

Trevor looked somewhat disheveled out of his tweed jacket and without sporting his arrogant look.

“What do you want, Trev? How did you even find me here?”

Her ex cleared his throat. “The manager left me your forwarding info. It’s good to see you, love. We need to talk.”

“I’m not your love. We broke up. You don’t do quirky anymore, remember?” Yep, those words still stung.

So much for forgiveness from your side of the fence, T-girl.

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