Page 18 of Gambler's Conceit
I struggle against him, but his grip is firm as he drags me back inside and toward the elevators.
I spot Havoc leaning against the wall next to the gift shop. He waves to me but doesn’t make any attempt to help me.
Thanks for nothing, asshole.
I glare at him, but I really do feel like an impotent little kid being dragged upstairs by Daddy, and there’s no sense in trying to ask for help from someone who wanted twenty grand for a goddamn fist fight.
“Mr. Spade isn’t too thrilled with you,” Vortex remarks as he strong-arms me into the elevator, glaring at the other two people who try to join us.
“Yeah, well, I’m not too thrilled with him, either,” I retort. “Something about being locked up just doesn’t sit too well with me.”
Vortex shrugs, pressing the button to close the doors of the elevator before anyone else can decide to step inside. “Too bad.”
“You’re hurting me,” I mutter, grabbing his hand and trying to peel his fingers back away from my arm.
“You think I’m hurting you? Just wait until the boss gets his hands on you,” Vortex says, his voice strangely flat.
Clearly I’m not going to escape Vortex, so I change my tactic. I press up against him, sliding my free hand along his chest. “Come on,” I whisper, batting my eyelashes at him. “It doesn’t have to be like this.”
He shifts uncomfortably, and my lips twitch as I try not to smile in triumph. I’m definitely getting to him, for all that he’s trying his best not to let me.
I wonder if all of Caleb’s men are gay, or at the very least, bi-curious.
“Yes, it does,” he says firmly, grabbing my wrist. His grasp isn’t as tight as it had been on my arm, but he shoves me back hard enough to where I stumble. “You’re cute, kid, but you’re just that: a kid.”
I gawk at him. “What does that say about you, then?” I retort angrily, unable to keep my mouth shut. “You keep ogling me. You want me. You don’t really think I’m some kid, unless you’re more fucked-up than you seem to be.”
It’s his turn to flush red—with anger or humiliation, I’m not sure. “Shut up, Seven.”
The elevator dings at the top floor, and he swipes a key card. The doors slide open, and he shoves me again.
The guard who’d nearly let me escape is nowhere to be seen.
As soon as Vortex opens the suite door, I see Caleb. He’s sitting on the living room armchair with Miss K in his lap. She’s butting her head against his chin, but Caleb’s eyes are on me.
“Got him, boss,” Vortex says unnecessarily. He hovers right by the door. “Should I stand outside?”
I don’t think I want to be left alone with Caleb, not when he’s looking at me like that. “You can stay,” I say.
Caleb smirks at me. “Sure, why not. You can stay, Vortex. I might need help putting Seven in his place, after all.”
Okay, now I think I’ve made a mistake.
Vortex shrugs and closes the door fully, stepping inside with steps that are surprisingly quiet for a man of his size. “Okay.”
Fuck.
“Okay, so it’s sort of illegal to keep someone against their will, first of all,” I begin.
“Is it? I had no idea,” Caleb answers sarcastically. “Next you’ll tell me sex work is frowned upon, and that gambling might be addictive.”
I scowl at him. “Has anyone told you you’re a total smartass?” I demand, crossing my arms against my chest.
“I believe my uncle did, just a few hours ago.” Caleb picks up Miss K and sets her on the floor before stalking over to me. I back up a few steps, only to bump against Vortex’s chest.
I’m trapped between a rock and a… well mostly between two hard places.
I can even feel Vortex’s cock stiffening against my ass.