Page 32 of Gambler's Conceit
Havoc shrugs as best he can with his arms bound behind his back. “Y’know. How he’s yours, how dare I touch him, you’ll cut my balls off for that… whatever jealous bullshit guys like you like to spew.”
I shake my head. “I don’t know whatguys like meare usually like. But I did tell Seven he needed to avoid the staff, and I suppose you aren’t staff.” That does give me an idea though. I give him a once over, appreciating the large biceps and sturdy thighs. He isn’t as big as Vortex, but he is well-built anddefinitely hits the gym when he isn’t trying to win against the house. “How would you like a job, Havoc?”
I’ve caught him off guard. Havoc tenses and sits up straight, losing the casual pose.
“What?” he asks.
“A job,” I repeat. “You can take care of yourself. You apparently need money. And if you work here, you can keep an eye on Seven and make sure I’m not horribly abusing him.”
Havoc glares at me. “You mean, you get my real name, my social security number, and have constant supervision on me.”
Despite the words, there’s a tinge of desperation in his voice. He isn’t disinterested in the offer.
I smile at him. “That’s an extra benefit, yes. I’m thinking salaried, but on a one month trial period. If things work out, you get the same benefits as anyone else who works for the casino. Starting pay is sixty thousand. I’m generous with holiday bonuses and understanding if you need to take personal days.”
“Sixty—” Havoc chokes on his breath. “You might want to do the background check first. See if you really want me on your payroll.”
“Why don’t you just tell me what I’ll find and save me the trouble?” I counter as I pull my phone out. I start composing an email to my HR manager to let her know we’ll be hiring somebody new.
“Discharged for bad conduct,” Havoc says through gritted teeth. “I beat a superior officer bloody.”
I pause in my typing. “Will you do that to me?”
“If you piss me off, sure.” Havoc averts his gaze. “But if you don’t try to bully your staff, we’re fine.”
I look over my shoulder at the two guards. “Do I bully you?” I ask them.
They both immediately shake their heads. “No, sir. You’re the best boss I’ve had.”
I turn back to Havoc. “There you have it.” I send the email and meet Havoc’s eyes.
He assesses me, and I let him think this through. There’s no point in rushing him.
“Undo the cuffs,” Havoc says. “Can’t really negotiate with you if I’m tied up like this.”
“All right.” I get up to release him. I half expect him to grab me as soon as he’s free, but the only thing he does is rub his wrists. They’re red, but not worse than his face.
Vortex left a lot of bruises on him.
“You want an ice pack for your face?” I ask.
“Sure.” Havoc shakes his arms to loosen his shoulders. “You seem pretty sure I’m taking your job offer.”
I motion for one of the security guards to go get the ice pack. “Am I wrong? You didn’t sayno.”
Havoc glares at me. “I’ll take it, on one condition.”
“And what condition is that?” I smirk at him. “You really aren’t in much of a position to negotiate.”
“Well, I’m negotiating anyway.” Havoc crosses his arms. “I get to fuck Seven. I don’t count as thestaffhe doesn’t touch.”
I hear the guard still in the room inhale sharply.
“He left that much of an impression on you?” I ask, mostly to stall for time. “His ass can’t be that good.”
“If it’s not that good, then why are you fucking him?” Havoc counters, smirking.
I suppose he has me there.