Page 58 of Gambler's Conceit

I force a chuckle. “That’s all I can say,” I tell Linda, and before she can respond, I walk over to Della and Seven. I wrap an arm around him and squeeze. “What’s he doing now?”

Seven grins at me. “Nothing she wouldn’t do,” he says, and that shine is back in his eyes. I’m grateful for it, even if my plans for him to be friends with Linda might not work.

Yet.

Della Mortay has half her face on, although the eyeshadow is clearly not done yet. She has sharp, tanned features with high cheekbones, a band around her head to pull back her hair. Her eyes are a deep shade of brown, warm as they look at Seven.

“This charmer just asked me where I was attending university.” Della pretends to swoon. “My college years are well behind me, darling, but I assure you I have enough stamina for all the frat boys.”

Seven grins at her. “So do I. Hey, Vortex. Have you met Della Mortay?”

“Yeah, we go way back,” I say with a smirk. “Long enough for me to know she can definitely take all the frat boys until they’re too exhausted for more.”

Della laughs and licks her lips. “It’s not my fault the quarterbacks couldn’t keep up. I had them crying for mercy when I was done with them.”

“I’m sure you did,” I say. “You’re not tormenting Seven, are you? I’d hate to have to get the stern voice out.”

Seven holds up the show flyer. “She signed it for me.” He edges a bit closer to me though, like he’s seeking my protection.

Della doesn’t miss that movement with her eagle eyes, but she smirks at me. “I would never torment anyone, Daddy. You know that.”

I blush despite myself, something Seven notes with a curious look. “Don’t even get started with that,” I tell her.

“Daddy,” Seven repeats, grinning at me. “Is that what you like to be called, Vortex?” His eyes widen as he looks between the two of us. “Have you?—?”

“No,” I say, at the same time Della says, “Absolutely not.”

I roll my eyes. “You don’t have to act like it’d be a hardship, Della.”

“I like my men small, dainty, and obedient,” Della says. “Which is the opposite of this hairy beast here.” After a pause, she adds, “All right, and I like the big frat boys too. There’s something about a himbo that just does it for me.”

For all that Seven is usually quick on his feet, he seems a little at a loss as the two of us banter. I don’t know if he’s wondering if he should admit that we’ve fucked or not, if he should join in the conversation, or if he wants to stay out of it entirely.

“Can’t see I’ve ever gotten into the himbo type,” I say. “But frat boys do come in all shapes and sizes…” My eyes go to Seven. I briefly wonder if he’s ever attended college, but I doubt it.

“What about you, hon?” Della asks Seven. “What gets your motor going?”

Seven coughs, glancing at me. “I don’t really have a type, but that’s okay, because I’m not really the monogamous type either.” He grins, but I can tell it’s forced.

I squeeze him against me. I wish I could tell him there’s nothing wrong with that, but with how possessive I feel of him—even knowing he really belongs to Caleb and even fucking Havoc—I don’t like it.

“No type at all?” Della gives Seven a once over. “Maybe this old queen should have a go at you, then.”

I glare at her. “No,” I say. I don’t want to get testy with Della, but I don’t want to share Seven with even one more person.

Seven rolls his eyes. Shaking his head, he says, “I think I’m full-up, but hey, if a spot opens up…”

She laughs and slaps my shoulder. “All right, all right. No need to get so testy.” She winks at Seven. “Now, you have any questions about drag? I should probably finish getting ready, or Linda will end up dragging me on stage in nothing but hose and heels.”

“I have a lot of questions,” Seven says, “but I don’t want to get you into trouble.” His smile is a little more sincere as he says, “I want to see the whole show. But maybe…” He glances up at me, his puppy eyes more effective than any I’ve seen before. “MaybeDaddywill let me come back.”

I nearly choke.

Della bursts out laughing, which draws the attention of the other queens. When she catches their stares, she announces, “Vortex found himself a baby boy, gals. He’s gone full Daddy on us!”

“I have not,” I groan, but Seven’s grin is so wicked that I can’t begrudge any of them their laughter.

It’s nice to see him like this.