Cashing Out

by Pierce, Nicolette

  Thick burly hands reached in for Roy. I screamed again as a man shattered my window, pelting glass. He reached in to unlock the door and drag me out.

  Roy floored it. We flew out of the furious men’s clutches.

  I grasped my chest. “I thought we were goners. I can’t believe they were attacking an innocent woman.”

  Roy frowned. “They just found out you played them like a fiddle. I doubt they consider you an innocent woman.”

  “They shouldn’t play if they’re not prepared to lose.”

  “Yes, but you poked their weakness.”

  “You always tell me to get inside a player’s head. I have to play the player, not the cards.”

  A deep chuckle rippled through as he flicked glass from his lap. “Stop listening to me. It’s bad for our health.” He smoothed back his few ruffled hairs.

  “Do you think it’s safe to go back for my moped?”

  “We’ll circle the block and see. So much for my winnings. By the time I pay to replace the windows, I’ll only have a few bucks left.”

  “I’ll help pay for the windows. If it wasn’t for me, we’d still be at the table slowly bleeding them dry.”

  “I have a feeling this would be the outcome either way. I’ve never seen a full table on tilt. This is one for the memoirs.”

  “Do you think we’ll be able to step foot into the Dirty Flamingo ever again?”

  “We’ll have to wait a few months before their ruffled feathers are smoothed.”

  “What if we play horribly and give their money back?”

  Roy’s eyes slid to me. “Do you give a treat to a misbehaving kid? No, we’ll wait this out. Next time they play us, they’ll play cautiously.”

  “So, they should thank us for this learning experience.”

  Roy barked with laughter. “Did you thank anyone for all the times you’ve been spanked at the table? Remember when I first met you? You barely limped away from the worst play of your life.”

  “How would I know he had the nuts? I had a straight flush! There was nothing on the table to indicate he had anything better.”

  “You wagered everything on that hand. If fact, you wagered more than you had. They were going to keep you there until you paid.”

  “Yeah. I remember.” I grimaced. It was a seedy dive that no novice player right off the bus from Colorado should have stepped into. I had thought I’d make my mark and quick cash. Instead, I lost everything and nearly had to pay what I owed in fleshly pleasures. Roy showed up at the tail end and saw what happened. He paid the difference and chauffeured me to the rat-hole motel I grudgingly rented until I could afford an apartment. I thought for sure he’d demand something from me. Pleasures. Payment with interest. He didn’t. Instead, he showed me the ropes and let me pay him back gradually. He even fronted me cash and introduced me to the Lost City casino. A reasonably safe casino and my home away from home ever since.

  Until recently.

  Roy circled around to the parking lot.

  “Is that my moped?” I asked.

  “It was your moped,” he stated.

  We gave the twisted, broken moped a last farewell glance as Roy pulled away.

  * * *

  Lenny’s brows furrowed. “Why am I the ogre?”

  I glanced at him, wondering if he really wanted an answer.

  “We’re all depicted as something we don’t want to be.” Frankie winced at the photo.

  “Nadia got off easy,” Lenny muttered.

  “I’d rather not be clinging to Charming’s leg,” I said.

  “But that’s a woman’s natural position,” Lenny said.

  My eyes targeted him. I had so much to say to that comment, but I only asked, “Then why isn’t a woman clinging to your leg?”

  “I’m saying it’s a woman’s job to worship a man and to get on her knees every once in a while and show some gratitude.”

  I flexed my fingers instead of curling them into the fist I wanted. Why waste the energy? Lenny would never learn. And, I needed to work on my anger management. My boiling point lurked just beneath the surface.

  Frankie’s eyes slid between the two of us. “Lenny, you’ll never learn,” he said, mirroring my thoughts. “And Nadia, you can’t say you’ve never been on your knees.” His hand flew up to stop me from protesting. “We’re missing the point. This horrific billboard isn’t going up. We’re going to win using whatever method we can.”

  I was momentarily distracted from Lenny as my Frankie alarm sounded.

  “What do you mean, ‘whatever method’?” I asked.

  “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win this competition.”

  Lenny rubbed his hands together with a grin. “Now you’re talking!”

  “I don’t want to wear the wench costume. The few circuits Charming has left nearly short-circuited. And nothing illegal either,” I added.

  Frankie sighed. “I’m not asking you to hold couples at gunpoint. I’m just saying, it’s time to unleash the big guns. Totally different guns.”

  “What big guns did you have in mind?” I asked.

  Frankie pointed to his head. “This big gun!”

  Lenny stopped rubbing his hands. “Are we using guns or not? I have a great squirt gun that looks like a sawed-off shot gun.”

  “Frankie meant his brain.”

  Lenny’s hamster wheels creaked and groaned as he thought.

  “Can we get on with this?” I asked, reining in my slipping temper.

  “Yes, and I’ve called in backup.”

  “Who did you coerce this time?” I asked. “Or did you have to blackmail them?”

  Frankie tisked. “Next time I see Mr. Greyson fine-ass-in-Armani Miller, I’m going to give him a piece of my mind. He’s got you so strung out you’re like a grizzly bear that awoke cold and hungry in February. I don’t think I’m going to let you come on vacation,” he threatened. “Mya and I can have fun by ourselves.”

  “You have to take me since it’s my vacation money.”

  “We could accidentally leave without you.” He put his finger to his lips in thought. “We could wrap you in a bow and leave you at Greyson’s door. Let him deal with you for a while.”

  Goosebumps rippled up my arms and neck, leaving a chilling tingle. I narrowed my eyes, gauging Frankie. I wouldn’t put it past him or his sidekick, Mya.

  “By the way, a foreign guy was looking for you.”

  * * *

  “Why am I stuck with you again?” Lenny asked as he pulled the bus near the bureau. The vibrations from the ear-splitting sound system shook the bus with each bass beat.

  “The question is: Why am I stuck with you?” I hollered over the music.

  “Just fill this bus. I’ll have to do a roundup in the tourist spots soon.”

  Frankie had positioned four teams in the busiest tourist areas. Lenny and I were sent to the bureau to shuttle between the groups for pickups.

  I hopped off the bus to search for couples. I spotted a couple exiting the building. Perfect.

  “Are you in need of a chapel?” I asked, nearing them.

  “We’ve already picked one out,” the man said.

  “That’s wonderful,” I said, plastering a smile. “Which one did you choose?”

  “The Fairytale Chapel,” the woman gushed.

  “That’s wonderful,” I repeated with the same plastered smile. I stepped aside to let them walk by.

  Lenny rushed over. “This way to Fairytale Chapel,” he said, herding them onto the bus. He popped up next to me a moment later. “You almost let them get away.”

  “They planned to go to another chapel. I can’t ruin their wedding.”

  He shoved his thick finger in my face. “I refuse to be an ogre. This is war! Steal Charming’s clients or . . .” he sputtered like a water-doused fire.

  “Or?” I asked dryly.

  His red face puckered as he thought. His wagging finger stilled as his eyes bulged.

  “Are you having a heart attack?”
I asked with an ounce of concern. Maybe only half an ounce. It’s hard to conjure sympathy for Lenny.

  He pointed to a spot behind me.

  I turned to find Muffin dragging a petite man toward the bureau entrance. Her tall, bulky frame loomed over the man. There was no doubt he was overpowered by her size and strength.

  I sighed. With her determination, I doubt there would be anything I could say to make her release him. But . . . by the way the man’s eyes darted, searching for an escape, I had to attempt to reason with her. I hoped it didn’t bite me in the ass.

  "Muffin!" I called.

  She twisted around, swinging the man. “No time to talk, Natalie. I have to get married before midnight.”

  I jogged over. “It’s Nadia. Is this about money?” I asked under my breath.

  She eyed me under her heavy brows. “You know the drill.”

  “I do. Perhaps your grandfather’s will can wait another week. Frankie needs help and is willing to pay.”

  “Hmm,” she thought for a moment before shaking her head. “I think I’ll stick to marrying this guy.”

  The speck of hope in the man’s eye turned into a tear. Geesh! Now I know what men feel like when women cry. It’s . . . uncomfortable.

  “There’s no need to marry him tonight. He can wait a week.”

  The man stared at me as if he wasn’t sure if he wanted to punch me or hug me.

  “You’re wasting time!” Lenny hollered, keeping a safe distance from Muffin. “Get them on the bus.”

  “Why’s Lenny’s nose all out of joint?”

  “You remember Lenny’s name but not mine? Do you know I still have a giant hole in my kitchen wall?” I gritted.

  “You should get a husband, then you won’t have to worry about holes in your wall, Nicki.”

  “It’s Nadia. I don’t see how having a husband will spare me from holes in my wall.”

  “That’s their job; to oversee a woman’s comfort.”

  “I don’t think that knowledge has spread through the male population.”

  “It will when I’m through.”

  I eyed the imprisoned man, wished him well, and turned to leave.

  “Neptune, wait. You didn’t tell me what the fuss was about. Why does Frankie need help?”

  “Nadia. We are in the midst of an unhealthy competition with Fairytale Chapel.”

  “What are the stakes?”

  “Whoever marries the most couples wins. The winner gets a billboard to slam the loser.”

  “What’s in it for me?” she asked.

  “A legal occupation for the duration of the competition.”

  Her lips puckered in thought. It wasn’t enough.

  “And free wedding ceremonies for life.” May God rest my soul.

  The man wilted with relief when he saw Muffin’s toothy grin.

  “It’s a deal,” she said, releasing the man who turned and fled as though he was racing a charging bull. I was impressed with the way his knees lifted to his chin. “What do you need me to do?”

  “Round up as many couples as you can. The Fairytale Chapel already has a lead, and they aren’t afraid to steal our couples.”

  “Is that why I’ve been seeing princesses around town?”

  “They brought out the princesses?” Lenny overheard with a gulp. “Oh, this is bad.”

  My brow arched. “It just means they have extra helpers. But we have Muffin.” With her size and hooded eyes, no one would say no.

  Lenny didn’t look convinced. “You don’t know what the princesses are capable of.”

  “Do they sing songs and attract fuzzy woodland creatures?” I asked. “I’m not sure that will help find couples.”

  A tinkling laugh filled the air. I looked over to find a woman in a ball gown. Red rouge dotted her cheeks, and her golden hair was swept up to a sparkling tiara.

  Lenny flinched.

  “She looks harmless,” I said as Lenny stepped back.

  Muffin glanced at the woman. “She’s rather small. Maybe she’s the runt of the litter.”

  “Then you don’t know women. The smaller they are, the more volatile,” Lenny said.

  My eyes slid from the princess to Muffin. “I don’t know how you came up with that theory. Muffin could take her any day.”

  Muffin nodded. “I can’t argue with that,” she agreed, cracking her knuckles.

  “Just steer clear of all princesses. The less friction the better,” Lenny said, keeping the princess in his sight as he moved toward the bus.

  “Let’s go make rounds,” I suggested. “There’s no one here now.”

  “So how will Frankie pay me? Per couple?”

  “Lenny gets a commission. I’m sure he’ll give you the same deal. Perhaps we should split up so you don’t have to share commissions on the same couples.”

  “Good idea,” she said, heading to her vehicle. “Keep your phone on. I’ll call with pick-up details.”

  “Do you have my number?” I asked.

  “It’s programmed into my phone.”

  I paused. “You have my phone number, but you can’t remember my name.”

  “No need to start grunting like a rooting piglet. Your name is programmed in with the phone number. See, right here . . . Nancy.”

  “Nadia.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I meant.”

  * * *

  “Where in the world did you find so many couples?” Frankie asked, collapsing into the chapel couch.

  “You’ll have to thank Muffin. She found them, and Lenny heisted them,” I said, glancing at the clock. It was half past five in the morning, breaking all previous late-night records. “I’m exhausted. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “I’ll walk with you,” he said, attempting to roll off the couch. “Help me up. My feet are dead.”

  I tugged his arm, but his dead weight didn’t budge.

  “Forget it. I’ll sleep here,” he said, tipping over. “Just tell me where Muffin found the couples.”

  “You don’t want to know. You’ll have nightmares.” I said.

  “Then tell me tomorrow,” he yawned. “Can you put my legs on the couch? I can’t seem to move them.”

  I took pity on Frankie, who looked like a child that had a very long day with no nap. I lifted his feet to the couch and slipped off his shoes. Before I could even say goodnight, he was in a deep sleep.

  I trudged up the two flights to my apartment. I didn’t bother turning on my lights or saying hello to Gus. Stripping off my clothes as I made my way to the bedroom, I slipped into bed with a sigh and snuggled in, ready to drift into blissful slumber.

  Something stirred on the bed. “Goodnight, Gus,” I said, reaching to give him a head pat. My hand came into contact with warm skin.

  I froze. Before I could register shock and an escape route, an arm reached around my waist, dragging me to the source.

  “Goodnight, Nadia,” a rich voice sleepily murmured.

  Caleb.

  I knew he fell back asleep instantly. His warm tickling breath was deep and steady. Since I was in his warm embrace and to the point of passing out from exhaustion, I relaxed against him, allowing my dreams to take me where they would.

  Chapter 9

  Warm kisses traveled my neck and shoulder. My eyes fluttered open as soft lips pressed against my neck, sending a stampede of shivers. Sunlight poked through the shades.

  Awareness jolted as Caleb’s arm, still wrapped around my waist, pulled tightly against me, pressing me into the length of him. My eyes popped open wide as I realized we were both naked.

  “Caleb?” I asked, my voice rough with sleep.

  “How did you know it was me?” he asked, nipping my earlobe.

  “You said goodnight in your sleep.”

  “And you came to bed naked?”

  “I thought I was alone in bed. You scared me half to death.”

  He slid back, allowing the cool air to seep through the covers. I winced. Before I could curl back to sleep, he gently turned
me to face him. His arm slid around and pulled me close again. But this time, we were dangerously front to front and coming to life.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you. You’ve been avoiding me again.”

  “How did you get in?”

  “Frankie gave me the key.”

  I sighed. Snuggled with a warm Caleb, I couldn’t even muster anger toward Frankie.

  “Can I see you tonight?” he asked.

  “I have to work again. In fact, I have to work every night until this stupid competition ends."

  “We can have dinner before.”

  I nodded. He pressed a kiss to my forehead.

  “What casino will you be playing at? I can pick you up.”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t found a casino.”

  “Text me when you know. I have to leave soon for a tournament; it starts in an hour.”

  “Omaha?”

  “Yes.” After a soft, lingering kiss, he groaned. “This is torture.”

  “What is?”

  “Having to leave you while you’re in my arms naked. I could forget the tournament and stay in bed with you all morning . . . or what’s left of it.”

  “Go,” I said into his neck. “Otherwise your manager will hunt you down.”

  He smirked. “Do you want to fool around first?”

  “No. You’ll be late.”

  “Will we ever fool around?"

  “Maybe.” My body said YES!

  “What about our wager?”

  I groaned and snuggled in tighter, making him groan.

  “You’re killing me. I want an answer tonight.”

  “You said the offer was open forever.”

  He sighed. “It is. I’m just impatient. I want you, Nadia. It’s killing me to be so close and yet so far.” His lips nuzzled my lower lip. “I want you to be mine.”

  “You know, I could actually win the wager. There’s a possibility your infallible luck could falter.”

  “It’s possible," he agreed. “You could win one million dollars. Think of what you could do with all that money.”

  His tongue grazed my lips. Damn. What’s the harm in a wager? I like wagers.

  “It’s a lot of money.”