Page 8 of His Forbidden Alliance

Does your gut tell you that or your dick?

I ignored that thought. I had good instincts, even when I was horny. There was something odd going on here. He wasn’t just a guy who decided to make some money off my casino. But I didn’t get the sense of revulsion I did around men who committed atrocities like Ivanov. Was he honest? Fuck no. Was he unhinged? I was sure of it, but would he hurt a child? I didn’t think so.

“I don’t tell anyone about private games that go on here, and the men who play don’t tell anyone about it since they know what I would do to them if they did. How did you find out about this supposedly secret game?”

He smiled. “I can’t reveal my sources. Surely you know that.”

I put the gun to his forehead again. “You’re playing with me. You need to understand how dangerous that is.”

“I’m not playing; I told you what I wanted.” He took hold of the gun and pulled it aside. “There’s no need for that. Let’s negotiate.”

I hated myself for not fighting him, but I lowered my gun to my side. I would use it if I needed to, but for now, he was entertaining me. “If such a game exists, why would I put a cheat in a room like that?”

He let his eyes roam over my body before meeting my gaze again. “The house always wins, right? I could help you guarantee even greater winnings. We could make a deal.”

I considered the offer. If he was working for Ivanov, at least he’d be under my watch. Keeping him around would give me a chance to make him reveal his true motive.

But if he wasn’t Ivanov’s man, then who was he? It would be insane to agree to a partnership with this man. I couldn’t bring an unknown man into a game like the one I was running with my least risk-averse patrons. Except… There was also something genius about bringing in a ringer.

Remington told me I could run the casino any way I wanted as long as it was profitable and we stayed off police radar. Even if the other players knew Mr. Card Counter was cheating, what were they going to do about it? They couldn’t go to the police; the whole setup was illegal. Also, most of them were wanted men. “Why should I trust you?”

“I’ll be in your room with your guards, and you’ll be watching, assuming you do watch this game that may or may not exist.”

I nodded.

“You’ll be able to keep track of my every move. As far as me splitting my winnings with the house, there’s no concern there. You control the money, right? You’re the one that hands it out. I’m the one that should question whether I trust you.”

Before I made a conscious decision to move, my hand was around his throat and my gun at his temple. “Never question my honor.”

He started to speak, but I squeezed harder, wanting to cut off his air, wanting him scared. He was way too fucking smug, and I hated how easily he made my body react.

His face grew red, but he didn’t fight. Who was this man? I needed to find out.

I let go of his throat before he passed out, but I kept my gun where it was. I held his gaze and smiled as I cocked it.

When he tensed, I pointed at the floor. I’d wanted a reaction from him, and I’d gotten it. “Play starts tomorrow night at ten o’clock. Come to the back left entrance. Security will know who to let in.”

He nodded.

“Make a wrong move or do anything to cross me and you’re dead.”

“That’s not a fair deal at all, but I agree.”

“Excellent. Now, before I have you escorted to your vehicle, we should get to know each other a little better since you’re going to join an intimate circle of clients.”

He stared at me, obviously confused about how fast my mood changed. Hell, I often confused myself.

I holstered my gun and held out my hand. “I’m Rafael, but you can call me Rafe.”

When he took my hand, I sucked in my breath. His skin was warm, and I seemed to feel his touch all the way through my body. He didn’t say anything, but he studied me with a smirk on his face. I wanted to punch him, but I was going to let things play out between us. So much for my brothers’ certainty that I couldn’t be patient.

“What’s your name?” I asked when he didn’t offer it.

He smiled. “People call me G.”

“Why?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” He laughed, a real, deep laugh. Fuck, he really was crazy.