“The show might be over for the assholes out there . . .” She gestures toward the door with her head. “But for you . . . You’re a VIP now, right?”
“Hey,” I say. “Did I ever ask for anything in return for saving your ass?”
“You didn’t have to. Kind of goes with the territory, right? Nothing for free in our little world.”
“I don’t remember you being in my world, Serafina. My patches separate us more than you’ll ever know.”
A sad look darkens her features suddenly. “If you say so.”
As she steps into the hot tub, I catch a glimpse of the paradise between those slim legs. Exhaling slowly, I fight against the bastard urges threatening to take over my mind. She’s as wild as I’d hoped. Confident. Everything I want in my bed for a few nights.
I stand and take off my vest.
“What areyoudoing?” she asks.
“The same thing you did, girl. Getting naked.”
She rests her chin on the edge of the tub. “Why?”
“Didn’t you say we’re from the same world?”
“That doesn’t mean I want to see you naked.” She slides to the far side of the hot tub. “But don’t let me stop you, there’s plenty of room in here. Unless you want to pay to play.”
I let out a disappointed growl, knowing she’s full of shit. I caught her looking at my ass a couple times. But if she wants money . . . I reach into my back pocket and take out my wallet. I grab the bills and throw the billfold on the mattress, then gaze at her. She hasn’t moved. I strut to the Jacuzzi and fan the paper out, a mix of hundreds, twenties, and tens.
“What’s that for?” she frowns and then looks up at me.
“Pay to play?” I use her words, wanting to offend her.
“Asshole!” She snatches the wad out of my hand so fast I don’t have a chance to stop her.
“What the fuck?”
She submerges the bills under water. A few seconds later, they resurface, a thousand dollars floating on top.
We glower at each other, silent, daring the other to make the next move. But the moment is broken by a loud knock on the door.
“Who is it?” I call without taking my eyes off her.
“Diaz.”
“The door is locked. But come in.” I hear him insert a key into the lock. “This isn’t settled, Serafina, trust me.”
“I know,” she whispers, a hint of regret in her raspy voice.
