I toyed with the seam of my pants, canting a glance at him when I asked, “I suppose it was clear enough he and I have a history?”
“Blatantly.”
“And did you know this when you invited him into your home?” There was a challenge behind it. Haille might hold the money, but that didn’t give him the go to toy with me.
“No, I got word from a connection that there was a very hungry player…someone in trouble who needed to flip his circumstances quickly.”
I let that seep in.
I’d already known it—had smelled the desperation oozing from Jarek. He was backed into a corner, and I just needed to figure out exactly what that slime had done.
Give it to Aster.
Set her free.
He cocked his head. “I couldn’t think of a better opponent than you.”
“You knew I’d win.” It wasn’t a question.
He almost shrugged. “You usually do.”
And he got his cut.
It was our agreement.
If I won, his cut was double what anyone else paid to play at his tables. It didn’t hurt me since I almost always came out on top, and he brought the highest rollers. The ones who had the most to lose.
Thing was, most of them didn’t care all that much if they did.
But a man like Jarek…one who had a knife to his throat? They’re the ones that got in over their heads.
Do or die.
Last chance.
Last ditch.
And I was going to be sure to see to it that it was his.
“What happened after I left?” I asked.
He cracked a smug grin. “He said he was going to ruin me.”
Clearly, Haille loved the idea of someone trying.
“Where is he now?”
He gestured toward the door on the far side of the room. “Oz has eyes on him. He left yesterday morning but returned in the afternoon with three men. It appears he may be…disgruntled.”
Disgruntledwas likely a gross understatement.
“Judging by your face, I would say you already knew he had returned?” Haille rocked back in his chair, eyeing me like he was gauging my next move. Like he might want to wager on it.
“I had a feeling.” I itched, fighting the fury that simmered deep.
He laughed.
“Do you know where he’s staying?” I pressed.