“Tough luck.”
The dealer tapped on the table. “If you’re playing another hand, please take your seat.”
Finn smiled apologetically. “Good to see you, old man. We’ll have to catch up later. You entering the tournament?”
Viktis nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
Kitty watched them, a slow smile transforming her face. “Well isn’t that lucky. I’m entering the tournament as well. I hope we can play together again.”
“That would be excellent,” Finn said, leaning back in his chair like he owned it, arm draped across the back. “A shiny new ship, a stack of credits, and a pretty girl are the only thing a man needs.” He looked pointedly at Kitty, his eyes lazily drinking in her assets.
Viktis bit back a laugh. If he didn’t know better, he’d think Finn was enjoying this.
They played several more hands. Kitty flirted with both Finn and Viktis, splitting her time equally between them. As he’d suspected, she was a shark — dirty and ruthless when it came to winning. By the time they were done, Finn’s winning streak had passed on to Kitty. She’d amassed a large stack of chips in front of her.
“Well that’s better,” she said with a satisfied smile. “Nothing like a few extra credits to make a girl’s day.”
“Ever give out loans?” Viktis asked jokingly.
She shook her head. “Never. It’s not good business.”
“Glad to hear it. I agree completely.”
“Smart man.”
“So, does a beautiful woman like you have specific plans for your winnings? A new dress perhaps?” he asked, letting his gaze drift down her curvy form, appreciation curling his lips.
“A business investment. I have enough dresses.” Her voice sharpened as if she was displeased.
“I’m always looking for a good investment. Have any tips to share?” His simpering was making his skin crawl, but he needed to keep her interested. She hadn’t taken the bait yet.
“How much money are you looking at investing?” she asked, coolly. “My enterprises are not for the faint-hearted.”
Viktis glanced around the room, then lowered his voice. “I have two million credits ready to go and another million after I sell some assets. I’ve heard good things about the Cordoza Corporation and their returns. Especially some of their more…interesting investments.”
“They’re not for the squeamish.” Kitty’s gaze again fell on Keva standing at attention behind Viktis’s chair. “I’m inclined to believe you, an escort like that doesn’t come cheap.”
Viktis smiled. “Miss Troy is one of the best bodyguards in the system. Worth every penny.”
“And does she provide additional services for you?”
Keva growled, taking a step forward. “No. I do not.”
Viktis put a hand on Keva’s arm to hold her back. “My friend here is a professional. And I find it better not to mix business and pleasure. Especially where my safety is concerned.”
Kitty smiled slowly. “You are a smart man. I like you.”
“You’re pretty clever yourself. Looks like I’m going to have to watch you at the tournament, my dear,” Viktis said with a smile.
“You can watch me whenever you’d like.” Kitty trailed her nails down Viktis’s sleeve. “How about you stop by my rooms tonight after the tournament?” she continued. “And we can talk about how you might fit into my organization. There’s a planet on the outer rim that I’m interested in…acquiring. I have a crew stationed there already doing some research. The population there is ripe for the taking.”
Viktis’s eyes widened as acid bit the back of his throat. This was it. “Slavery?”
“Of course not. According to my lawyers, I am only interested in ‘indentured servitude for citizens who would like to emigrate.’” But her smile was feral and he knew she was lying through her teeth.
Before he could respond, a burly man stepped forward and caught Kitty’s eye. He wore a black jacket with red trim. One of her security guards.
“Unfortunately, it looks like I need to run.” She smiled at Viktis. “But I look forward to seeing you again, very soon.”
He took her hand, kissing it gently as he stared into her eyes. “As do I. Meeting a beautiful woman is always a pleasure.”
She started to walk away, following her bodyguard. “Don’t forget. I’m in suite thirty-four,” she added over her shoulder. Her tight red dress hugged her backside and Viktis’s gaze dropped to her perfect ass as she disappeared into the crowds. Two more men appeared from somewhere on the casino floor and flanked her as she exited.
Viktis swallowed. That had been a little too close for comfort. He needed to shower off the grime he felt at her touch now. He nodded to Finn and Keva, and the trio quickly left the casino as well, pausing outside the building.
Finn pulled them out of the way of a group of human tourists before saying, “I didn’t catch Kitty’s bodyguards when I arrived. Where were they hiding during the game?”
“Next table over. Far enough away they can’t hear her, close enough to help if she gets into trouble. The woman’s smart.” Viktis shook his head, a frown twisting his features. He didn’t have the luxury of second thoughts, but meeting the woman in person had been…interesting.
“She’s terrifying. I thought she was going to ravish me at the table a few times before you showed up,” Finn said.
Keva cleared her throat. “I’ve never been that close to pure evil before. You could feel it rolling of her. And the way she looked at you guys…” She shuddered.
Viktis nodded. “Yeah, we’re going to have to rein that in a bit. The lady is known for her conquests. Normally I wouldn’t mind, but…”
Finn grinned. “Fragging the queen of the Cordozas probably isn’t very healthy, especially if you plan to screw her over later. Literally.”
Viktis groaned. “You’re so punny.” He turned to Keva, eyebrows raised. “It’s time for Phase Two. Lieutenant, you ready?”
Keva nodded. “Let’s get this over with. Captain, I’ll see you later.”
Finn saluted automatically, quickly dropping his hand. “Sorry about that. Good luck, Lieutenant. We’re all counting on you.”
CHAPTER 5
Viktis and Keva stepped into an empty elevator, and he pressed the button for the thirty-fourth floor.