Page 201 of Wild Embers
Santiago’s jaw drops.
“Blake Jennings,” Levi says my name in a disciplinary voice.
“Oh, come on,” I beg. “Please.” I press my palms together in a silent plea.
“Hell no.” Walker imitates how I enunciated earlier. “DoIneed to tattoo it onmyface?”
I’ve been a recluse for a week. I’m not keen on having a quiet night. I don’t need to party like a college kid, but I need out. And since they’re not going to allow me to go somewhere by myself…
I cross my arms. “I’ll do it whether you play me or not.”
“Over our dead fucking bodies,” Santiago claims for all of them.
I squint. “I don’t like that visual.”
Levi tilts his head toward me. “Then don’t play bull poker.”
My brows knit together as I think of a way to bribe them. “How about this: winner gets to take me to bed.”
“Always down for that. Don’t need to play bull poker to get me into bed,mi Cielo.”
“Alone,” I add.
That gets Santiago and Levi’s attention.
Santiago rests his chin on his fist. “Tell me more.”
Walker’s tone turns threatening. “Don’t egg her on.”
“I’ll do anything the winner wants.” I smile coyly.
Levi’s brows shoot up. “Anything?”
“Anything,” I confirm. “Let your fantasy go wild.”
Santiago sports a lopsided grin. “It can get pretty wild.”
“Then take me for a wild ride,” I challenge.
Santiago rises to his feet and rubs his hands together. “Okay, I’m in.”
“Me too.” Levi stands as well.
Walker glares at them. “You two are no better than a desperate teenager.”
Santiago scoffs. “You say that like it’ll make me change my mind.”
“Fuck.” Walker drags his hand down his face. “I’m coming.” He points an accusatory finger at each of us. “Only to make sure none of you get hurt.”
“We won’t. I’m a pro,” I beam.
Walker squints at me. “That doesn’t make me feel any better.”
Levi gets a folding table and four chairs from Santiago’s garage. Santiago gets Javier to help him get the bull into the chute.
A few of the wranglers hear the words “bull poker” and want to join. Walker snaps at all of them in a rage. Not because of the danger, but because of the prize.
Todd and Sam watch, resting their arms against the top of the corral fence. Javier waits for our cue to open the latch of the squeeze chute.
