Page 14 of Ruled By Wizard

Her reassurance did nothing to ease the worry etched into Marco’s face.

“Sit down, Marco,” she ordered. At this rate, they would be there all evening unless she got to the heart of whatever was troubling him.

Marco sank into the chair as if his trembling knees could no longer support him.

“You’ve been working at The Last Riders’ clubhouse since the job began, correct?”

Marco nodded.

“Since you’re only now discussing them with me, I assume something happened today?”

“Yes, Mama.”

“So, what happened?” she prompted. “If you’re worried I’ll say something to your padre, I won’t. Whatever you tell me will remain between us.”

Natalia watched his Adam’s apple bob as he struggled to confide in her.

“Padre and I were leaving for the day, and he told me to inform Doom that we were finished. I was coming from the back of the clubhouse when I heard your name.” Marco’s eyes dropped from hers. Red crept up his neck and into his cheeks as he fell silent.

Keeping her expression blank, she prompted him to continue. “What were they saying?”

“They were betting on whether Wizard could convince you to party with them.”

Marco’s face was so red that Natalia reached into her bottom drawer and pulled out a bottle of water.

“Here. Drink this and cool down.”

Remaining calm, she listened as Marco haltingly recounted everything he had overheard. She picked up a pen and doodled on a notepad to keep her expression neutral. “Let me make sure I understand,” she said when he finished, carefully enunciating each word. “Wizard bet that he could convince me to have sex with three of The Last Riders. If he succeeds, he’ll receive a discount on a septic tank?”

“Yes.” Marco nodded miserably. “And that you would get a clover tattoo—or at least I think that was part of the wager. I’m not certain about that last part.”

Natalia stared at the pen in her hand, wishing it were Wizard’s throat.

Looking up, she smiled benignly at Marco.

“Thank you for telling me. You’ve been a true friend.”

“I would do anything for you, Mama.” Worship shone in his brown eyes.

“Then please don’t tell anyone else what you overheard.”

His hand went to his chest. “I won’t. I swear.”

“Thank you.” Rising, she walked around the desk and patted Marco’s shoulder. “Are you all right to return to work?”

“Yes.” Marco jumped to his feet but didn’t leave. He stared at her worriedly. “What are you going to do?”

Natalia gave him an evil grin that would have made Queen Grimhilde proud. “I’m going to give Wizard exactly what he wants.”

Marco’s frown deepened. “Mama, Wizard is not a man to be taken lightly. He is dangerous.”

“I can be dangerous. He doesn’t frighten me.”

“He should.”

Seeing that Marco was genuinely concerned, Natalia attempted to ease his worry. “Don’t worry; I’ll be careful.”

Marco shook his head. “I know you. You’ll let your temper get the better of you. Wizard will use that to his advantage.”