“You want to bet on
the contest?”
“It’s more fun when
something’s on the line. Go on, Nobek Jol. If you win, what do you want from
me? Besides my head removed from my shoulders?”
Jol snickered and
considered. After a few seconds he declared, “A case of last year’s leshella
from the Lisidian Valley.”
Ospar grinned in
appreciation. “My, my, what good taste you have.”
“What of you?” Jol
challenged. “I will remind you that I don’t possess a sizeable pocketbook.
You’ll have to be inventive when it comes to your prize.”
“We don’t pay you
well?” Ospar couldn’t help but tease.
“I have no
complaints. Even from your ivory tower, you must know a security guard’s wages
won’t cover the price of fine Plasian vintages.”
Ospar chuckled. He
pretended to consider what he’d take as his winnings, though he’d chosen before
they’d sat down to eat and play. “Hmm, what would I like from you?”
“Anything but
demanding I quit my assignment.”
“After today’s
demonstration of selfless honor and duty, I’d never consider such a thing,”
Ospar assured him. “Ah! I’ve got it. If I win, you’ll allow me to return the
favor of last night.”
Jol flushed and
dropped his gaze for an instant. Guilt filled his expression. Though his attack
on Ospar had been warranted, it was nice to know he felt some remorse for his
momentary animalistic turn.
Perhaps he even
wanted to make up for it, because he said with perfect equanimity, “I assume
you would be on top this time?”
“You would be
correct.” Ospar’s cocks gave an eager throb at the idea. It was his turn to
flush, remembering how he’d responded to being on the bottom.
“Fair enough.” Jol’s
agreement came without hesitation. Ospar set aside the humiliation, delighted
his ruse was working thus far.
They set up the
match and Ospar focused on winning. A supposed-revenge fuck wasn’t the only
thing on his mind, however. He hoped the convivial atmosphere of playing would
give him the opportunity to draw Jol out. He owed the Nobek his life. The more
he understood about his bodyguard, the more he could do to repay the debt.
