Mounting Danger

Chapter 11- No Risk No Reward

I held my breath as Kayle's skilled hand massaged my right foot, moving in gentle circles.

"You know it's your fault, right?" I reminded him for the third time in five minutes. "I could've made it down on my own. You didn't have to try and lift me."

Kayle grinned playfully. "My apologies, but you didn't have to take it as a full-on rescue mission."

"My foot might be sprained now. What if I pulled a muscle?"

His hand traced from my ankle to my calf, and I shivered slightly under his touch. A sly smile played on his lips.

"Shut up."

His hands shot up defensively, but he was full-on smirking. "I didn't say anything." 

I pulled my foot away, not entirely convinced it was sprained but definitely throbbing from the embarrassing tumble. "Well, if I had any plans to wear heels tonight, you just ruined it."

"Wouldn't be the first time he screwed up something." Damon hoisted me out of Kayle's grasp and onto the bed like a feather. His large hands swallowed my waist entirely.

The room's door creaked open, revealing Eli standing stiffly, eyes darting between Damon, who was hovering over me, and Kayle, who had now begun working his hands on my feet again. 

Ryder strutted into the room behind Eli. He crossed his arms on his chest smiling devilishly. "If someone perverted were to walk in here, they'd think you guys were up to something fishy."

"Anyone who knew me would know better. I don't share." Damon stood up straight. He was easily the largest of the group and most muscular. He looked intimidating in every way.

I added to Damon's comment. "And I'm definitely not experienced enough to take on two."

Damon handed me a small blade concealed in a sheath, his weapon of choice for me. "The only thing you do need to worry about taking on is Ricky. We're a few dates away from popping a bullet in him."

And I'm one step closer to my money. I rolled to my side and sat up. "Ricky gives me a slightly unsettling feeling."

"He should. I can't even begin to explain the messed up things he's into. But I don't want to scare you." Damon rubbed his neck.

I stood, testing out my foot. It didn't hurt bad enough for me to cancel my date. "Thanks. I don't want you to. I think this job is easier if I just know he's a bad man." I pushed my hair back. "But I did think you should know he said something that threw me off a bit."

"What did he say?" Damon inquired, concern furrowing his brow.

"He mentioned I was worth the risk. Whatever that means."

"Not alarming, but keep it in mind. He probably wants to ensure you understand and can handle his lifestyle before attaching himself to you." Damon said, his eyes falling to the floor, the wheels in his mind clearly turning. He seemed caught between concern and a deeper contemplation of the situation. "But the fact that you even got two dates means he really likes you."

"Are you trying to say he's never dated before? Then how does he accumulate all of those --"

"Casual sex, flower," Damon interjected, a hint of disdain in his voice. "In the rich world, it happens more than it should. It's a bit sickening, honestly."

I observed Damon's disgusted expression, finding it curious that such a topic could evoke such a strong reaction from him. Damon was truly an anomaly. But I could say the same for Eli. He didn't seem like the type to throw his body around either.