Page 22 of Blood on Ice

“It can be easy to get in over your head. That’s what they count on.”

For a moment, his kindness felt like a warm blanket, then I remembered he counted on people getting in over their heads too. That’s how he made money. “I’m fixing my life now. I just need the money to pay off my debts up front. I can show you what I earn here.”

He held up a hand. “That’s not necessary. I know what you’re making or at least close to it, and I know you could pay this back. But it’s a lot and we have to trust you.”

“I thought you just promised to kill me if I couldn’t pay.”

He laughed. “It’s not really good for business to kill everybody. We do need to actually bring some of the money back in. That’s kind of the whole point of making a living off interest, you know?”

“Right. Sure.” I had no doubt they killed some of their clients, though. That made the other clients that much more willing to pay.

“How do I know you won’t gamble away what I give you?”

Because I couldn’t. I had to turn my life around. “I haven’t placed any bets in months. I haven’t even been tempted since I got here. I’m going straight, I swear.”

“Not too straight, I hope.”

I tried to ignore his salacious smile. “Please. I need this loan.”

“I like how you ask so politely. I think I could make an exception for you and go ahead and approve it.”

“You can?” Fuck, I sounded way too eager.

“Of course. You already know I like you.”

Why did I feel like I was signing away a lot more than money? What else was he going to ask of me? “I’m going to need a payment plan.”

“What terms would you suggest?” The predatory smile he gave me had me suppressing a shiver.

“What do you normally offer?”

“This isn’t a normal offer. I’m making it special just for you, so tell me what you need.”

There was no question about it. I was making a deal with the devil. “I need three months before repayment starts and then if you split it into ten payments, I swear I’ll make them on time.”

“And?”

“And that’s it. When the money is paid back, the contract is finished.”

He looked me up and down for a moment. “I’m not sure those terms are acceptable to me.”

“You’re lending me money, and I’ve told you how I can pay it back.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

“Are you going to lend me the money under those terms or not?”

His smile widened. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to keep you safe, but it would be nice if you were more appreciative of that.”

“I do appreciate it. I can get you season tickets.”

“What if I told you I already have them?”

I exhaled. Of course he did. “The better to stalk me with?”

He just smiled.

“I need you to stop.”

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