Page 28 of Sin Wager
"Men don't buy women normal things without expecting something in return."
I feel my cheeks burn, not from embarrassment but from anger. "Not all men are like that," I tell him, but then I think of Misha's hands on my body, his desire to take me away for a weekend. Is he really like that?
"Most are."
"Batya," Elvin intervenes gently. "Vera's not stupid. She can take care of herself."
"Can she? She's been working herself to death for the past two years, barely sleeping, never taking time for herself. Now suddenly, she's got new clothes and a mysterious older man buying her dinners." Batya crosses his arms over his chest. "It sounds like trouble to me."
"It sounds like someone who cares about her," Elvin counters. "When's the last time anyone took care of Vera instead of the other way around?"
Elvin's question makes the room go as silent as a church in prayer. I know he wants to defend me, but angering our father isn't the way. I stare down at my tea, watching steam rise from the surface. I've been letting the emotion of this carry me away and I haven't put much thought into how my father would react. But maybe he doesn’t need to know everything.
"How serious is it?" Batya asks, his tone slightly gentler.
"I don't know yet. We're still getting to know each other."
"And he knows about Elvin? About the treatments?"
"He knows I have family responsibilities."
It's not exactly a lie, but it's not the whole truth either. Misha knows I need money and he's offered to help, but so far, nothing concrete has been said. I don’t want to taint whatever is happening by looking like a gold digger. I'm doing fine with Sonya, though if he helps me get out of that arrangement, I'm not sure how I'll get the money for Elvin's appointments.
"Be careful, little bird," Batya says, using my childhood nickname. "Men with money often think it gives them the right to take whatever they want."
"This one doesn't."
"How do you know?"
Because he listens when I talk and looks at me like I'm worth seeing. But I can't explain any of that to my father without revealing how deep I'm already falling.
"I just know."
Batya doesn't look convinced, but Elvin grins from his pile of pillows. "I think it's wonderful. Vera deserves someone who treats her well."
"I deserve what anyone else deserves—love," I correct him.
"Maybe what you deserve is someone who makes your life better instead of just easier," Elvin says softly.
His words settle into my chest, but somehow, they make me uncomfortable. Is that what Misha is doing? Making my life better? Or is he just another complication I can't afford?
My phone rings, cutting through my thoughts. The display shows a number I recognize but never want to see.
"I should take this," I say, already standing.
"Who is it?" Batya asks.
"Work."
I step into the kitchen and answer on the fourth ring.
"Yes?" I say, glancing over my shoulder to make sure Batya hasn't followed.
"Vera." Sonya's voice is crisp, businesslike. "I need you at the track tomorrow."
"It's Sunday. I don't work Sundays."
"You do tomorrow. There are high-value bets that need to be placed. Multiple races, specific timing. This is important. I went there this morning to find you've taken off work."
