Page 7 of Alien's Luck
Such behavior was insufferable. Ari immediately decided that he would never sell to Tavat, not for any amount of credits. He was glad he had only come to the club in a social capacity to observe the male. They had not discussed business.
Finally, Tavat pushed the other female too far. Poppy rushed forward, grabbing Tavat by the throat.
“Apologize to Carla,” she demanded.
Carla? Yes, now that he heard it spoken, he felt certain that her identity had been confirmed. A fortunate wind finally blew in his direction.
Unfortunately, that irritating male Tavat was too interested in the female. He was not the type of person who accepted being told no. After Poppy forced an apology from Tavat and the game resumed, the male seethed.
“My friend, no female is worth this trouble,” Ari said, keeping his voice low to be discreet.
Apparently, Tavat had never encountered the concept and spoke loudly. “What do I care for a female human? I could buy and sell anyone I please. That female must be put in her place, so I will take what she values.”
This could not end well. A reasonable person would take their leave and avoid the oncoming trouble, even if it meant losing a potential sale. That would be the prudent course of action.
Ari was not reasonable or prudent. He sensed an opportunity.
As the game continued, Poppy lost a greater and greater sum, and Tavat’s stack of credits grew. The human female’sexpression grew more and more concerned. Was this part of their scheme? Poppy loses badly, gambles away all her credits and possibly the female? To what end? Perhaps to have the female alone with the winner to incapacitate them.
How? A human was defenseless. Ari imagined several scenarios in his mind, each more ludicrous than the one before. Drugging the target was the only option that made sense. The female’s form -fitting outfit excluded pockets and hidden pills or syringes. Maybe she stored a sedative in her mouth, like a burrowing animal preparing for the winter’s frost.
He huffed with amusement. The female tilted her head, as if curious. Her expression remained blank, even as Ari’s grin widened. She was a calculating one.
What would it take to get a genuine reaction out of her? Ari wanted to discover the answer.
Tavat noticed nothing. He only saw a covetous female, something to be collected. He failed to notice the subtle communication between her and Poppy. He failed to notice how Poppy brushed her hands against the fabric of her jacket, leaving a slight trace of dust, or how Carla would lean against her, using her body to shield her hand as she removed the evidence of cheating.
All in all, a very amusing show. Well worth suffering through Tavat’s company.
Eventually, Poppy held up her hands in surrender. “I must cease. I have nothing left unless you desire my shoes.”
A greedy expression settled on Tavat’s face. “For your human.”
Poppy pulled back, as if offended.
“Double or nothing,” Tavat offered.
Carla gently tugged on Poppy’s sleeve. “It’s too risky.”
“We will have nowhere to sleep tonight if I don’t.”
“I don’t care. I’ve slept on a park bench before.”
Ari’s wings fluttered at the delicate quiver in her voice. She was an artist.
The Nakkoni drew back her shoulders, as if reaching a decision. “This streak of bad luck cannot hold. Give me the dice.”
Tavat’s tail lashed from side to side, hitting those standing closest to him. “An excellent decision.”
Poppy grabbed the dice and held them out to the female. “For luck,” she said.
She obediently leaned in and repeated the motion of pressing her finger tips to her lips and blowing a kiss. It was an excellent distraction. Ari nearly missed it.
Poppy tossed the dice. As they tumbled down the table, the female shrank back in on herself. She folded her arms defensively over her chest while Poppy chanced her freedom. It was a fine act. If one ignored her eyes and how they watched the crowd, it was a flawless performance.
The crowd cheered at the high score.
Tavat grabbed Poppy’s wrist, holding it tight as he jerked the female’s hand into the air. “Cheat! There’s dust on your palm.”
