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“You’re good,” I tell him, repeating myself with a sharp kick when he doesn’t stir. I grab his hair and tug his head back to stare at the ceiling again, but this time it doesn’t rouse him.

I snip through the plastic ties and drag him out to the staircase. The cold air from the open door has already dropped the temperature here by a few degrees.

Five minutes, maybe ten, it’ll get cold enough to wake him.

I walk outside to make the call to my uncle.

“The job’s finished. He coughed up a vehicle worth ten grand more than the debt, plus a USB stick he got precious about, and a handful of jewellery.”

“Good job.” For a change, he actually sounds pleased. “When you’re back home, drop the car into the garage for rejuvenation and you’re done.”

I click my tongue against my teeth, heart pumping a little faster. “Could I keep the vehicle? It’ll come in handy for something else I have on my plate.”

“It’s worth how much?”

“He said forty.”

There’s a long pause, then I hear a hum. “Sure. Pay the guys to change the plates and it’s yours.”

I’m smiling as I press the fob and listen to the expensive clunk as the door unlocks. The inside is lush, though it’s not built for someone of my height. Even with the seat pushed all the way back, my knees are around my ears.

It’ll be perfect for Francesca.

* * *

Four hours into the drive,I’m close to falling asleep, and pull into a truck stop for a coffee and sandwich. When I check my phone, Francesca has sent a recording—as instructed—and I smile as I press play, her petite features filling the screen.

“Since my instruction was to try everything, here you go.” She has the toys lined up on the bed around her, and she turns them on, one by one, until they’re all merrily buzzing. Then she picks up a book and reads for five straight minutes.

By the time the recording ends, I’m grinning. The longer I spend in her company, the more I appreciate her quick retorts and flashes of humour.

King

Play with them, I said

Just turning them on doesn’t count

Ten minutes pass while I finish my meal, fetching a coffee refill from the drinks station. Another video arrives, this time of her juggling two clit suckers and a small vibrator in the air. When a few people nearby snap their heads around, I realise I’m laughing out loud.

I consider giving her a more specific order but need to hit the road again if I’m going to hit the gym tomorrow. Coach told me there could be a club selector at Wednesday’s game. Something to look forward to.

If it’s true, the man could be a better option for me than the agent now that Uncle Lance has fronted the idea I need to choose. Club rugby could earn me fifty thousand a game, with brand sponsorship deals and performance incentives on top.

I still don’t care much about money, but if I’m supporting a girlfriend, even a tiny one, I want to provide. I want to be the biggest earner I can be, so she never wants for anything.

King

Very nice, Freckles

After Wednesday’s game, I’ll show you how to have even more fun with a toy

The one I have in mind should be finished and delivered by then. A special order I’m sure she’ll appreciate during long, lonely nights when I’m away.

And before then, I’m happy to reap the benefits along with her.

I gulp the last of my cup, go to the bathroom, then get back on the road, smiling as I think of experiments to try out while I’m on a high from winning the game.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX