Fortune's Risk: A Star Thief Novella (Star Thief Chronicles #1.5) Read Online Free PDF Page A

hope we can play together again.”
    “That would be excellent,” Finn said, leaning back in his chair like he owned it, arm draped across the back. “A shiny new ship, a stack of credits, and a pretty girl are the only thing a man needs.” He looked pointedly at Kitty, his eyes lazily drinking in her assets.
    Viktis bit back a laugh. If he didn’t know better, he’d think Finn was enjoying this.
    They played several more hands. Kitty flirted with both Finn and Viktis, splitting her time equally between them. As he’d suspected, she was a shark — dirty and ruthless when it came to winning. By the time they were done, Finn’s winning streak had passed on to Kitty. She’d amassed a large stack of chips in front of her.
    “Well that’s better,” she said with a satisfied smile. “Nothing like a few extra credits to make a girl’s day.”
    “Ever give out loans?” Viktis asked jokingly.
    She shook her head. “Never. It’s not good business.”
    “Glad to hear it. I agree completely.”
    “Smart man.”
    “So, does a beautiful woman like you have specific plans for your winnings? A new dress perhaps?” he asked, letting his gaze drift down her curvy form, appreciation curling his lips.
    “A business investment. I have enough dresses.” Her voice sharpened as if she was displeased.
    “I’m always looking for a good investment. Have any tips to share?” His simpering was making his skin crawl, but he needed to keep her interested. She hadn’t taken the bait yet.
    “How much money are you looking at investing?” she asked, coolly. “My enterprises are not for the faint-hearted.”
    Viktis glanced around the room, then lowered his voice. “I have two million credits ready to go and another million after I sell some assets. I’ve heard good things about the Cordoza Corporation and their returns. Especially some of their more…interesting investments.”
    “They’re not for the squeamish.” Kitty’s gaze again fell on Keva standing at attention behind Viktis’s chair. “I’m inclined to believe you, an escort like that doesn’t come cheap.”
    Viktis smiled. “Miss Troy is one of the best bodyguards in the system. Worth every penny.”
    “And does she provide additional services for you?”
    Keva growled, taking a step forward. “No. I do not.”
    Viktis put a hand on Keva’s arm to hold her back. “My friend here is a professional. And I find it better not to mix business and pleasure. Especially where my safety is concerned.”
    Kitty smiled slowly. “You are a smart man. I like you.”
    “You’re pretty clever yourself. Looks like I’m going to have to watch you at the tournament, my dear,” Viktis said with a smile.
    “You can watch me whenever you’d like.” Kitty trailed her nails down Viktis’s sleeve. “How about you stop by my rooms tonight after the tournament?” she continued. “And we can talk about how you might fit into my organization. There’s a planet on the outer rim that I’m interested in…acquiring. I have a crew stationed there already doing some research. The population there is ripe for the taking.”
    Viktis’s eyes widened as acid bit the back of his throat. This was it. “Slavery?”
    “Of course not. According to my lawyers, I am only interested in ‘indentured servitude for citizens who would like to emigrate.’” But her smile was feral and he knew she was lying through her teeth.
    Before he could respond, a burly man stepped forward and caught Kitty’s eye. He wore a black jacket with red trim. One of her security guards.
    “Unfortunately, it looks like I need to run.” She smiled at Viktis. “But I look forward to seeing you again, very soon.”
    He took her hand, kissing it gently as he stared into her eyes. “As do I. Meeting a beautiful woman is always a pleasure.”
    She started to walk away, following her bodyguard. “Don’t forget. I’m in suite thirty-four,” she added over her shoulder. Her tight red dress hugged her