Only Trick Read Online Free Page A

sign. A barely detectable grumble escapes his chest as he gets out and walks around back.
    “What’s happening?” I ask, rolling down my window.
    “Flat tire, Miss Carmichael. I do apologize for the inconvenience. It shouldn’t take long to fix it.”
    “That’s fine. It’s not your fault.” I open my door and step out.
    “Miss, please stay in the vehicle. It’s not safe—”
    I wave a dismissive hand. “It’s not safe to change a flat tire with a passenger in the vehicle. I’m fine.”
    Jack concedes and continues to rummage through the trunk. Rubbing my hands along my arms while hugging myself, I contemplate grabbing my wrap, but instead lose focus as I gather my bearings of where we are. Gemmie’s neon sign is off, but I still recognize a few stores down on the other side of the street. That means … I continue walking until I’m standing in front of Rogue Seduction. I move closer to the window to see inside. The lights are off limiting my visibility to a few shadows from the filtered street light.
    “We’re closed.”
    I jump, smacking my hand against my chest as I turn. “Oh my God! You scared the shit out of me!”
    “Well that sounds messy.” Trick shoves one hand in his pocket while the other twists a toothpick that’s hanging from the corner of his mouth. A mouth that still refuses to relinquish a smile. His hazel eyes look black tonight as he looks me over like I’m asking for his opinion of my dress … but I’m not.
    I shiver, despite my heat-flushed skin. “You live here?”
    “You stalking me?”
    My head jerks back. His comment laced with a hint of narcissism sucker punches me. “What? No. I—my—I mean the car has a flat.” I point down the street. Trick looks and nods just as Jack walks toward us.
    “I’m so sorry, Miss Carmichael. There’s not a spare tire. I’ve called for assistance and they should be here soon.”
    “Don’t worry about it, Jack. I’ll get a cab.”
    “I could call—”
    “It’s fine, Jack, really.”
    His backbone turns to Jello while he hangs his head, moping like a child all the way back to the car.
    Trick looks around, fiddling with his toothpick. “Good luck finding that cab.” He sidesteps past me to an alleyway cut between the buildings.
    I assess my dark surroundings—closed businesses, broken street lights, and a few homeless people drifting in and out of the alleys. Digging through my purse, I grab my phone—it’s dead. Just perfect! I look over at Jack leaning against the car, smoking a cigarette. After taking two steps in his direction, I pivot, for some insane, unexplainable reason, and waddle in my tight dress down the alley, heels clacking against the concrete.
    “No cabs?” Trick asks without looking up as he unlocks a large metal door.
    “My phone is dead. Can I borrow yours or pay you for a ride?”
    He grunts, opening the door. “I don’t want your money.”
    I rub my hands over the tight, chilled skin on my arms. “You didn’t have an issue with it earlier.”
    “That was business. In.” He gestures with his head.
    I step inside like I’m testing it for quicksand. It’s completely dark. The heavy door slams shut leaving an eerie echo bouncing off walls that seem wider and higher than my eyes can see. Trick flips a switch to a single light bulb that looks like it’s dangling from nowhere. Dark shadows drape everything but a freight elevator with the old scissor gate a few feet in front of us. He opens the gate and steps into the elevator. I don’t.
    We have a silent standoff. I’m not getting on that old thing and he … well I don’t think he cares what I do.
    “Suit yourself.” He starts to shut the gate.
    “Wait!” I scurry into the elevator and he shuts the gate behind me.
    It starts its ascent with a jerk as the old wheel and pulleys moan in protest. I lean against the back wall with my hands flat against it to brace myself. The fright in my face is palpable; I can only imagine how ugly it must