“I’m a swimmer and a coach,” he replies, smoothly. To my surprise, that sounded true, or at least, like there’s a grain of truth in it like the best lies. “I love sport, running as well. I only feel free in the water or on the track. I’m meeting a fellow coach to talk about training. Boring career shit.”
“That doesn’t sound boring. But also, not safe on your own.”
“I’m not an Omega.”
Surprised, I arch my brow. “You’re pretty enough to be one, especially with a scent like that.”
For the first time, Joker frowns. “Is that what you see when you look at me? Someone weak? Who can’t protect themselves? Who doesn’t deserve to be independent?”
Shit.
After everything I have been through with my own dynamic, I have just insulted someone else based on their dynamic.
I didn’t intend to.
I meant to needle Joker just enough to draw a reaction because getting underneath someone’s skin is the best way to throw them off balance.
But I shouldn’t have done it that way.
Joker’s reaction is truthful.
I’ve hurt him.
When I mean to kill him, I shouldn’t care.
Except, I do.
Am I missing something crucial here?
Why is Joker looking at me like I have already stabbed him?
I shake my head. “I don’t think any of that. I just know how dangerous a lot of people are in this town. I was worried about you, Jokes, but I had no right to act protectively. That’s some Traditional Alphasphere bullshit, where Alphas assume other dynamics are underneath them. I’m a liberal.”
Joker’s expression softens. “Good because my cock is so hard right now that it hurts, but I wouldn’t touch a Traditional, not even for a pity fuck. Even my horny cock has morals.”
I’m glad that I don’t have a mouthful of whiskey or the counter would be watered again.
I quirk my brow. “An ethical cock.”
“Also,” Joker murmurs, “a pierced one.”
I swallow, trying and failing not to imagine the piercing.
Damn, Joker is good at playing this game.
I struggle to wrest back the control, sitting back and smoothing down my dress. “As long as you know that it’ll only be for one night. I am busy tomorrow.”
Joker shrugs. “Your loss, Switch. But one nights are my specialty.”
I bet they are.
My expression hardens. “I’m in town to put on a show for the Champion pack.”
Joker’s eyes steel as well. “Uh-huh? Impressive because they’re hot shit around here. Well, infamous. What type of show? Are you a rancher? Circus performer? Wait, please tell me that you’re a stripper…”
“I’m a magician,” I growl. “Look underneath your glass.”
Joker glances down, before gasping.