The Heart's Content

Chapter 39

"Oh no, no, no." Angel chuckled, shaking his head. "Nothing you're smart. I could tell that right off. Anyone would be stupid to underestimate you."

Vaggie's skepticism began to wane, replaced by a growing intrigue, though she remained cautious.

"Do you really believe that? We barely know each other, and from what you've seen, I'm just a dancer."

"True, but I have a feeling there's a brilliant mind behind those legs. No offense if that came off as pervy."

"None taken." She said with a quiet smile. "Thank you. But I'm not that smart. If I were, I wouldn't be working for Valentino."

"Hey, even smart people make dumb choices. My best friend is the smartest guy I know, yet he's made a lot of dumb choices—especially when it comes to his social life."

Vaggie couldn't help but let out a soft giggle, quickly covering her mouth, but it was too late.

"Uh-oh, did I make you laugh?" Angel asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

"No." She lied, unable to suppress a smile.

"I do believe I did." He teased.

"No, you didn't."

"Yes, I did! You're such a liar!"

And so, Angel and Vaggie talked long into the evening, growing to enjoy each other's company very, very much. After having a surprisingly delicious dinner at a fish taco stand, Angel walked her back to her tent.

"I don't suppose I could tempt you into another night out?" He asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes.

"The deal was for just one night." She reminded him. "You've paid your debt, so you can't bother me anymore."

"Alright, I get it." He sighed, feigning defeat. "I'm a man of my word. But if you ever change your mind—"

He slipped her a piece of paper with his phone number.

"Just give me a call, okay? Come on, nugsy."

Angel walked away, Fat Nuggets trailing closely behind. Vaggie glanced at the phone number in her hand, a bittersweet chuckle escaping her lips.

"You don't want to get involved with me, buddy." She thought. "Part of me believes you're more trouble than you're worth."

Stepping into her tent, she was met with an irritated Valentino.

"Where have you been, my little pixie?" He asked, crossing his arms.

"I was out." She said. "Just taking a walk. I figured you wouldn't mind since we don't have a show tonight."

Valentino peered out of the tent entrance and spotted Angel.

"Out with the pig boy, I see."

"It was nothing." Vaggie insisted. "I did him a favor, and he wouldn't stop pestering me until I let him take me to dinner. It's done now, and I'll do my best to avoid him in the future."

As Valentino watched Angel leave, a memory flickered in his mind—he had seen Angel with Alastor on several occasions. The two seemed close. A devious and despicable idea began to form in Valentino's mind.

"I don't think you should cut him out of your life just yet."

"What do you mean?" Vaggie asked, her brow furrowing.

"I have a new job for you, Vaggie. That skinny, pig-loving fool is surprisingly close to Rosie's new talent—close enough to know a lot of personal details. As you know, that singer turned me down, but everyone has their price. I just need to find out what his is."

"And how exactly am I supposed to help with that?"

"Everyone has something they desire but can't attain. My role is to fulfill those desires, but I can't do that without knowing what they are. That's where you come in. I want you to use that albino fool's attraction to you to gather information about his friend, the singer. Discover his wishes and dreams through him."

"Absolutely not." Vaggie replied firmly. "Not only is that undignified, but it's cruel. I won't help you ensnare another innocent for your schemes."

"And what if I offered you a little reward for your cooperation?"

"No thanks. I don't need another pair of fake wings."

"Oh no, no. I was thinking of something far more precious. Say, your soul?"

Vaggie's body tensed as she stared at Valentino in shock and disbelief.

"That's right," he said, a sly grin on his face. "If you help me secure that singer for my employment, I'll tear up our contract and return your soul."

Vaggie paused, torn. On one hand, she despised the idea of manipulating others and toying with their emotions. The thought of assisting Valentino in ensnaring another victim, turning them into one of his slaves, was abhorrent to her. Yet, on the other hand, this was her only chance to break free from his grasp. To reclaim her life. To escape the relentless cycle of serving his every whim.

"Do I really have to manipulate him? I was thinking that—"

"Thinking? Ha-ha!" He laughed. "Not your strong suit, is it? No, that's my specialty. The only way to get that performer is through those closest to him. But if your dignity and conscience matter more than your freedom, I'm sure I can pay some hooker to do the job. It would cost me less anyway."

"Hold on. I'll do it, but on one condition: if I go through with this, you release my soul, along with Husk's and Mr. Pentious's."

"Never! If I let you all go, I'll have no business left!"

"But you won't have any business if you don't bring in something new. Customers are getting bored with the same acts."

"How about this? I'll release Husk. Mr. Pentious doesn't even want to leave, so why let him go?"

"Fine. But you promise that if I do this, you'll finally let me and Husk go?"

"I give you my word: if you help me secure Rosie's new singer as my employee, I'll release your soul and Husk's."

"Deal."

"Excellent. Now get some sleep. We'll discuss our plan tomorrow."

He left her tent, but could she trust him to keep his word? If she went through with this, she would get exactly what she asked for. He hadn't played with his words; she knew what she was getting into. At least, she hoped she did.