A Trap

"But I don't have anywhere else to go," Luke insisted. "And I'm sick of jumping from job to job. You can't imagine all the assholes I've had to deal with. Working in the service industry has given me enough drive to kill."

"Ha, ha," Ein let out a deadpan laugh. "I said no."

Luke didn't get discouraged. He thought for a while, then tried to push for compromise. "What if I promise to only take low-stakes jobs? If I do just enough to secure a roof over my head but not too much to get sent to major tasks?"

Ein exhaled slowly, watching Luke leaning closer expectantly. Should he just ignore him? Get up and leave?

"I'll be careful," Luke promised, eyes flashing with undying determination.

Ein knew that look—he'd seen it only twice over the years. First time was when Luke said he would move out of his parents' house and never look back. Second was when he declared he'd make it to the stage or die trying.