Page 87 of Billion Dollar Mistake

“Would you like anything to eat or drink?”

I cast my gaze to his to find him watching me with a soft expression.

“No, thank you.” I smile.

“Alcohol?”

I chuckle. “Will I need it?”

“No.”

I dip my chin and stay staring quietly, as my heart beats out of its chest with anticipation. I know what’s coming and all the teasing is making me twitchy.

“Are you comfortable?”

I nod. “Yes.”

He breaks our stare by turning and walking to a drawer along the side wall.

I watch with utter fascination. He pulls out the cards and places them on the table.

My chest heaves as he strides toward me, and before I have a chance to speak, his hands grab my waist and pulls me to the chair. My body obeys his silent command naturally. His hands leave my waist to hold the sides of the chair, his whole body crowding my space. He’s in control of me and I’m more than willing. He leans closer until his mouth settles on the shell of my ear. “Are you ready?”

“Mm.” I nod.

He stands up, breaking our connection, and I have to swallow a groan.

My eyes follow him as he steps over to the table and deals.

It’s time to play…

“The game’s about to begin,” he says when he finishes dealing. His dark smoldering look is mixed with a hint of humor.

He’s holding back a laugh. He and I know I'm gonna suck so bad. I’ll lose my clothes very fast. But I refuse to let him know that. I want to act like I'm going to beat him. Fake the confidence I don’t feel. Isn’t that the beauty of poker?

The chairs are surprisingly comfy, which makes sense since they sit in them for hours. They’re not supposed to just be aesthetically pleasing.

I try to keep my poker face on. He’s matching me with his own stoney look.

He’s obviously good at this.

I work hard to keep my face neutral as my nerves finally rear their ugly head.

“Are you ready to play your first round of poker?”

“Yes. I was born ready.” I rub my hands together.

His lips twitch.

I pick up my two cards and see a pair. We aren’t betting with money today. No, this is all clothing. He reminds me of all the rules and answers any questions I have. My dad used to play with friends, so I do know some of the rules. I haven’t told him that with the hope it pays off.

I call and then he puts out three cards.

I show my hand, but he beats me with three of a kind.

My jacket is the first thing I lose. I didn't need to stand to remove it.

I wish I had more items of clothing on right now.

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