Page 19 of Champion of Cards

“I don’t think that will ever happen for me.” I looked around the pub. “Why aren’t all these people having sex right now?”

“Because people need to work and live their lives,” Larisa said.

“If I were you two, I would be having sex right now.” I took another bite. “Not sitting here watching me eat this brisket.”

Larisa smiled. “We did before we came down here.”

“Only one time?” I asked incredulously. “Does Kingsnake not let you go first?”

Kingsnake gave me a glare.

“Or did he stick it in the wrong hole?”

Larisa suppressed her laugh.

“The obsession wears off,” Kingsnake said. “You’re like a teenager right now. We were in that phase, once upon a time. Enjoy it while you can, but it’ll taper off.”

“I ssseriously doubt that…”

“You need to stop doing that,” Kingsnake said. “You sound ridiculous.”

“Habits die hard.” I took another bite of the brisket.

“Are you ready for tonight?” Kingsnake said. “Need to practice?”

“I’ve been practicing all my life,” I said as I continued to eat.

“Because I can play with you,” Larisa said. “You aren’t used to playing as a human, so maybe get a few rounds in. Now that you’re a human, you have facial expressions, so that’s something you’ll need to address.”

“I thought I looked ferocious and terrifying all the time? Just as I did as a snake.”

“It doesn’t matter how terrifying you may seem in appearance,” Kingsnake said. “You still have an expression, a reaction to things. Other players can read that and guess your hand. That was something you didn’t have to worry about before.”

“I guess that makes sense,” I said. “Then, yes, let’s play.”

* * *

Once the sun had set, we crossed the street to the pub holding the championship game. It was packed with people who had all come to watch the match, exchanging bets on the prospective winners. I heard Drake’s name several times.

I checked in at the front desk and was assigned a seat at one of the tables.

Kingsnake and Larisa found seats in the front row, the chairs going in a circle around all the players.

When I felt eyes on me, I looked up to meet an angry stare.

He had dark hair and dark eyes, his size comparable to mine. When my eyes found his, he didn’t quickly look away to avoid being caught. His stare continued.

I think that’s Drake. It was Kingsnake’s voice.

How do you know?

I overheard one of his conversations.

Guess he’s afraid to losssse. I refused to drop my gaze first.

Neither did he, because the stare continued.

When the waitress came over to get my drink, it still continued. I ordered without taking my eyes off him. “I’ll take an ale.”

---