Page 52 of Fifth Avenue Devil

Why is that? What makes her different from the countless women that came before her? I honestly can’t name a single thing, but I know the answer isalmost everything.

“I wanted to mention something,” I announce nonchalantly. “I’m going to participate in a poker tournament next weekend.”

I balance my cup of coffee on the back of the couch as I look at her.

Annalise whips her head around to look at me. “I would think after causing my father to have a stroke, you’d be less enthusiastic about going to another poker event.”

“Well…” I wince. “It’s a longstanding commitment. My brothers and I always go every year. My parents will likely be there, too.”

“Ah.” She puts her elbow on the back of the couch and leans her head on her hand. “Why are you telling me?”

“Just making conversation.” I school my face. “And I was wondering if your father getting sick at a poker tournament means that it would be crass for me to invite you to watch. If you need a business reason to come, it would be a master-level lesson in detecting deceit.”

She balls up her mouth and releases a sigh.

“My dad always talked a big game about how the best CEOs are poker players at heart.”

“Your dad was right. Learning to bluff, looking for other people’s tells, wagering just what you have to and not a penny more… There is a lot to be learned from watching people play cards.”

Annalise looks off into the distance for a few moments before waving a hand. “If you think I should be there, I will be.”

Not the enthusiastic yes I was looking for, but I’ll take it.

"I’ll make sure you’re on the list," I say smoothly. But deep down, unease begins to coil in my chest. My brothers will all be at the poker tournament. “Be forewarned, though. My family will be at the tournament.”

The idea of introducing Annalise to James and Grant makes me tense. But she already met Cash. And he did try to make a play for her. If she’s still interested in the event knowing that Cash will be there, she might be tougher than she looks.

"It’s a deal.” Annalise puts her hand out for me to shake. I take it, just because touching her is always preferable to not touching her.

“Just try not to swoon when I win everyone’s money,” I tease.

"You’re so full of yourself," she rolls her eyes playfully. "I don’t see how your massive ego doesn’t get in the way of your poker game."

“And yet…” I wave a hand to indicate myself.

“You’re the worst.” She laughs as she takes a sip.

“I think you’re confusing me with the best.” I settle a casual hand on her knee and enjoy how she blushes.

A surge of possessiveness rushes through me as I study the curve of her knees and the delicate arch of her neck. She's a vision. Truly stunning.

"Your parents... do they know about your penchant for poker?" she asks, her voice soft and teasing. She turns to face me, sunlight glinting off her curls. It makes her look like a fucking angel.

"Hardly," I scoff, taking a sip of my coffee. "They disapprove of almost everything I do. As far as I’m concerned, the less they know, the better."

"Should you invite the girl you’re sleeping with to your very important poker tournament?" Her eyes hold genuine curiosity, underpinned by concern.

“Who said you were just the girl I’m sleeping with? Maybe you’re the girl I’minterestedin. Besides, I don't care what anyone thinks. I want you there with me."

"Even though we're not… an item?" she asks. She drops her gaze and looks away. I can’t miss the hint of vulnerability in her voice.

I want to soothe that ache. I pull her against my chest and inhale her intoxicating scent. "Especially because we're not an item," I reply.

To my surprise, she doesn’t push me on that front. Instead, she sips her coffee. Silence grows between us, but it doesn’t feel awkward.

Annalise pushes back slightly, tilting her head as if considering something. "Nate, you play the stock market and win millions, right?"

“Yes.” I narrow my eyes, trying to understand where she’s going with this. "Why do you ask?”

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