Page 41 of Burning Your Lies

Rowan’s eyes widen as he stares in the opposite direction. “Damn.”

I turn in my seat to see what has garnered such a large reaction. At first, I see Ray dressed in a black suit and bow tie, similar to mine. His hair is pulled into his signature bun and his face is concealed by his black mask. Then he steps to the side and my breath is caught in my throat.

Savannah’s maroon lips curl into a smile at all the attention. Where her hair normally sways behind her like a wave, tonight it’s twisted into a bun. Like a painting worthy of millions, her face is framed by a few curled tendrils. Her hands remain clasped against her stomach, with her matching ruby ring and gold band on full display. My eyes travel up her arms at the illusion lace that has patches of the most intricate work. That same work covers the entire corset that is moulded to her perfect figure. The sweetheart neckline is completed by a deep v-plunge that stops at the halfway point of her stomach. She steps forward and the large halo of a skirt twinkles in the light.

Rowan takes her hand in his and kisses her knuckles. “You are certainly the finest woman in this room.”

“Thank you for inviting us.” Her mask cannot hide the confidence of knowing she’s the sexiest woman here.

“Now that you are here, my darling, let the party begin. May I have the honour of your first dance?”

She releases her hold on Ray and places her hand in his. “Please.”

I watch as he leads her to the empty dance floor. Her arms wrap around his neck and she moves with the elegance and class fit for a queen. “What is going on there?”

Ray doesn’t let them out of his sight. “She’s just having fun.”

“You’re not jealous?” Brynn sounds appalled.

“I trust her. She knows to come home.”

Rowan grips both mine and Ray’s shoulder. “Apologies, ladies. I must steal your men away for a coveted game of poker.” He releases us. “Gentlemen.”

I look at Ray, but his eyes are too focused on Rowan to feel the burn of my stare. “A private table?”

“Only the best,” he gloats. He walks ahead of us through to parts of the club that aren’t visible to its guests. “It’s lucky you’re wearing black,” he remarks.

The room exudes an air of elegance with its dark walls and sleek marble flooring. The large round table already seats three other men who are joking amongst themselves. I don’t recognise any of them. Even if I did, their masks obscure most of their faces. They hardly spare us a glance as we take a seat opposite them. I sit between Rowan and one of the other men.

Ray’s poker face is already set in stone as he stares at the wall ahead with a blank expression. His arms stretch out in front of him, with his hands curled into a loose fist.

I study the only person I have ever called my friend. I always knew where I stood with Ray. He was a straight-talker. The hours we spent outside of the office were filled with light drinking and a few words. But it was familiar. It was home. He was practically family. Until Savannah strode between us. Fourteen years of friendship dissipated at the cost of her love and affection. I know he truly loves her. I just question whether she loves him.

I turned the knight into a king.

Does he know the game she is playing with me? Or is he an unwilling player? What would he do if he knew his marriage was just a move in this game I’ve found myself in? Would he still choose her, or would he return to my side of the table?

Rowan leans back in his seat and shuffles the cards at a rapid speed. “Welcome to the table, gentlemen.”

“Who’s that?” the man next to Ray asks, looking at me.

“There’s no need for introductions, William. The important thing is I know whoyouare. All of you.” He turns to me. “Rivers. Small blind.”

I stare at the rectangular chips assorted by colour in perfect lines. I carefully stack two blue chips. “Twenty thousand.”

My neighbour nods in approval and places four blue chips in front of him. “Forty thousand.”

Rowan smiles. He deals two cards out to each of us. “Let the game commence.”

I flip my cards over and hold back my smile.Six and seven of hearts.

Everyone seated around the tablecallsand matches the bet.

Rowan doesn’t move the game along. He stares at the man directly opposite him with a look I can’t decipher. “It was very kind of you to accept my invite tonight, Kane. You travelled all this way to grace me with your presence.” There is not one partof him that means it, but his smile could convince someone otherwise.

“It’s been a long time, my friend.”

“How’s my traitorous brother?”

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