Page 11 of Stranded with My Mafia Boss

"I have no idea," I said carefully, scrambling to choose my words. "Though, it would make me unhappy if anything happened to her, even if we’re not close."

He considered me a moment, then nodded.

Holy freaking crap. I looked down and ate my food, no longer trying to force a conversation.

After clearing up, the board games remained stacked on the corner of the table. Heaven preserve me from Damien trying to help my family relationships.

After half an hour of staring at the fire, I let my boredom guide my senses. "Did you want to play a game to pass the time?" I glanced over at Damien.

"Board games?" He snorted. "Do I look like the kind of man who plays board games?"

"Then why do you have them here?" I raised my brows in a challenge.

"Guests." He raised an eyebrow back. "ButIdon’t enjoy them."

I stared at the boxes and tried one last time. "There's a chess set, too."

"Are you any good at chess?" he asked, his voice low and measured.

"I know the rules. " I offered him a bright smile as I pulled the case out of the stack.

"One game," he said. "When I beat you, we’ll find something…elseto do."

Looking down, I kept my expression prim. Damien was in for a bit of a surprise.

Katie

As I setup the chessboard, my mood lightened as happy memories rose of Max, my younger brother. We’d spend hours playing chess together. It was our little ritual, and over time, I had become quite good at the game. I never imagined that one day I'd be playing against a man who won at any cost—and some of the games he played involved lives.

For just a moment I wondered if I should throw the game.

"Are you ready?" Damien snapped me back to reality. Yes, I’d throw the game. That was the smartest thing to do.

"Of course." It wasn’t like anyone was around to watch me beat him. Except me. I didn’t matter. Throw the dang game.

The chessboard lay between us on the polished wooden table, an exquisite work of art with elaborate carvings around its edges. The rich mahogany wood contrasted beautifully with the ivory and ebony pieces that stood like miniature soldiers, poised for battle. It was a gorgeous set.

I glanced at my boss across the board, taking in his imposing figure. He’d leaned back in his chair, his dark blue shirt and the candlelight accentuated his broad shoulders and strong jawline. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine.

"Your move." He sounded like he already knew the outcome of this game.

I inhaled the scent of cheese and firewood that lingered in the air and selected a pawn. The familiar feel of cold marble beneath my fingertips reminded me that I was good at this. Likegood-good. I could beat him.

Who was I kidding? No way I could throw this game. I moved my pawn two spaces forward in a classic fool’s mate opening.

"Interesting choice." Damien narrowed his eyes slightly as he considered his response, then gracefully picked up a knight, hand moving with calculated precision. Had he thought I’d moved randomly, or did he know I was trying to trap him?

"You sure that’s your move?" I leaned forward, my emotions a jumble. What if I pushed him too far? What would the consequences be? My competitive streak wouldn't stand down, which also made my fear spike.

"Careful." He looked at me over the board. "Consider what we might do for the rest of the afternoon, once this game is over."

His words sent goosebumps all over me, intensifying the electric atmosphere between us.

"Maybe I’ll win." I grinned. There was something exhilarating about challenging him this way, even if only through a game of chess.

As the game progressed, my determination never wavered.

It took a few minutes, but I took advantage of Damien’s first careless move, forcing him onto the defensive. My heart raced with every captured piece, the thrill of potential victory fighting the tension of playing against someone as dangerous as Damien Santini.

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