Page 122 of Theirs to Ruin

Then anger.

Did he think I was an idiot? I know this had something to do with the bikers he’d left with. He was just trying to protect me.

Maybe you should let him. Or maybe he’d figured he was done chasing after a college kid, when the wild side beckoned with no strings attached.

I tried to ignore that insidious little voice, but the damage was done. Maybe Dante had never really cared about me like I thought he did.

My chest tightened, making it difficult to breathe. I hated my insecurities.

And I hated how my wonderful gift from Kage and the ride in this fabulous car was being overshadowed by a guy who was obviously done with me.

Adrian didn’t drive recklessly but he drove fast and with practiced ease. Finally, the car pulled up to the entrance of the five-star hotel where the event was being held. The hotel façade was lit up beautifully under the night sky.

I pushed down my hurt at Dante’s message and took everything in. Students spilled out of luxury cars, adjusting bow ties, and tugging at evening gowns. Girls were draped in silks and sequins, their hair styled to perfection, heels clicking confidently against the pavement. I caught sight of Simone, her deep green dress hugging her body, dark hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. She looked breathtaking.

A seed of doubt sprouted inside me. Was this too much? The daring slit of my dress, the smoky eyes, the high heels... Maybe I had overdone it.

No sooner did I have the thought than I saw Kage.

He was clad in a tailored tuxedo. The black fabric draped over his broad shoulders and tapered down his waist, showcasing his perfect physique. The crisp white shirt beneath his jacket gave him a classic, timeless appeal, its shine only rivalled by his polished black shoes. His hair was brushed back neatly, with a few stray strands playfully falling over his forehead, emphasizing his sharp jawline and golden eyes. He screamed sex and wealth and sophistication.

He smiled and began walking toward the car just as Adrian opened my door. Kage’s movements were fluid, confident—every bit the alpha male. When he saw me, his eyes widened. Then he held out his hand. The moment our fingers touched, sparks flew. He helped me out of the car then took me in.

"Camille," he began, his voice low and gravelly. “You’re beyond beautiful. Seeing you tonight, it's like glimpsing a once-in-a-lifetime comet. I'm just lucky to be in its path."

My knees quivered, and had he not been holding my hand, I might have melted into a puddle right there. He lifted my hand, kissed it, then studied the bracelet around my wrist. “It looks good on you,” he said.

“It’s beautiful, Kage. Too much. But thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Rebel. Ready to head inside?”

I took a bracing breath then nodded. I slipped my hand into the crook of Kage’s arm then followed him inside, where the hotel’s grand ballroom had been transformed into a casino. Red velvet drapes framed large, arched windows, casting a dim, warm light that mingled with the cooler glow of crystal chandeliers overhead. Real casino tables beckoned, inviting us to play blackjack, poker, roulette, and more.

As we approached the booth to sign in and grab our chips, I fumbled in my clutch for my wallet, but Kage handed me an obscene stack of chips that he had already paid for. I blinked atthe imposing stack in his hand, reluctant to accept it, especially after he’d bought me my bracelet.

“Kage, this is way too much…” I protested, my voice a soft murmur amidst the casino’s hum.

He gently pressed the chips into my palm, his fingers warm against mine. “Tonight’s about fun, Camille. No holding back.”

“But—”

He cut me off with a soft kiss, his lips gentle and insistent, tasting faintly of champagne. My resistance melted away like snow under the sun.

“Say it,” he said.

I couldn’t help but smile at him. “No holding back.”

Chapter 50

Camille

The casino was a blur of sensory overload—the slap of cards against the green felt, the tinkle of laughter from a nearby table, the rich scent of Kage's cologne. The dealer shuffled then dealt the next game of poker to me, Kage, Mia, Ethan, and Simone. After Kage won another hand, the dealer looked up and past my shoulder. “Care to join us, sir?”

I turned, and my heart didn’t just catch in my throat—it did a full somersault.

Ty was draped in a classic designer suit that screamed opulence. The rich navy hue of the fabric was so deep it almost looked black under the dim chandelier lights. Every stitch, every seam, seemed to be made precisely for him, hugging and defining his lean yet muscular frame.

His gaze flickered from Kage to me. My skin felt like it was on fire, every inch aware of his proximity as he took the seat next to me.

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