Page 61 of Checks & Bonds

Freya drew three cards this time, her face still giving nothing away. When we laid down our hands, I felt a surge of triumph seeing my queens against her pair of jacks.

"Looks like you owe me that dress," I said, leaning forward slightly.

Freya's lips curled into a smile that was half annoyance, half amusement. "Or we could make this more interesting."

I met her gaze and saw the fire still burning there, and I knew this was far from over.

"How about strip poker?" she suggested, her voice low and challenging.

I stared at her, momentarily taken aback by the boldness of her proposal. My mind raced, trying to process the implications.

"And what's to stop me from taking what I've already won?" I asked, my voice hardening. "The secret to gambling is knowing when to quit."

Freya didn't flinch. Slowly, deliberately, she reached for the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head, revealing the lacyblack bra beneath. She tossed the shirt onto the floor; her gaze never leaving mine.

"For good faith," she said simply.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from her torso, from the curves that seemed to beckon me closer. I wanted to get my hands on her, to map out every inch of her skin, to memorize and taste each curve and hollow.

"No more add-ons," I said firmly, my voice rough with desire. "Once I win this round, that's it. You marry me."

"I'll marry you," she replied, her eyes sparkling with defiance. "If you win. But if I win? I get to do whatever I want with you."

I narrowed my eyes at her, trying to read the depths of her intentions. "What do you want with me?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

She smirked, leaning back in her chair with an air of confidence that only fueled my need to conquer her. "Deal the cards," she murmured.

I took a deep breath and began shuffling the deck, my fingers moving automatically through the familiar motions. The tension between us was almost unbearable as I dealt out the cards for what could be our final game.

Freya picked up her hand and studied it intently, her expression unreadable once again. I focused on my own cards, trying to keep my mind clear and strategic despite the distracting sight of Freya sitting there in just her bra.

The game progressed in silence, each move calculated and deliberate. As we discarded and drew new cards, the stakes felt higher than ever before. This wasn't just about winning a game; it was about claiming each other in a way that went beyond any contract or ceremony.

When it came time to reveal our hands, I laid mine down with a sense of finality: a full house—kings over sevens.

Freya's eyes flickered as she revealed her hand—a flush.

"Looks like I've got you," she said softly, a triumphant smile playing on her lips.

I felt a strange mix of frustration and admiration as I looked at her across the table. Freya had won this round, but something told me our game was far from over.

"One down," she said with a smirk. "Now… strip."

19

Freya

Henry leaned back in his chair, shuffling the cards with a practiced ease that made my stomach twist. I tried to ignore the heat creeping up my neck and focus on the game. His broad shoulders and rippling muscles were impossible to miss, especially now that he sat there without a shirt. The muscles in his arms flexed with every movement, drawing my gaze against my will.

"Ready for the last round?" His voice broke through my thoughts, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Deal," I said, trying to sound confident. The fabric of the chair pressed against my bare thighs, reminding me just how much I'd already lost.

He dealt the cards swiftly, each one landing in front of me like a taunt. I glanced at my hand—nothing special. Still, I'd learned not to underestimate myself.

"Your move," he prompted.

I tossed in two cards, hoping for something better. Henry raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. He exchanged one cardand watched me with those piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me.

---