Page 55 of Vicious Addictions

“Just one last game. You wouldn’t refuse me on my birthday, would you?”

His jaw tightens. “You’re making it very hard not to,” he mutters, but after a pregnant pause, he walks back to his chair, conceding to my request.

Relief floods through me as I quickly settle back into my seat. I twirl the pendant between my fingers, my voice soft but deliberate. “I really do love this necklace.”

“I’m glad,” he says, though his gaze quickly shifts away from my chest, locking onto the board in front of us instead.

“But,” I add, “I have to admit, I was expecting a different kind of gift tonight.”

Jude lifts his head, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. “Oh?”

God, he’s pretty to look at.

Not too quick, but devilishly handsome all the same.

“Tell you what,” I muse, leaning in just slightly. “Since you’re on a winning streak, I’ll tell you what I really wanted if you win this game. And maybe next year, you’ll consider it.”

His brow arches. “And if I lose?”

“Then I’ll just take my gift from you tonight.”

“Take?” His eyes narrow, searching my gaze for a clue on what I’m really up to.

“Hmm.” I nod, pressing my lips together to keep from giving too much away.

“Not sure how I feel about playing a game when I don’t know all the rules.”

“It’s chess. You know the rules by heart,” I say innocently.

“I know those rules,” he counters while running a hand through his hair. “Just notyours.Why do I feel like I’m walking into a trap?”

“You’re not.”

He is.

“You can always say no,” I add with an innocent shrug. “I won’t pressure you.”

“It kind of feels like you are, birthday girl.”

“Woman,” I correct, my voice firmer than I intended.

His hazel eyes hold mine, unblinking. “Yes… woman.” His voice drops an octave, becoming rough and husky.

“So?” I breathe. “Are you in or out?”

I know I’m baiting him, but sometimes a woman has to play dirty to get what she wants.

He glances at his watch again, lets a few tense seconds pass, and then sighs. “Fine. I’m on a roll tonight anyway. Hope you’re ready to get your ass beat, Crane.”

“Oh, I’m ready, Romano.”

I’ve been ready.

Moves are made, pieces fall, and then, “Checkmate,” I declare triumphantly.

Jude exhales, shaking his head. “You won. And with the Queen’s Gambit, no less.”

“I did.” I smile, giddy at his proficiency in knowing that opening.

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