Page 2 of Forced Prisoner By the Bratva

Liam was a master at poker games, and so was I, but as usual, no one knew that because, once again, my brother had outshone me. But maybe, just maybe, this was an opportunity to make my dad see that I wasn't as useless as he thought.

“Da, I'm sorry.” Liam coughed, his voice weak and face pale and clammy. “I'm sorry that I disappointed you.”

Dad patted his shoulders, his lips curling into a proud smile. “Don't worry, lad. Just focus on getting better. Someone else will take care of this.”

I let out a soft sigh and braced myself, ready to be appointed as the one to take his place. My heart raced with anticipation, and a faint grin lined the corner of my lips.

Dad jerked his head and looked in Connor's direction. “Donnelly,” he called, his voice firm and audacious, “you'll be representing the family for the games tonight.”

“What?” The word jumped out of my mouth, and my brows arched in a mix of shock and embarrassment.

Why would he do that? Why would Dad choose a bodyguard to represent the family while I was standing right there in the same room?

Yes, I admired and had a crush on Connor, but that didn't make it any less painful that he had been chosen to take my brother's place instead of me.

With heat pooling in my belly and deep creases forming between my brows, I stepped further into the room. “Dad, you can't be serious,” I said, halting a few paces away from him, arms across my chest.

He turned to face me, squinting with a hint of condescension glimmering in his gaze.

“You chose Connor, really?” I continued, gesturing toward the lurking bodyguard, my tone laced with disbelief. “No offense,” I said to him before turning my gaze back to my dad.

“Do you know anyone better and more capable?” Dad asked, his expression blank. His eyes were pinned on me like a hook to a fish.

That stung like hell, and my brows arched instantly. I tilted my head back a bit, mirroring my shock. “Wow!” I muttered under my breath. “That didn't hurt at all.”

“Look, Tessa.” He rubbed his eyes as if exhausted by my presence. “Just stay in your lane. This is bigger than you.”

“Why? Because I'm a woman?” My brows furrowed, accentuating the scowl on my face.

“You're not a woman. You're a girl—”

“Yeah, a girl who knows the game as much as Liam does,” I cut him off, ignoring the attitude and the mockery in his tone. I let out a sigh and continued, a lot calmer, “Look, I know the stakes, alright? I know the players; I know how they think and how they strategize. I assure you, Dad: I can win the game for the family if you let me.” I stared into his eyes, my heart racing as I hoped he'd grant me this request.

He was silent for a moment, as if considering it, and then he blurted out, “No. It's too big a risk, and I can't put the fate of this deal in your hands. Donnelly will do it,” he concluded, leaving no room for further arguments.

My jaw tightened at his embarrassing dismissal, and a wave of disappointment washed over me. It wasn't the first time he was underestimating me, anyway, so why was I surprised?

Connor Donnelly cleared his throat conspicuously, drawing attention to himself. “Sir, if I may.” He stepped forward, his voice smooth and husky. “I believe she's right. We do need her.”

I raised my brows, and my eyes widened at the unexpected surprise, my gaze lingering on him.

Connor continued, “I've seen her play, and she's as good as she says she is. She's smart and truly knows the game like the back of her hand. Her strategies and insight will be helpful.” He paused, his eyes fixed on my dad. “If it makes it any better, I can assure you that she won't directly get involved in the game. She'll only assist me.”

Dad shifted his gaze from Connor to me, and I looked at him, my breath lodged in my throat. It meant a lot to me thatConnor had intervened, and the way he praised my skills made my heart melt like ice cream.

Dad hesitated for a moment, weighing his options. Connor's faith in me was something he couldn't overlook. “Fine,” he said quietly, his voice laced with resistance. “But you're in charge,” he said to Connor.

I honestly couldn't care less. At least I got what I wanted.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I steeled myself for what was to come, both thrilled and nervous at the same time.

This was it—the opportunity to prove my worth, but beneath it, it was also a chance to spend some time with Mr. Loyal to the Course.

Later that evening, I got dressed in an elegant knee-length black gown and light makeup that blended well with my skin tone. My black hair cascaded down my back in effortless waves, and my heels made me inches taller.

As I stepped out into the compound, the cool evening air brushing against my face, I locked eyes with Connor. He was standing stoically by the sleek black Mercedes Benz, waiting for me.

Discreetly, his eyes swept over my body, but his expression never faltered, nor did a flicker of emotion dance across his face. He held the car's back door open, but I walked past him and slid into the front passenger seat.

---