Page 10 of Castle's Cards

“I saw you switch a card in your hand for a different one in your sleeve.”

“Are you accusing me of cheating?” Victor stands up, looming over Addy with intimidation. To her credit she doesn’t flinch.

“It’s not an accusation. It’s a fact. I saw it clear as day.”

“Listen, you little bitch. I don’t know what you think you saw, but I did not cheat!”

“Watch your mouth.” I stand up.

“Why don’t you watch yours, Castle? That busted lip needs some attention.”

“You need to leave the club, Mr. Siegel. You are no longer welcome here,” Addy says. Cade steps closer to the table to assist Victor’s exit if it becomes necessary.

Victor lunges towards her. Without a second thought, I leap from my seat, my fists clenched, and a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"Get away from her!" My fist connects with Victor’s side. He turns, directing his attention away from Addy and toward me.

I charge towards him, my fists swinging furiously. They connect with Victor’s face, even as he brings his arms up to shield himself. My brother, Cade, being in charge of club security, moves in to break up our fight. I dodge his grip, relentless in my anger at Victor. Last night I had no reason to continue the fight. Tonight I’m driven by my desire to protect Addy.

I get in two or three punches before Cade can stop me and I find myself standing over a bloody Victor. His face is bruised and tears are flowing freely down his cheeks. My breathing is ragged as Addy reaches out and touches my arm lightly.

“Carter?” she whispers.

I reach out and touch her cheek, my hand trembling with a mixture of adrenaline and affection.

"I would do anything for you. Anything to keep you safe. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“All right, get the hell out, Victor,” Court storms into the room. “Get out and don’t come back. You are no longer welcome in the Castle Club.”

I lean against the edge of the bar, dizziness spreading over me from the adrenaline. The rest of the players start to leave the club but Victor sits up, wiping his face.

“Me leave?” Victor shouts, blood spraying from his mouth. “Is this a joke?! Your brother could have killed me!”

Court glances over to me, smoothing down his black suit. He adjusts his ring, letting out a sigh. When he looks back up, his eyes are steely.

“I am asking you as nicely as possible to leave Castle Club” my brother tells him. “You were caught cheating and that is never acceptable. Even if I was willing to turn a blind eye to that, you tried to attack my hostess, which is unforgivable. You can leave on your own or you can be escorted out by Cade.”

Court nods toward our brother. He’s big and burly, someone that even a professional body builder would think twice about mixing it up with.

Victor turns his attention to Addy. The mention of my other brother makes him twitch.

“Whatever. Who wants to play at this shitty club anyway?” Victor turns and stumbles out the door, grumbling under his breath.

I grab Addy’s hand and lead her through a door labeled Employees Only. Once we’re alone I turn to her.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

“Areyouokay?” I shoot back. “You’re the one he was lunging at.”

Addy shrugs.

“It’s not a big deal. He never touched me.”

We’re quiet for a moment, staring into each other's eyes.

“I know about your dad,” I say quietly.

Addy’s breath hitches as her eyes widen in surprise.

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