Page 36 of Wolf Heart

"If you're careful," Dex says, sharing a knowing look with Aspen. "You might just win."

I'm not sure if it's the look they share or the possibility of stripping down in front of them, but I grab the deck of cards and start shuffling.

Time crawls by, but I do my best to keep my head in the game.

Unfortunately, they get three of a kind four times in a row, while I can't manage to get anything.

We keep playing with Dex and Aspen telling me all about the circus with entertainers dressed up in clown suits and lion tamers. I can't even imagine such a thing. Taming wild beasts with a whip and a chair?

"I win again," Aspen says, his eyes bright.

I lean back, trying to play it cool. "How about all or nothing?"

They both nod and Aspen deals this time.

I've got a king and queen and the bend joker representing an ace. My heartbeat pounds in my ears. "Another card, please."

"You sure you don't have anything?" He gives me a knowing look. "I think you're hiding a card."

His smile makes me feel warm and I swear my skin heats up a degree.

"I'm not hiding anything." I lift my chin, but I'm a little nervous because I don't know if I'm going to win this game. I've never been very good at poker, but my hand looks promising.

"Okay." He deals out the card. "Your turn."

My hands tremble as I reach for my cards and I draw one more, my skin prickles.

Dex's eyes widen as he takes his card, but he keeps a close eye on me as Aspen draws his next.

"I'll see your three and raise you one." Dex's voice is low, almost a growl.

My mouth goes dry.

"What do you say, Juniper?" Aspen asks, his voice rough and sends shivers through me.

"Another card." I swallow. This time, a ten is added. Holy shit! It's a royal flush.

"I think we should fold, Aspen." Dex rubs his chin, staring at me.

"Oh? Maybe you're right." Aspen winks and my skin heats. "Show us what you got."

I lay the cards out, feeling like I'm holding my breath, like I can't believe my luck. "A royal flush."

"Fuck!"

"I know, right?" I beam. "Never won anything before."

"Congratulations," Aspen says and Dex bows his head at me. "What is your reward? What would you like us to do?"

I cross my legs, hoping they don't notice my arousal.

"I don't know," I admit, looking between them. "I'm not used to this."

"Whatever you want." Dex nods, his eyes full of promise.

Aspen leans back, his arm brushing mine, making my heart thump even faster.

"Are you okay?" Dex asks, his hand circling my wrist.

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