Page 66 of Judgment

“No.” I cross the room, depositing Madison’s things into one of the wingback chairs as I pass. “But that’s never stopped me before.”

Andre’s gaze sharpens, slowing my steps as I realize what he’s thinking about. His lips barely quirk. “You are a remarkably determined woman.”

I slide into the seat across from him. “I guess I had to be.” I reach out to slide one finger over the piece I held onto the night I stood here waiting for him. “This is the queen, right?”

Andre tips his head in a little nod. “It is.”

I scoot the queen so she’s in the center of her square. “She’s the most powerful piece, isn’t she?”

“She is.” Andre’s black eyes settle on me. “She can do almost anything she wants.”

“So is that when the game ends, when she’s captured?” I continue down the line of pieces, straightening their ranks.

“No.” Andre watches my every move. “It ends when the king is captured.”

I purse my lips. “So the king is the most important piece, then.”

Andre shakes his head. “The king is all but useless.” His voice carries a slight edge. “Everyone around him does all the work.” His lips flatten. “He’s nothing but a liability.”

I force a smile, trying to diffuse some of the tension radiating off him. “Too bad you can’t just take him out yourself without ending the whole game.” I clear my throat when his mood only seems to sour more. Maybe it’s a good time to change the subject. “Who taught you how to play chess?”

Andre’s expression goes so cold I shiver. “My father.”

There’s no fondness in his eyes. No warmth in his gaze.

“Oh.” I suddenly feel like I’ve stepped into a place I shouldn’t be. “Do you play a lot?”

“No.” Andre’s focus drops to the board between us once again. “I haven’t played in over twenty years.”

I open my mouth to ask another question I will probably regret, but a familiar voice cuts me off.

“Holy shit, this place is nice.”

I jump up from my chair. “We’re in here.” I reach the door to the office and find Madison slowly walking through the central den, her eyes roaming Andre’s home, my bags hooked over her shoulders.

“Thank you for bringing me my stuff.” I wrestle my duffel and purse away, but once they’re in my hands I’m not sure what to do with them. Andre’s place is so nice that I can’t imagine putting my ratty stuff on his sofa.

Madison grabs me by the arms and leans close. “This is crazy, Pais. This guy is way richer than I realized. I don’t think—” Her whole expression shifts in an instant, going from tight and pinched to relaxed and soft.

I don’t need to turn around to see what caused the change. I can feel it.

Can feel him.

“I like your place.” Madison adjusts the bags I’m holding, making it look like she just passed them over. “I’m guessing you don’t take the stairs very much, though.”

I turn to where Andre stands in the doorway to his office, Madison’s shoes and tattered undergarments dangling from one hand.

At the other end of the penthouse the elevator doors open and Victor steps out.

Andre doesn’t look at me as he holds out Madison’s stuff. “Please take Miss Davis and her friend home.”

Victor collects the shoes and sequined panties like it’s a totally normal thing, giving Andre a small nod before coming to gently take my arm. “The car’s waiting.”

“It’s waiting?” As in, Andre knew he was sending me home so it’s still idling in the garage? I turn back to where Andre stands, but he’s gone, hidden away while Victor once again does his dirty work.

I yank my arm out of his grip. “Whatever.”

I know I shouldn’t blame Victor, but he’s the only one man enough to face me down right now.

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