Page 19 of Illicit Heir

Devin adds a two of diamonds.

My stomach dives further, and my insides turn to a soft quiver.

Everything is fine.

The game's not over. This is part of the sweetness of victory.

Three to five. Not good.

I've been down to one and ended up winning before. I can do this!

I pick up a two of spades and lift my chin, giving Devin my most intimidating look.

"You're making me all hot and bothered with your glare," he teases.

"Funny." I smirk.

He glances at his hand and reaches for a card from the pile.

Relief hits me. I add my two.

He groans and adds another card to his hand.

We go back and forth for two hours, ignoring the grumbles from the others to get on with it so they can play.

After each round, our intense stares relock, challenging the other. And with every minute passing, every feature he possesses becomes more alluring.

Several times, I reprimand myself. Throughout our game, his suggestive comments get more daring.

I find myself having a harder time focusing and not wondering if I could get an hour alone with him even when I win.

We get down to one card each. He glances at his hand, then grabs the wad of cash. He drops it on top of the pickup pile. He leans closer and suggests, "Want to change the terms?"

Rage flares inside me. Of course he's going to try and not pay me what he's about to lose. I blurt out, "Don't try to get out of our deal!"

"Ya don't want to do best out of three, double or nothing?"

I firmly state, "No. I do not. Now, take the money off the cards and make your move."

His lips twitch. "Are ya sure that's what ya want, lass?"

I point to the deck, ordering, "Play it."

He drags his eyes over my body, resting on my chest, then lips, and finally back on my gaze. With no emotion in his expression, which somehow makes him appear cockier, he tosses his card onto the discard pile. "Don't say I didn't give ya another fighting chance, lass. Time to go upstairs and give me my hour."

My gut sinks. Blood drains from my face as I stare at the card and the ten grand I desperately need for the pub.

"Ya lost," Jessica blurts out in disbelief.

I snap my head toward her. "No shit."

"But ya never lose."

My insides quiver. I scoot my chair back, blinking hard. I move toward the back entrance.

Devin calls out, "Are ya backing out of our deal?"

I freeze, squeezing my eyes shut.

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