Page 46 of Knot Forever

So I lift my chin and pointedly move my gaze away from Adam, even though it almost hurts to break away from the dominance there. I look for Marcus instead, his warm honey brown irises capturing mine. It’s a hot shower on a cold day compared to Adam’s iciness, and I blink as Marcus turns back to his cards.

He justwinkedat me.

“Watch the master work,” Seth murmurs, and there’s a hint of rueful laughter there that makes me pay more attention to what’s happening on the table.

Despite Seth and Marcus trying to teach me earlier, I don’t know enough about the game, so I suck in a breath when Julian’s face spreads into a grin and he lays out a set of cards.

“Straight flush,” he crows. Adam’s smile is jubilant as he stares straight at me.

“Look who’s coming home tonight, Nova girl.”

Faces in the crowd turn to me in curiosity as I shrink back against Seth. His hand settles against my hip, squeezing.

I can feel the reassurance he’s trying to give, but I remember something from what they told me. The only thing that can beat a straight flush is a royal flush.

Marcus doesn’t give anything away as he stares at Julian and Adam. All of us stare at him, waiting for him to set down his cards.

He lays them out silently, precisely, and Julian jumps up with a roar as Adam’s face purples, the crowd behind us erupting into applause.

It’s a royal flush.

I sag back against Seth as Marcus looks straight at me, the hint of a smile tilting the corner of his eyes before he wipes it away and turns back to Julian and Adam. The crowd quietens.

“Looks like you owe me a favor,” he murmurs. “I think I’ll cash it in now.”

“This is bullshit,” Julian spits. He’s still on his feet, vitriol in his eyes as he looks around wildly. “You fucking cheated.”

Marcus raises an eyebrow as everyone quietens. “That’s a serious accusation. I assume you have proof.”

“This is your casino,” Adam snarls, and Marcus shrugs.

“True, but that doesn’t answer my question.” He leans back, giving the impression that he has all the time in the world. “I’ll wait.”

Adam jumps up, but a black-clad security guard appears on either side of him and Julian, casually penning them in. Adam gives Marcus a vicious look.

“Fine,” he spits. “Name your favor, King.”

Marcus takes his time, a considering look on his face before he finally shrugs. “Open your bank account and read out the total. Out loud.”

Adam rolls his eyes. I catch the mutteredfreakunder his breath, and my vision darkens as I try to move forward.

“Whoa there,” Seth grabs me easily. “Just watch, Nova.”

I stare furiously at Adam as he makes a show of holding up his phone, showing the home screen of a banking app before he presses some numbers. It takes a second for his face to change, his mouth gaping open as he looks at the screen.

“Would you like to sit down?” Marcus asks pleasantly. “You look a little pale.”

Julian shoves his head over Adam’s shoulder, and his face skips from anger into shock. He swallows, his throat bobbing as he swings around to Marcus. His voice shakes when he speaks.

“You did this.”

“Did what?” Marcus is clearly enjoying himself, and I’m starting to enjoy it too as both alphas stare down at the screen in sheer horror.

Marcus taps his fingers on the table. “Enough messing around. Complete the favor and read out the total.”

Adam swallows before he mutters something.

“What was that?” Marcus asks, leaning forward. “I don’t think the people at the back heard it.”

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