Page 87 of The Biting Bargain

Meanwhile, my heart is beating up to my neck.

He's here.

I mean, of course he's here. It's his big night. But why is he challenging Stellan?

It's not you. Don't flatter yourself.

I feel Vincent's gaze rest on me as Stellan shoves me awkwardly onto one of the chairs next to the poker table. It's a look that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Three rounds," Stellan says in a cold voice as Vincent slides into his seat across. "All or nothing."

At those words, he pulls my leash as tight as it can go and pulls me toward him, nearly landing me on his lap. His sweet cologne overwhelms me, and I have to strain myself not to gag.

The crowd around us murmurs and chuckles, Ladies fan themselves with elaborately embroidered fans and gentlemen adjust their monocles. And out of the corner of my eye, I can see wagers moving from one gloved hand to another with a flash of lightning speed.

"All or nothing." Vincent nods.

His expression doesn't let on; it's unreadable and smooth as a lake in a calm.

Stellan chuckles, his face so close to my neck that retching almost takes over, and my skin crawls like a graveyard full of zombies.

Vincent's left eye twitches.

"Play."

The dealer, who has popped out of nowhere like a magician, shuffles the cards and deals them out.

Stellan pushes me away so I can't peek into his hand, and I'm relieved at the distance.

My heart races as I watch Vincent pick up his cards and the two vampires begin their duel.

A hushed silence falls around us.

They might as well be using rapiers instead of cards, as charged as the tension is. You could cut through bone with it.

Three rounds. All or nothing.

And I'm the prize again.

The urge to simply jump up and run nearly takes over. But even if I wanted to, I couldn't get away. First, the wall of hungry vampires would probably stop me.

And second, Stellan would immediately give Vincent away.

I can't let that happen.

All I can do is stand there in my skimpy little dress, dig my fingernails into my fists, and hope that the worst-case scenario doesn't happen.

And Stellan wins.

Because if he does, not only will I be screwed, but he'll ruin Vincent's reputation for good.

I breathe a tiny sigh of relief when Vincent puts his hand on the table and it's a Full House. The crowd murmurs. Stellan only has a Straight.

Stellan’s perfect smile turns sour as the dealer hands out new cards.

The next round goes so fast I can barely catch up with my eyes. Each vampire trades a card, and suddenly Stellan slams his hand on the table with a triumphant grin.

Straight Flush.

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