Paolo looks down at his chips, his eyes squinted. He knows he doesn’t have the chips there for that amount.
“I don’t want your money if I win, though.”
“What?” he asks in a higher than usual pitch. His lip is curled, and his eyes are narrowed at me.
“I want something else.”
“And what would that be?” he asks.
I lean forward and rest my forearms on the table. “If I win, I want a taste of that sexy fiancée of yours. One night. Call it a sleepover.”
He scoffs. “She’s a virgin.”
My chest rumbles with a laugh, and it’s painful not to let it out.A virgin. How the hell did a temptress like that convince anyone she was a virgin? She didn’t. He’s lying.
“Then I guess the stakes are higher… Two fifty.”
“Jesus, Settimo,” Blade begins. He doesn’t go any further.
Paolo tilts his head, but his face begins to relax. He’s considering it. He takes a look at his cards again and rests them back on the table. I don’t know if he’s convinced he’ll win or if he’s more like me, incapable of backing down.
“Two hundred fifty grand?”
“Two hundred fifty grand.”
He combs an imaginary beard on his chin and nods. “All right. Call.”
He flips his cards over, revealing pocket jacks. The third best hand possible. Right after mine.
I flip my cards over, and the smug grin on his face finally vanishes. His lips part. He looks at his cards.
None of the other men say anything for several moments.
“Cassandra, could you be a dear and cash in my chips?” I ask, my eyes meeting the dealer’s.
“Of course, sir.” She begins collecting the chips from the pot, her cheeks red.
“Great, have Roman keep it in the books. I’ll save it for next time.”
“Yes sir.”
Luca scratches his head and looks between me and Paolo. “Well… damn.”
I drink the last of my brandy and stand. Cassandra hasn’t gotten to all my chips yet, and I pluck one off the table before she has the chance. I flick it to Paolo, and he catches it, securing it in a fist and glaring at me.
“I’ll take that prize of mine tomorrow night. Seven o’clock work for you?”
He doesn’t answer, and I don’t hold back my smirk.
“I’ve gotta go.” I meet the other players’ eyes before settling back on Paolo. “Nice playing with you boys.” I wink and turn, heading out of the poker room.
It’s been a minute since I’ve felt this satisfied. The last time was about a week ago on a playground. I flash my teeth to no one as I make my way to my car.
Thanks again, Alex.
4
ALEX