“I can say the same for myself. However, those games aren’t fixed.”
“Are you forfeiting before a card is even dealt?”
Fire lit her gaze. “Not a chance. I’ll set up a game on the dinner table.”
“Good.” Reaching up, I ran a thumb over her full lower lip. “When will everyone leave?”
She swallowed as her pupils dilated. “In about five minutes. Stevie and the team are doing a final sweep of the penthouse, then they will head out, locking all access to the suite, including the elevator.”
“I thought you’d try to run.”
She lifted her chin as a crease formed between her brows. “I don’t run from anything.”
“You may change your mind.”
“And I don’t scare easily.”
“We’ll see.”
“Yes, we will.” She turned, but I grabbed hold of her wrist.
“Ivanov gave you an out. Why didn’t you take it?”
She gave me a calculating smile that had me wanting to show her what she could do with that luscious mouth of hers. “He wanted you to hear the conversation.”
“He isn’t known for wasting his words. There is a purpose for everything he does. He waited to tell you the truth about the past and within my earshot for a reason.”
“Yes, to scare you.”
“I believe I’ve established I don’t scare easily, as well. In fact, I’m more intrigued than ever.” I slid my hand from her wrist, up her elbow, over her shoulder, and then cupped the back of her neck.
The sharp inhale of her breath and the goosebumps prickling her skin gave me a sense of triumph in this battle of wills we seemed to have started.
“You didn’t answer my question, Nyx.”
“You mean about Petre?” Her palm settled on my chest.
“Yes.”
“It’s simple—I don’t hide behind other people when it comes to my challenges. Not my father, or my brothers, not anyone.”
“I’m a challenge?” I leaned forward, grazing my teeth across her bottom lip and watching her lashes flutter closed for a second.
“Most definitely,” she responded in a husky whisper.
A throat cleared behind us, making Nyx immediately pull away from me. Her face flushed from arousal and embarrassment.
“We will lock up and leave the two of you to your…private game,” Nyx’s security lead stated, giving both of us a smirk.
“Thank you.” Nyx followed her team to the elevator, speaking in low tones with Stevie.
A few minutes later, Nyx returned, apprehension etched all over her face.
“Ready to deal, Ms. Mykos?”
10
Nyx