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  “How do you know this?”

  She shrugged. “I have my ways.”

  So he was learning.

  “Men are fair game for Wedge. But he would never, ever hurt a woman.”

  It was fabulous that she was so confident but… “Accidents can happen. If someone wants to take a swing at me, you do not step in the way to protect me, got it? I protect you. Not the other way around.”

  “My mistake. Sorry.”

  “You don’t sound sorry.”

  She smiled.

  His heart lurched hard in his chest. God, when she smiled that way…absolutely beautiful.

  “Excuse me.” A husky, feminine voice intruded from close by. “The game is about to start. Kingston wanted to make sure you were ready.”

  Chloe hadn’t shown so much as a flicker of surprise when the other woman spoke, so Joel knew she hadn’t been caught off-guard by the interruption. As per usual with Chloe. But he on the other hand…

  What game?

  “We are most definitely ready. I thought Kingston might be busy upstairs, so we were just waiting for the invitation,” Chloe replied smoothly. “Thank you.”

  The woman—a blond wearing all black—gave a quick nod before she backed away.

  Joel glanced up and his gaze trekked to the second level of the club. He saw a man up there—clad in a black suit—staring down at them. A redhead had her hand on the man’s arm, but he didn’t seem to be focusing on her at all. Instead, his gaze was on Joel and Chloe.

  “Guessing that’s Kingston?” Joel asked.

  “Most people call him King. I think I may be one of the few he lets call him Kingston.”

  Lets?

  “I probably should have asked sooner, but how are you at poker?”

  Joel’s head swiveled back to her.

  “Can you bluff well?” Chloe wanted to know. Then, before he could respond, she added, “No worries if you can’t. Losing will work just as well for us as winning.”

  “We’re here to play poker?”

  “Lower your voice,” she urged him. “Not exactly one of the sanctioned games, if you know what I mean.”

  Sure, he got it. This was an illegal game. Otherwise it would probably be held in a casino, not in the VIP area of a club.

  “Stakes are high. And unusual,” she explained quickly. “So don’t go doing anything crazy like betting yourself, okay?”

  What?

  “And don’t bet me. Seriously. I am not in the mood to screw a stranger tonight.”

  He still had her trapped against the wall. “Damn right you’re not.”

  That smile of hers flashed again. “I was joking. Sexual favors aren’t traded here. Kingston wouldn’t allow that.”

  He didn’t smile back at her. “We don’t joke about you sleeping with strangers.” A possessive edge had entered his voice. “We don’t joke about that shit at all.”

  “Oh. Are you—are you already getting into character?”

  He remembered what she’d said right before she’d exited the limo. We’re partners, but we need to pretend that we’re already lovers. “Sure,” he growled. “That’s what I’m doing. Just call me a method actor.”

  Her hand patted his chest. “I didn’t expect the possessive side, but I think it will play well.”

  I am not playing.

  “We should go.” She nodded.

  Did she have any idea that her hand seemed to be scorching him? Probably not.

  “Kingston doesn’t like to wait.”

  Like I give a shit.

  But he slowly backed away.

  “If you’d like, you can wrap your arm around my waist. That will make it look as if we’re inseparable. That you like touching me. Keeping me close.”

  I do.

  They began walking for the stairs. He wrapped his arm around her waist. Pulled her close.

  “You should know that there will probably be some people up there who won’t be overly thrilled to see me.” Her voice was low.

  He slanted a glance at her. “Why is that?”

  “Oh, various reasons.”

  He just bet. “Why aren’t you the one who is playing poker tonight? How’d I get to be the lucky one?” They were almost at the top of the stairs. More bouncers waited up there.

  “I’m not allowed to play here any longer.”

  Allowed?

  His lips parted, but before he could respond—

  “What the fuck is she doing here?” An angry voice bellowed. “There is no damn way I am playing with her!”

  A guy with a fat neck, beefy hands, and a blood-red face barreled toward Chloe.

  Sighing, Joel stepped in front of her.

  He had the feeling this was going to be a very long night.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Relax, Morris,” Chloe instructed the red-faced fellow as she curled her hand over Joel’s shoulder and moved up to his side. “I’m not here to play.”

  Morris huffed out a breath and his nostrils flared. “Damn straight, you’re not. You’re barred from these games. Cheaters aren’t allowed!”

  The cheating title chafed, but the man wasn’t entirely wrong.

  “Cheating?” Joel angled his head toward her. She could have sworn that a gleam of humor appeared in his eyes. “You were cheating in a backroom card game?”

  Um… “As to that,” she began.

  “Counting cards,” Kingston Broussard clarified as he sauntered toward them. The redhead who’d been at his side earlier had vanished. “Our lovely Chloe has a delightful knack for card counting.”

  “Delightful, my ass,” Morris snapped back. “It’s cheating. Cheating is fucking cheating, and if she’s here, then I am not playing tonight—”

  “Watch the tone,” Joel cut in, and his tone was low and lethal. “Because you’re about to piss me off. That’s not something you want.”

  Morris shrugged his rounded shoulders. “Why the hell do I care if you’re pissed? I don’t know you. You don’t mean dick to me.”

  Joel smiled at him. Chloe craned her head a bit to better see that smile. Chilling.

  “You will care,” Joel promised silkily. Then his arm lifted and curled around Chloe’s shoulders. He pulled her against him. “Chloe isn’t here to play tonight. She’s with me. I’ll be the one playing.”

  Morris grunted. “Nope. Not happening. The woman will still count the cards. She does it like some freaky robot. She’ll do it and she’ll send you some secret message and then you’ll take all my money just like she did.”

  Was he still mad about that? Someone could certainly hold a grudge.

  “I don’t appreciate the way you’re talking about her.” Again, Joel used the low and lethal tone that made goosebumps rise onto her arms. “This will be your last warning.”

  “Oh, really?” Morris laughed. “What are you gonna do about it?”

  And, once more, Joel smiled.

  Morris backed up.

  “Enough.” Kingston’s order. He’d been watching—observing and evaluating Joel she knew—and now he was ready to step into the fray. “This is my club. My game. My rules.” He waved a hand toward Morris. “You don’t like the people here, then you can drag your ass out.”

  “No one will play if she’s here!” Spittle flew from Morris’s mouth. “No one will sit at the table with her. They will—”

  “Blindfold me,” Chloe said as she focused on Kingston. “I’m sure there are plenty of available blindfolds in this place.” Knowing his kink as she did. “If my eyes are covered, I can’t count anything.” But she could still hear everything that was going on. And sometimes what you could hear was as important as what you could see.

  Even more so.

  “Sounds like a perfect solution.” Kingston nodded. “But, Morris, if you don’t agree, I think I already told you what to do.”

  Drag your ass out.

  “Blindfold. That will work. But I put it on her.” With that, Morris stomped for the black door that waited about five feet
away.

  “Pleasant fellow,” Joel mused.

  “Sure.” Kingston sauntered closer. “Just the kind of guy who makes you want to kick his ass.” He smiled at her. “Hello, Chloe. I didn’t think you’d ever be back in my place again.” His voice was low, carrying only to her and Joel.

  “I needed information.”

  “Um.” His attention slid to Joel. “And who do we have here? Details on your companion were pretty sketchy.”

  “I’m a sketchy guy,” Joel returned.

  “Those are the types of friends that Chloe likes to attract.” Kingston tilted his dark head. He seemed to take Joel’s measure. “It’s your first time at my table, so listen closely to the rules. I don’t repeat myself. No weapons are allowed. Ten thousand dollar buy-in. If you can’t settle your debt at the end of the night, it will be settled for you.” His bright gaze cut to Chloe. “No cheating allowed. If you’re caught cheating, I choose the punishment.”

  Joel still had an arm wrapped around Chloe. At Kingston’s words, his hold tightened even more.

  “Name’s King, by the way,” Kingston said smoothly. “And once you cross that threshold…” He indicated the waiting door. “You’re in my world.”

  “Well, that certainly sounds ominous as hell,” Joel replied. “Am I supposed to be intimidated or impressed?”

  Kingston smiled. “If you’re smart, you’ll be neither.” He turned away.

  “Ten thousand dollar buy-in…” Joel called after him. “How the hell would a guy like Donnie Adams manage to get that much cash in order to enter your game?”

  Kingston looked back. “Where he gets the cash from doesn’t matter to me. He has to show it in order to step up to the plate. He had enough to show in order to get a seat at my table.”

  “If he had ten Gs, then why’d he end up paying with a high school ring?”

  “I don’t have his ring. Already told Chloe that.” Kingston waved his hand toward the door. A bouncer immediately opened it for him.

  Joel blew out a low breath. “You knew he didn’t have the ring,” he whispered as he angled his head toward her. “And yet we’re still here?”

  “Kingston doesn’t have it. Someone else in that room does.” That was why they had to get inside.

  “And the ten thousand dollars? The dress you’re wearing is pretty tight, so I think I’d notice if you had that much cash strapped to you. You don’t have a bag. You don’t have—”

  “You think my dress is too tight?” She was momentarily distracted.

  “I think your dress is perfect.” He sidled ever closer. She thought he was going to press a kiss to her cheek, but instead, he whispered in her ear, “What are we doing about the money? Do I need to put down—”

  “You don’t have to pay anything. I already transferred the money. We’re good.” She licked her lower lip. “You have to be my eyes.”

  He pulled back a little. Frowned at her.

  “When we go inside, Morris will blindfold me. You have to watch closely. Look for small tells. Ask about Donnie, but don’t be obvious.”

  “Are you coaching me right now?”

  That was exactly what she was doing, yes. “If you have the chance to prove yourself, do it.”

  “Prove myself? What in the hell does that mean?”

  “Favors go a long way in this world.”

  “I have no idea what you—”

  “Game is starting,” a bouncer called. “The door is about to close. You in?”

  Chloe stared up into Joel’s swirling gaze. “He’s in.” She grabbed his hand and led him into the VIP room. As soon as she swept inside, her gaze assessed the players.

  Morris—she knew him already. Wyatt Morris owned a chain of grocery stores. Had a big gambling addiction. Lots of criminal ties.

  To his right, there was a newcomer. An elegant woman with glass-sharp cheekbones. Her hair was pulled up in a twist, and diamonds glittered on every finger.

  An almost ridiculously handsome man sat beside the woman. The top few buttons of his shirt were undone, and his posture appeared relaxed as he lounged in his chair. Late twenties, maybe early thirties, he had golden skin and deep green eyes. He flashed a grin at her.

  The ring on his finger glinted. Just one ring. The one she’d been hoping to see.

  Bingo.

  “Here’s the blindfold.” Morris waved it toward her. “I’ll put it on and—”

  “I’ll do it. My game. My rules, remember?” Kingston snatched it away. He motioned to a chair that was a few feet behind the table. “Sorry, love, but to make everyone more comfortable, you have to sit back there.”

  Because just being close to the table—while wearing a blindfold—somehow made it possible for her to read their cards? Whatever.

  Before she sat down, Chloe made note of the others in the room. The dealer—that was the redhead who’d been with Kingston before. Chloe knew Kingston would also be playing at the table. Also seated was a man with silver-tipped hair and another fellow with a day’s worth of stubble on his jaw.

  She eased into the chair. Crossed her legs.

  Joel was still holding her hand. She thought he was doing it deliberately. Letting others know that she belonged with him. Such a nice touch. Chloe was impressed.

  “Just like old times, hmmm?” Kingston asked as he bent toward her.

  She caught the flash of fury on Joel’s face right before Kingston slid the blindfold over her eyes.

  Then…there was darkness.

  “Happy now?” Kingston asked. Presumably, the question was for Morris.

  A grunt was the reply.

  She still held Joel’s hand. She squeezed it to get his attention. She caught his crisp, masculine scent as he leaned closer to her. Her head turned toward him. She pressed a kiss to his cheek.

  Heard him suck in a breath.

  “Check out the ring at the table,” Chloe breathed.

  She felt his nod. Then he slid back. Stopped touching her. Odd, but she immediately missed his warmth. She heard the squeak of his chair as he settled in.

  No one was wasting time with chit-chat. Not this group. They were all ready to get right down to business. Chloe pulled in a deep breath. Slowly released it. She did that a few times to center herself. To push away tension. She became aware of the perfume that hung in the air. Recognized the expensive, French scent. Knew it had to come from the redhead. Kingston always gave his lovers that same scent. She took another careful inhale.

  Cigar smoke. No one was smoking in that room, Kingston wouldn’t allow it, but someone had smoked right before coming inside. A Cuban cigar. Expensive.

  Her nostrils flared again. She tried to pull in more scents. Looked for something that would perhaps be familiar to her.

  A scent nagged at her. Not close enough to fully detect. Not yet.

  It teased…

  A smooth female voice asked, “Players, are you ready?”

  There was a murmur of agreements.

  “Then let’s begin.”

  Chloe heard the flutter of cards as they were dealt.

  ***

  Over one hundred grand was on the table in front of him. Joel cast a quick glance at his cards, realized he had jack shit, but didn’t let that slow him down as he tossed more cash into the pile. Then he looked over his shoulder at Chloe. Her chair had been positioned a few feet behind his.

  She sat with her back perfectly straight. Her legs were crossed, but she didn’t idly kick her foot or anything like that. Chloe was completely still. Her face was expressionless. The black blindfold covered her eyes and skimmed her cheeks.

  “Yeah, I get that she’s fucking gorgeous,” the man across from Joel tossed more chips onto the table. “But how about you try focusing on the game?”

  Joel gave the jerk a slow smile. He’d already noticed the ring on his finger. “I am focused, champ.”

  The man grunted. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “You’re a champ, aren’t you? That’s a championship f
ootball ring on your finger.” He leaned forward for a better look. “High school. Let me guess…big man on campus back in the day?”

  The fellow laughed. His fingers tapped against his cards. “Not my ring. It’s a trophy.”

  Killers keep trophies. “Good for you.” Joel knew he sounded bored.

  There had been no introductions at the table. Joel got that this wasn’t exactly the kind of place where names were exchanged. So he had no idea who the fellow currently tapping away at the cards actually was.

  A pretty boy. With a bored air. And a trophy on his finger.

  A killer? Maybe.

  “I’m out.” This was from Morris. At least, Joel knew his name. Morris had been steadily losing all night.

  Joel had won and lost. He was actually up about fifteen grand overall.

  Three hours had passed.

  Chloe hadn’t spoken a word. How could she stay so still? Once more, he looked back at—

  Her finger was tapping. Just like the guy across from—

  “Look, if you want a break to screw her,” the pretty boy snarled, “then just—”

  Joel lunged across the table. He locked his fingers around the pretty boy’s throat. “Cheating isn’t tolerated at the table.”

  Joel sure as fuck hoped that was the message that Chloe had been sending him. If not…Too late. He’d been acting on instinct.

  The guy gasped—and then he shoved a knife toward Joel. The knife slid right out of the pretty boy’s sleeve. Like some kind of freaking magic trick. Joel jumped back just in time to avoid the slice of that blade. “Got enough cuts,” he grunted. “But thanks so much.”

  The SOB was now on his feet and brandishing his knife. Except when he’d stood up, two playing cards had slipped from his sleeve. So the knife hadn’t been the only thing he’d been hiding.

  How the hell had Chloe known?

  “You brought a weapon to my game?” Kingston’s voice was ice cold. “And you cheated at my table?”

  “I—” Fury flashed on his face. The fury gave way to fear. The man ran for the door. A bouncer got in his path, and he stabbed down with the knife. The blade sank into the bouncer’s forearm.