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“Is that so?” Arlo sneers, his disappointment evident. He stands up abruptly, the legs of his chair scraping loudly against the floor. The others begin to follow suit, gathering their things and murmuring amongst themselves as they prepare to leave.
“Wait,” Nikhil tells me, gripping my arm gently when I attempt to rise from my seat. “We’re not finished yet.”
“More?” I ask Nikhil, trying to keep my voice steady.
He nods, his grip on my arm reassuring and firm.
As the last of the guests filter out, leaving only the Volkov brothers, myself, and a few trusted members of their inner circle, I wonder what awaits me.
“Come on,” Nikhil murmurs, guiding me gently toward the poker table. Cassius follows behind, cradling a fresh bottle of wine in his strong hands. The dim glow of the chandelier above casts ominous shadows across their handsome faces, making my heart pound with equal parts fear and desire.
“Have you ever played poker, Annalise?” Nikhil asks, his eyes searching mine for any hint of hesitation.
I shake my head, swallowing hard as I recall the whispered stories of my family’s gambling debts—the shadows that always haunted our lives. “Not really, but I understand the basics.”
“Good,” Cassius says, uncorking the wine with a satisfying pop. He pours three glasses and hands one to each of us. “You’ll catch on quickly, I’m sure.”
“Try not to go too easy on me,” I tease, attempting to lighten the mood. I take a sip of the velvety liquid, letting it warm my insides and soothe my frayed nerves.
Nikhil chuckles, his free hand brushing against mine as he shuffles the deck with practiced ease. “Don’t worry, we’ll be gentle…at least for now.”
Cassius smirks, raising his glass in a silent toast before taking a long drink. I follow suit, the wine’s warmth spreading through me as our eyes lock over the rim of my glass. It’s a challenge, a promise, and an invitation all at once—and I know that I won’t back down.
“Here’s a thought,” Cassius says, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he leans back in his chair. “How about we make things a bit more interesting?”
“Interesting how?” I ask, my curiosity piqued despite my better judgment.
Cassius smirks, an expression that’s both enticing and dangerous. “For each game we play, you remove an article of clothing. In return, for every hand either of us loses, you get to ask one question—anything you want, no restrictions.”
My heart races at the audacity of his proposal, but something about the challenge ignites a spark within me. This could be my opportunity to learn more about the men who hold my fate in their hands—and perhaps even gain some leverage of my own.
“Alright,” I say, meeting his gaze with determination.
“Let the games begin,” Cassius declares, his excitement palpable as he starts dealing the cards.
23
ANNALISE
Cassius leans toward me, his piercing blue eyes locked on mine. “Alright, Annalise. Poker is all about strategy,” he says, shuffling the deck with practiced precision. “Not only do you have to read your opponents’ expressions, but you also have to keep your own hidden.”
I watch as the cards dance between his fingers, mesmerized by his skill. My determination to win this game and get the answers I seek only grows stronger. “I’m ready,” I say, my voice steady despite the racing thoughts in my head.
“Remember, Lily,” Nikhil chimes in from across the table, smirking devilishly. “We’re playing strip poker, so for every round you lose, you’ll be removing an article of clothing.”
I nod, swallowing hard at the thought of exposing myself to these two dangerous and alluring men, but I refuse to let my fear overtake me. I need this information, and if a little skin is the price I must pay, so be it.
Besides, I’m a Volkov princess, right? And Volkovs don’t lose.
Cassius deals the cards, and I focus on the hand I’ve been given, trying to recall the rules he’s just explained. The game begins, and I try my best to maintain a neutral expression, searching their faces for any sign of weakness.
“Raise,” I say confidently, pushing a small pile of chips into the pot.
“Call,” Cassius responds, his voice smooth and controlled.
“Fold,” Nikhil says, tossing his cards onto the table with a smirk.
The game continues, and despite my best efforts, I lose the first round. My heart sinks as I realize I have to remove my dress. I take a deep breath, stand up, and pull the fabric over my head, revealing my black lace bra and matching panties beneath.
