Page 134
“We’re playing.” Eden won’t look at me now. Her eyes are locked on Vin.
“Then let’s go.”
They cut, and Eden wins. The ghost of a smile flickers across her lips, but she says nothing as she deals them both two cards, Vin scooping his up with the eagerness of a starved man.
“Eden,” I say again, sharper this time. “Don’t do this, baby. Talk to me.”
And I know it sounds ironic, because I never talk to her. I should have. I know that. But whatever happens, I don’t want it like this. She doesn’t deserve to be part of my mess. She doesn’t need to stare down the ultimate cheater. And if she loses, Christ, it’ll shatter her. The way her father shattered her when he gambled it all away.
She doesn’t even glance my way. She looks at her cards, her face unreadable. Nausea pulls at my stomach.
The flop comes down. Queen and nine of hearts, plus the eight of clubs.
Vin leans back, smirking.
Hudson bristles. “This is insane. Eden, you’re not doing this.”
“I second that,” Asher snaps, running a hand through his hair. “Call it now. Walk away.”
Christ, I think I love them both.
“Both of you shut the fuck up,” Vin says, without even looking at them. His eyes are locked on Eden. “It’s her choice. Let her play.”
He thinks he has the winning hand. My throat burns. “Eden?—”
She finally speaks, her voice calm and low. “Check.”
Vin’s smirk falters, only for a second, and I swear I feel the room tighten around us.
“Jesus Christ,” Asher mutters, dragging a hand over his face. “I can’t watch this.” He turns and walks away, staring out of the window, his shoulders stiff. I look over at Bennett, who’s as pale as a sheet, watching the scene play out in front of him.
His eyes meet mine. He looks scared. And from where he is, he can see Eden’s hand. I want to know what it is. To read her cards the way she reads everything else. Especially me.
And I know for sure I’m not worth her tears. “You can have the resort,” I say, my voice cracking.
“Shut up,” Vin says. “The earlier offer is rescinded.” He looks at his men. “The next time that asshole talks, he leaves. Forcibly if necessary.”
“Yes, boss.” The one on the right taps his hip, like he’s reminding me he’s carrying.
Every muscle in my body tightens, I’m ready to fight. To go to war. But all I can do is stand here and watch my wife play against my enemy.
Eden flips the next card from the top of the deck with her elegant fingers and flicks it onto the table. The ace of spades. One more card joining the three already face up that could change everything about the hand.
“Raise,” Vin says lazily. “I’m feeling lucky today.”
Hudson mutters a curse under his breath, pacing the room like a wild animal. But I stay stock still. Watching her. The way her hand stays steady as she holds her cards. The way her chin lifts a little higher each time Vin tries to knock her down.
God, she’s everything. Everything I’ve been too much of a coward to hold onto. She deserves somebody unbroken, someone better. And yet here she is, gambling for me like I’m worth it.
Ready to face her childhood pain head on, when I keep avoiding mine.
“Call,” Eden says softly. Her voice doesn’t shake. Neither do her hands.
Vin chuckles, like he’s already won.
The whole room is silent as she turns the next card.
Queen of clubs. Vin’s grin stretches. He thinks he’s got her cornered.
