Page 260 of A Vicious Love

“Julian,” he said.

I looked at my brother. Julian sat perfectly still, eyes calm, cards low. Too still now that I knew to look for it.

“He has something?”

“Likely.”

Julian’s mouth tightened.

A thrill went through me. “I saw it.”

“You did.”

His hand slid slightly lower at my waist, fingers resting just under the edge of my dress where fabric met bare thigh. Enough to make my breath stutter and my thoughts scatter.

He felt that too.

“Focus,” he murmured again, kissing my temple more openly this time.

I turned my cheek into him without meaning to.

His mouth lingered.

The room all blurred at the edges. I could feel his chest behind me every time he breathed. His thumb moved in a slow line.

“Baby,” he said, voice rougher now. “Cards.”

I blinked down at them. “Right.”

I placed a careful bet. Jamison did not stop me. That felt more thrilling than the chips deserved.

“Good,” he said.

I tried not to react.

Failed, obviously.

The hand continued. Julian raised. Adrian folded with exaggerated sorrow. Henri glanced once at Sabine, who gave the tiniest shake of her head, and he folded immediately.

The turn card was another nine.

My body went tense with excitement before I could stop it.

Jamison’s arm locked around me. “No.”

“What?”

“You lit up again.”

“I have three nines.”

“And now Julian knows you have at least one.”

Julian leaned back, smiling faintly. “I did suspect.”

I frowned at him. “You’re meant to be supportive.”

Jamison’s mouth brushed my ear. “Raise.”