Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 73302 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73302 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Two more men entered. They both wore dress pants and button-downs. Neither one set off any alarm bells, but I had to keep my eye on everyone.
Finally, the last player entered. He had silver hair and wore a navy pinstriped suit. He gave off slick, aloof vibes and barely spoke when I introduced myself. I hated him on sight, but that didn’t mean he was working with Ivanov. I couldn’t let myself be biased. Nothing about this case was going to be predictable. If it were, we would’ve brought Ivanov down long ago.
One of the security guards who was stationed by the door got our attention. “Gentlemen, please take your seats. Mr. Theriot and tonight’s dealer are on the way.”
My heart rate increased, knowing Rafe would be in the room. I was eager to see him again. Obviously because I wanted to be able to see how he connected with each of the players, not because I found him intriguing and fucking hot. No. That wasn’t it, and I was probably imagining the chemistry between us.
I was here to look for any possible connection between Rafe or the rest of the Theriots and Ivanov, not to ogle mobsters. I also had to remember that even if Rafe was aware of someone infiltrating the casino, he wasn’t necessarily on Ivanov’s side. He could simply be watching them. We only knew he and the other Theriots were present the night of the fire at Ivanov’s house. We didn’t know if they were there to save him or to destroy him.
Did I want them to be guilty? Maybe, but Rafe was… I didn’t want to be attracted to a man who would side with a monster.
Attracted? No, that was the wrong word. He was seriously fucking with my mind. Maybe I did want him to be guilty.
What I was supposed to want was the truth.
Rafe prowled around the table, watching each of us, keeping a sly smile on his face, no matter what cards he saw. He was better at that than I would have thought and also damn distracting. I forced myself to ignore him and focus on my cards, making sure to lose the occasional hand, but by the end of the night’s play, I was the winner by a good margin.
The slick man in the pinstriped suit glared at me with narrowed eyes. “You certainly did well for yourself this evening.”
I gave him a self-satisfied smile. “Beginner’s luck.”
The man with the cigar huffed. “Wait till next week. Your luck will run out.”
That sounded ominous, but I was probably taking everything too seriously.
The Russian rose and made himself a drink before turning to face me. “It’s curious to me how you’d get so lucky. Would you like to share your card-counting techniques with the rest of us?”
I raised my brows. “That’s a serious accusation.”
Rafe clamped a hand on the Russian’s shoulder. “That is serious. Do you honestly think we’re not keeping a close eye on things? I know the cards haven’t been running in your favor lately, but your luck will change. It always does.”
The Russian looked at me and shook his head in disgust, but he didn’t say anything else.
Finance Bro looked around the table and studied the piles of chips in front of each of us. He let his gaze linger longer on mine. “I’ll be watching you next week.”
I nodded. “I’ll be happy to have the attention.”
Could I pull this off with these men on high alert? I was damn good, but these were top-of-the-line players. Had I gotten in over my head? Maybe, but it wouldn’t be the first time.
Rafe addressed us again. “Gentlemen. We should congratulate our new player on his winnings. Now that you’ve seen him play, I’m sure you’ll all be back next week with a new strategy ready. Feel free to continue having drinks for as long as you’d like. My men will see you out when you’re ready.”
Rafe left, and I followed him. When he made a turn into the private area where his office was, a security guard stuck his arm out in front of me. “No one’s allowed back there, sir. I can show you to the exit.”
“I need to talk to Rafael.”
“No, sir. He’s not available now.”
I scowled at the man. “I don’t like being accused of cheating my first night in this game. I want to speak to your boss.”
Rafael turned and walked back. He looked from me to the guard and back again. He was angry but also intrigued.
He sighed. “Let him through.” When the guard did as he said, he focused on me. “You’ve got five minutes.”
I followed him to his office. When he pulled out a key card to unlock the door, I wished I were as proficient a pickpocket as Maria. Having access to Rafe’s office would be fantastic.