Page 37 of Collided (Dirty Air 2)

Much to Nikolai’s disappointment, Maya continues stripping layers until she’s down to a T-shirt and jean shorts. He keeps staring at her as if her next hand is the last thing between him and catching a glance at her chest. Both men gave up their shirts first, which was a surprise to no one. To be honest, they’re rocking some good-looking abs under those race uniforms.

They may be handsome, but they’re not exactly my type. An image of Liam pops up in my head, which is unexpected. Unlike these guys, Liam makes my heart race from one look. I brush off the thought because this is no place to get lost in my head.

Slowly my pile of chips grows to a cool two thousand euros thanks to Nikolai and Michail losing too many rounds they were confident in. To be fair, I’ve also purposefully flashed a bit of cleavage, but God gave me the goods so it’s my job to use them.

Maya and Nikolai fold during the next round, leaving Michail and me to battle it out. Michail is the silent type, with plenty of chips to match his poker knowledge. He flashes me a confident smile as he goes all in with the chips he’s mainly won from Nikolai.

I’m talking eight thousand euros in. It’s hard not to think about what I can do with that kind of money.

A trip to Fiji doesn’t sound half bad at the moment. I imagine a cabana boy offering me a Corona as I tan on a beach bed by the ocean.

I look at my cards again. With a seven of spades and a five of clubs, it’s a risk. One I can’t help wanting to take. Something in me tempts me to call his bet. Label it a birthday intuition.

“I call.”

Maya’s jaw drops open while Nikolai looks at me with a mix of respect and hesitancy.

“You sure about that, blondie?” Michail looks at me in disbelief. “Although I won’t mind checking you out in your underwear.”

Men, so easily distracted by the little things. “Sure. Let’s see the cards.”

The dealer reveals the flop of a six and nine of hearts, along with a king of clubs.

My heart beats rapidly in my chest. Michail lets out something that sounds vaguely like a curse word in Russian. Both of us stare at the deck as if it can reveal the answers. Blood rushes to my ears as my heart rate accelerates past what should be considered normal.

The dealer shows the next card.

“Holy shit.” Nikolai whispers as the dealer reveals an eight of hearts.

Maya and I both jump out of our chairs as we rush to hug one another.

“Oh my God, a Straight. You did it! You just won!” Maya squeals.

Michael stands to remove his pants.

I lift my hand. “Don’t bother. We’re done here, boys. Gotta leave before Lady Luck doesn’t want to share her magic anymore.”

Maya and I grab our money and clothes off the floor. Maya struggles to put on her layers before she decides to shove most of her clothes in her backpack.

“So that’s it? We lost all our money and didn’t even get to see you with all your clothes off.” Nikolai puts on his pants.

Michail flashes us a smile before he grabs his shirt off the floor. “I’d feel used, except you both were fun to hang around. We’ll have to do this again.”

As much fun as they’ve proven themselves, I think Santiago would kill Maya if she hung around these two more often. They scream trouble.

We say our goodbyes. Maya and I exit the hotel room arm in arm, laughing up to the ceiling as we walk back to my suite.

Turns out twenty-two is off to a strong start. I’ve made a good friend, knocked off a Fuck It list item, and won thousands of euros.

Siri, please cue Taylor Swift’s “22.”