Page 81 of Cryptic Curse

Just hearing the word brings back memories I don’t need right now.

I haven’t played Monopoly since…

No, not going to go there.Not right now when I have Daniela and Belinda to think of.

“Since you’ve already got a deck of cards out,” I say, “how about some good old-fashioned Texas Hold’em?”

Belinda’s eyes go wide at that.“Oh my God, yes.I’ve always wanted to learn how to play poker.”

Daniela bites her lip.“I’m not sure how Vinnie would feel about it if we taught you how to play poker.”

“It’s not like we’re going to play for money,” I say.

Belinda’s face falls.“Then where’s the fun?”

“Okay,” I say.“We can play for snacks.I’m sure there’s something in the kitchen.”

Daniela relents.“I suppose that does sound kind of fun.Come on, Belinda.And you too, Hawk.We can play at the kitchen table.”

We head down the hallway toward the main part of the house and into the giant kitchen.

Belinda goes into the pantry and brings out a big tub of cheese balls.“My favorite,” she says.

“Cheese balls and ice cream,” Daniela says smiling.“This girl can’t get enough of either.”

“Because I was never allowed to have them…”

She doesn’t finish, and Daniela smiles and brings the cheese balls over to the table.“All right, now let’s play.”She hands the deck to me.“Hawk, you shuffle.”

I give the cards a shuffle and then hand them to Belinda on my left.“You cut the deck, Belinda.”

Belinda wrinkles her forehead.“And that means…what exactly?”

Daniela grins as she settles into her seat.“It just means you take the cards, split the pile somewhere in the middle, and put the bottom half on top.Like this.”She reaches over and demonstrates.“It keeps things fair.”

Belinda nods seriously, like she’s just been entrusted with a sacred duty.“Okay.Got it.”She cuts the deck and hands the stack back to me.

I give her a nod.“Perfect cut.You’re officially ready for Vegas.”

She giggles, her cheeks turning pink.“Do they play for cheese balls in Vegas?”

Daniela laughs.“Only at the really classy tables.”

We all chuckle, and I start dealing the cards, two to each player.Belinda scoops up hers like she’s guarding national secrets.

“I hope I win this hand,” she mutters.

Daniela arches a brow.“What are you going to do with all your winnings?”

Belinda doesn’t miss a beat.“Build a cheese ball empire.”She pops one in her mouth and grins like she’s already conquered the world.

I deal the flop—seven of spades, king of diamonds, ace of clubs—and glance up just in time to catch Daniela licking orange dust from her fingertips.

She’s not trying to be seductive.That’s the worst part.She’s just distracted, focused on the cards, absentminded as she swipes her thumb across her bottom lip and sucks the cheese powder off with a soft pop.

And I’m gone.

My pulse kicks up, and I look away fast, hoping Belinda doesn’t notice the heat creeping up my neck.