Page 93 of Gamble with Me

“Sorry, lovely,” Malin said gently, walking inside. The girls scattered like chickens who’d seen a wolf. “Where is Alice?”

My eyes widened at the mention of my best friend. My surprise only grew when she showed up dressed like a Salem witch, with a pointy hat, long black dress, and her signature glasses.

“I’m here,” she beeped, waving at someone, and Malin stepped to the side. I raised my brows when she flashed me a wide smile and opened her arms.

“What are you doing here?” I asked when she pulled me into a hug. In the meantime, Malin disappeared, but he didn’t forget to send a server with champagne our way.

“I couldn’t let you go alone,” Alice replied, searching my face. “Remember our promise, right?” She cast me a kind smile. “Whenever you need me, I’m here beside you.”

“Thanks,” I exhaled, feeling the chain squeezing my chest loosen its hold on me. “But I’m not sure talking with Zyon is a good idea.”

“What?” Alice grabbed my hand, her painted eyebrows furrowing. “He will help you.”

“You don’t know that…” I whispered, shutting my mouth because a group of laughing guests walked dangerously close to us. I started talking again when they were far away. “What if he refuses to help me? I’ll make a fool of myself.” Fresh tears burned in my eyes as I glanced at Alice’s perplexed expression.

“You can’t be serious,” she exhaled, shaking her head. She shoved the entire glass of champagne down her throat, staring at me as if she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

“Do you think it’s that easy?” I hissed, pulling a tissue from my purse and wiping my eyes gently so as not to smear the makeup. “You want me to throw my dignity out the window.”

“Me?” Alice whined. “You claimed your stalker will help you. I wanted you to move in with me and decide what to do. This was your plan.”

“Well, it’s the wrong plan,” I said, turning toward the door to the casino where the party was held.

“Valeria.” Alice grasped my elbow, forcing me to look at her. “You were absolutely sure about Zyon yesterday. Did something happen?”

“No.” I shook my head, trying to free myself from her hold. “I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“It’s the best idea,” Alice objected. “Zyon will make the matter disappear. What is going on with you?”

“I’m scared!” I yelled, unable to control my voice. My hand slammed over my mouth, and bitter tears fell from my eyes. Alice gently touched my shoulder, but I shook her off.

“Scared of what, Val?” she asked, pulling me behind the corner where people couldn’t see us.

“What if I’m just a distraction for him?” I mumbled, inhaling a shaky breath. “What if he never cared for me, and I’m just a trophy? What if he slept with me only because I’m Chester’s wife—”

At least ten more “what ifs” appeared on my tongue, yet Alice quickly cut me off. I panicked. The rational part of me knew it, but I couldn’t help myself.

“That’s nonsense,” my best friend disagreed, taking my hands into hers. “From what you told me, I’m sure Zyon cares for you.”

“But—” I whispered, yet was instantly interrupted by Alice.

“No buts, Valeria.” She pulled me closer and wiped the tear from my cheek. “I understand you’re scared to admit what Chester did to you. I know it’s hard to be the abused wife and ask for help. But Zyon is the force that will crush this world for you. Just tell him the truth.”

“It’s so hard,” I muttered. “I don’t want him to pity me.”

“It’s going to be okay,” she tried to reassure me, but I was too upset. I didn’t understand why I was suddenly so agitated about telling Zyon anything.

Everything I went through fell on me with crushing force. I needed him. I felt it in my bones. I craved to hide from the world in his arms. I yearned to feel safe.

Zyon was the only person who could make me feel like I was worth something. After Chester’s attack, I desperately needed to be reassured that I was enough by the man I loved.

“Let’s go inside,” Alice suggested, pulling me from my depressing thoughts. “The brothers will give an opening speech soon. Trust me, you will feel better when you see him.”

I didn’t believe her but followed her anyway. Three glasses of champagne on my empty stomach caused my fear of rejection to lessen, but the courage still didn’t come. Maybe, if I drank more….

We entered the gigantic circular space of the Starlight casino with other guests, and my mouth fell agape. The room was decorated in Halloween style, with fog under our shoes, webs and spiders hanging from the ceiling, and servers in creepy masks complementing the scene.

Two massive skeletons welcomed the guests, shaking hands with everyone and inviting them to taste unique food and drinks.