Page 95 of Gamble with Me

“Good evening, Valeria,” he greeted me in his typical deep voice, waking up my deepest desires. It wasn’t his usual stalker voice, but it was enough to remind me of all our encounters.

“Hello,” I breathed, holding my hand out for a shake. “And happy birthday, Mr. Zhumagulov.”

“Thank you.” He took my hand gently but firmly. My skin instantly reacted to the touch of his warm palm. My heart beat so fast it almost burst through my ribcage and jumped into his embrace. Our eyes were glued together, ignoring the world around us.

The awkward coughing broke the spell between us, and I frowned at Alice, who pretended to choke on another cake. Zyon’s delicious lips curled into a smile when he scrutinized her as she gulped the remaining drink and wiped her mouth.

“Sorry. Wrong tube,” she exhaled, rubbing her chest. “Anyway, happy birthday, Zyon.”

“Thanks, Alice,” he answered. “Are you enjoying the party?”

“Yes, it’s terrific.” She smiled, moving her glasses up with her index finger. “Ghost cakes are a dream come true.”

“I’m happy to hear it. What about the decorations?” he continued in polite small talk with my best friend when I felt his fingers brush against the back of my hand.

It was a tender touch, as if the feather met my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I instinctively moved closer as if some magnetic force pushed me toward him, and I slowly entwined our fingers.

Zyon easily conversed with Alice, who was oblivious to what was happening under her nose. My body was charged with electricity and desire for this man. He chased away all the bad feelings from the last couple of days with his overpowering presence. I felt lightheaded like someone had dropped a drug into my drink, but it was only Zyon and the effect he had on me. I finally let go of the fear that tied me like an iron chain and allowed the power radiating off him to soothe me.

I didn’t pay attention to the dialogue between Zyon and Alice. I was too engrossed in enjoying the calmness that settled in my chest. I only woke up from my reverie when Dorian slammed Zyon’s shoulder hard and apologized for the interruption.

“I need you in the VIP, Zee,” he said, casting his older brother a sharp look. “Players want to start with one million buy-in, and Stefano Gravaldis asked for a loan.”

“Arrange the money for him,” Zyon commanded, letting go of my hand. He took the phone from the inner pocket of his jacket, checking the text messages. “Laszlo and Czaba are on their way from the airport. Our Hungarian friends will want to play. Save them seats.”

Dorian nodded, casting a fake smile at the hot woman who walked past us and flirtatiously winked at him.

“What else do you need, Dorian?” Zyon asked, sounding impatient. “I’ll be in VIP in five minutes.”

Instead of answering, Dorian turned to Alice, who blinked at him in confusion.

“Please, help the dealer prepare the table,” he said, taking the drink from her. She grimaced, evidently disagreeing with his actions, but he didn’t care. “The girl is new and has no experience with major games. I didn’t expect these players to come.”

“Okay,” she agreed, frowning at the glass in his hand. Reluctantly, she left us, heading to the other side of the spacious hall.

“Now that we are alone,” Dorian started, his usually smiling face turning too serious for my liking. “Chester Kellerman wants to play, Zyon,” he announced, looking at me instead of his glowering brother. “I don’t know how he got inside and from where he has so much money to play with. Valeria, do you know something about it?”

“If you’re asking if I gave him my invitation…” I asked in apparent disbelief. “I would never—”

“Hey, hey.” Zyon took my hand, interrupting me. I didn’t understand why I immediately assumed the worst and attempted to defend myself against this outrageous accusation. “He didn’t mean that, Valeria,” Zyon said soothingly, brushing his thumb against the back of my hand. “We just need to know if you noticed something about your husband’s extracurricular activities.”

I stared into his dark eyes, my chin quivering. I didn’t want to have this conversation surrounded by guests at his birthday party. It wasn’t the right time or place. I had already thought about waiting until the morning so I didn’t ruin his night, but seeing his baffled look, I knew I had to give him something.

Chester’s presence suggested trouble. He didn’t have the money for a big game against the Zhumagulovs and others. I believed he had another agenda besides beating them.

“Chester knows,” I said, squeezing Zyon’s hand tightly. “He has known the entire time.”

“Fuck,” Dorian hissed on my right side, but my eyes were glued to Zyon’s shocked face.

Not even the heavy makeup could cover the horror reflected on his face. All my assumptions were confirmed at that exact moment. He hid his identity to protect me from my husband, and knowing Chester knew about us was a tremendous shock.

We thought the same. I saw it in his glistening eyes. My husband was up to something.

“How—” Zyon started in a strained voice, but I quickly cut him off without learning what he wanted to ask.

“It doesn’t matter,” I replied, glimpsing at a nervous Dorian, who checked his buzzing phone.

“We must go, Zyon,” he prompted, but Zyon didn’t want to let go of me.