Page 59 of Princess of Thieves

“What’s he talking about?” I turn to Tuck. “What did you just win?”

Tuck swallows, barely able to meet my eyes.

“You.”

Chapter Fifteen

Oh.

My face flames hot, first with embarrassment, then with pleasure.

Because obviously that’s what they would do. I feel foolish, now, thinking it was for something as stupid as money or whiskey or any kind of trinket. Naive for not realizing—uh, duh—that’s what they were whispering about.

But I’m not embarrassed to be their prize.

If anything, I’m...kind of flattered.

Intrigued.

“It really is very middle school,” Will comments. “Seven minutes in heaven? What’s next, a round of spin the bottle?”

“Pucker up, motherfucker.” LJ shoulder-checks him with the barest hint of a grin, and throws one parting look at Tuck as he heads for the stairs. “What she says goes. You put one toe out of line and I’ll cut your balls off.”

Rob widens his eyes as LJ leaves, with Will trailing behind. “Well, Tuck.” Rob sighs exaggeratedly and claps him on the shoulder. “Couldn’t have happened to a better man. But, uh, yes. Maren, your consent here is paramount. So—”

“Of course,” I say, feeling Tuck’s energy radiating like a forcefield and sharing his desperation for us to be alone.

“Good.” Rob nods, spreads his hands in a bow, and winks. “I take my leave.”

His footsteps fade, leaving just me and the sweetest, most nervous-looking man I think I’ve ever seen.

I cock my head at him from the pool table, like I’m seeing him for the first time. Trying to be a little flirty.

“Is that a stack of poker chips in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?”

“I...” Tuck blushes, glances down at the front of his jeans.

“I’m just kidding,” I say. “Congratulations, though.”

“Hah. Thanks.” He presses his lips together. “It wasn’t my idea, by the way. To make you the, um...”

“Jackpot?” I grin.

Tuck winces. “I mean, not in so many words, but...”

“It’s fine.” I swipe at the air, smile at him. “I’ve never played Seven Minutes in Heaven. Is there a timer involved?”

“I...” Tuck frowns, like he’s really wondering.

“Tuck!” I laugh. “I’m kidding. Relax,” I add softly, because it seems like he needs to be told.

“Okay. Sure,” he says, clearly not relaxing. “Um, so, did you pick up any of the rules of poker just now, or...” He catches a glimpse of the look on my face and trails off. “Oh. I guess we don’t really have to...talk about poker.”

I nod. “I think that’s sort of a moot point now.”

“Yeah.” He rocks to the balls of his feet, and I’m starting to wonder what the holdup is when he speaks again. “I don’t suppose...God, this is weird.” He looks at the ceiling, then back down. “I mean, could I ask you for a kiss, Maren?” He no sooner asks than swiftly shakes his head. “Sorry, sorry. I never should’ve let them talk me into it. I just had stuff to drink and—”

Before he’s finished his sentence, I’m off the table and pressing a kiss to his mouth.

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