Page 94 of Dice & Dekes

“Ah.” He taps his temple. “But did I really fuck that up, or did I give you both just what you needed? Sure. Mistaken identity, impulsive marriage, a little fake drama to kick things off. Classic rom-com setup. You’re welcome to claim the win if we get our happy ending.”

“I’d say you got lucky.” I rap my knuckles meaningfully against the wood. “Are you really going to gamble on getting lucky twice in a row?”

His eyes snap to my fist. “You might have a point. Don’t worry. I’ll have Julie handle it.”

I straighten up again. “Good. You’re smarter than you look.”

Dante eyes me up and down. Am I wrong, or is there grudging respect in his expression? “You know, not many people can get away with talking to me that way. Good thing I like you.”

“What’s not to like? We understand each other.” I blow him a kiss. “Be honest with me. I’m your favorite of the Venom kids, aren’t I? The others are so much easier to push around like pawns, but I’ve always kept you on your toes. You’re trying to build your own Venom dynasty, right? All the kids of legends, lined up like trophies on your shelf. Admit it—I’m the crown jewel. It wasn’t an easy win, was it?”

There’s no mistaking his smile this time. “You’ve always been difficult, Knova. But you’re the best thing your father ever did in this life. Nice to see you’re finally playing along.”

“You put off the annulment, didn’t you? I bet you could have had the paperwork filed before we left the office that first day.”

Dante’s smug smile would really piss me off if we hadn’t both gotten what we wanted in the long run. “A word of advice? If I ever tell you something is beyond my abilities, I’m lying.”

I shake my head at him. Oh, to have the confidence of a rich but otherwise mediocre man. I almost envy him.

“I have to go,” I tell him. “See you on the ice. And like I said, don’t fuck this up. I know where you live.”

There’s a weird twist in my gut, like adrenaline and hope got tangled up in a headlock. This isn’t just a stunt—it’s the first time I’m saying to the world,He’s mine.And I’m terrified Dante’s going to screw it up.

He inclines his head. “Always a pleasure, Knova.”

Somehow, I doubt that.

* * *

My wife jersey causes quite a stir at the team dinner. Viktor greets me with a kiss, while all around us, his teammates elbow each other and point at me. Violet Sawyer’s jaw quite literally drops when she gets a glimpse at my shoulders.

“I want one,” she blurts.

I grin at her enthusiasm. “You need a husband first.”

“Right?” She lowers her voice and casts a collective side-eye at the team. “I picked a career where I’d be surrounded by guys. You wouldn’t think it would be so hard.”

“You never know. Sometimes the right guy has been in front of you the whole time, and sometimes you meet them in the most unexpected ways.”

Across the room, Camden squeals when Lenyx pulls him into a headlock. Lenyx digs his knuckles into the smaller guy’s scalp. After a few seconds of this, Camden jabs him in the armpit.

“Yeahhhhh…” Violet wrinkles her nose. “I’m good.”

All through dinner, Viktor can’t stop smiling. His leg jiggles with the same nerves that haunted him earlier today, but he’s happier than before. I guess he wasn’t sure how I would feel about his gift, but I love it.

“Good luck out there,” I tell him when the meal ends. “Or is it ‘break a leg’? Because… please don’t do that. Your last injury was bad enough. I guess what I’m saying is, win, but don’t get hurt in the process?” Oh, shit, now I’m babbling. I hope he likes my surprise as much as I liked his.

“I’ll be fine. I’ve got my good luck charm with me, after all.” Viktor kisses me softly, right out in the open, where anyone could see. My whole face burns as heat surges through my cheeks.

“I was here when you got hurt,” I remind him.

“Yeah, but I thought you were breaking up with me. Totally different scenario.” He kisses me again, like he can’t stand the idea of letting me go.

It’s a relatable sentiment, but he has a game to win. “Stop ogling me and get out there, perv.” I tap one palm against his butt to urge him along. Violet wolf-whistles. Knight pretends to gag. Loudly.

“Fuck off, Daddy.” I flip my brother the bird and spin away to join Sofia, whose cheeks are now at least as red as mine.

Our families are already settled in. I end up between my mom and Vivian, with Molly seated on her far side.

---