Page 29 of The Sinners Gambit

“I’d love to accept anything you give me. The good, the bad, and the downright sinful,” I promise her as I move my pawn to capture hers at c4. “I know you like a good sin. I’m just hoping to help you feel more comfortable sinning or doing whateveryouwant and not what society deems acceptable.”

“The sinner's gambit.” She nods her head in agreement. “Sounds sexy.”

“You flirting with me, firecracker?”

“No!” she blurts out. “Just makes chess sound sexier than it's stereotyped to be.”

“Mmm, okay,” I say with a knowing smirk. “It's your turn.”

After almost two hours of play, the end result is a draw, which somehow puts Naomi in a crabby mood. I had a feeling she’d be competitive, but she’s pretty angry.

“You’d think a draw is worse than losing,” I tease as we walk back to the house.

She rolls her eyes. “I never lose.”

“So, you’re a sore loser then?” I joke. “Either way, you didn’t lose. Neither of us won. That’s different.”

“It’s not about the fucking game,” she says, stomping faster ahead of me.

I hate to see her go, but I love to watch her leave. That ass is really something.

Before I can respond, she shrieks out loud as she trips over an overgrown root that forced the concrete up. I can’t get to her before she hits the ground on her hands and knees.

“Naomi!” I rush to get to her side. “Are you okay?”

I try to help her up, but she shrugs me off. “I’m fine,” she says as she stands up.

“Your knees are bleeding, so no, you’re not. Come on.” I pick her up off the ground in a bridal carry, and she kicks and screams the whole way back to her bedroom.

“Shut up and let someone take care of you for a change,” I demand as I set her down on the bed. Not waiting for a response, I go to the bathroom and get the first aid kit.

I bend down in front of her, her eyes boring into me. But she doesn’t say another word.

Pulling out the alcohol and cotton round, I soak the pad before blowing on her knee as I dab it on her injuries.

“That’s unsanitary,” she whispers as she closes her eyes with her lower lip in her mouth.

“From the sound of your voice I don’t think you give a shit.” I blow again, making her skin erupt in goosebumps. “Especially if your skin is any indication.”

“I-I’m just cold.”

“More like hot,” I counter, my finger roaming down her knee, only allowing a moment of teasing before I go back to cleaning and tending to her wound.

“All better. Want me to kiss it?”

Her eyes widen. “N-no.”

I smirk at her. “Mhmm. Okay.”

“I-I think I’ll stay here for the rest of the day. I’m . . . sleepy.”

I don’t like the idea of that, but I allow it. “I’ll have someone bring you some food later when you’re ready.”

She nods in return.

“If you’re looking to relieve some tension, you might want to check out the second dresser. Could be a couple things in there to help you . . . rest.”

I hope she likes the toys I picked out for her.

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