Page 56 of Mafia and Gold Digger

“Oh…” She clears her throat. “Of course. How silly of me. It’s so generous of you and Christian to decide what’s best for me to do without even asking me what I want. I just don’t know how I’m going to ever thank the two of you.”

“You got a better idea?”

“Beside pretending to be engaged?”

“Yeah, because I’m all ears.”

She opens her mouth but then shuts it.

“That’s what I thought.”

She’s still not on board with the plan, and I stare at her while I figure out a way to convince her. “Why don’t we play a game of chess. If I win, you become my fiancée. If I lose, I leave you alone.”

“Why would I want to agree to that?”

I cock an eyebrow at her. “Afraid of losing?”

“In your dreams, Valentino. There’s no way you could beat me.”

“Prove it,” I clip.

She hesitates for a split second. “Okay. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. And if I win, I stay here.”

“Deal,” I nod. I knew she wouldn’t be able to resist a challenge. All chess players like competition—that’s the whole point of the game. Now, I just have to beat her…

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

EMERALD

A minute later, I sit on the bed across from him, the chessboard a battlefield between us. The board was one of the things I packed when I ran away, and I’m looking forward to this game—and to winning.

The room is dimly lit, casting shadows that dance over the polished pieces. Saint has a stern expression as he studies the board with an intensity that feels almost palpable.

As he and I make our moves in turn, I can sense the wheels turning in his mind, each click and clack of the pieces like a countdown to an inevitable conclusion. He told me he can’t play chess, so I’m surprised he knows even the basics, but I guess a lot of people do know something about the game from playing it a few times when they were a kid. He even knows a few good moves by the look of it. But despite that, he’s got no chance with the advanced strategies I’m putting into play here.

My hand hovers over my knight, debating my next move. I know the importance of each decision—how every piece I move shifts the balance of power on the board.

The knight feels like a good choice, a chance to disrupt his play.

But as I glance up, his eyes meet mine, and there is a flicker of something, making me hesitate.

Finally, I make my move. The knight leaps forward, its path a daring curve around his pawns. Confidence surges within me.

He doesn't hesitate, doesn't even pause to consider. His bishop glides across the board, capturing my knight with a grace that feels almost effortless.

Frustration lodges in my throat, but I swallow it down. I can't afford to lose focus now.

My fingers tap lightly on the edge of the table as I scan the board, searching for a new plan of attack. My queen stands tall, a beacon of strength and potential. Maybe she can turn the tide.

I push her forward into the fray, but he’s already a step ahead of me. His rook slides into place, cutting off her escape.

I can see it now, the trap I’ve walked right into.

His strategy is flawless, each move a calculated step toward victory. I realize that I've been playing into his hands all along.

The game continues, each turn a blow to my defenses. His pieces close in, and my king is forced to retreat, cornered by his relentless advance.

My mind races, searching for a way out, but the options are dwindling.

---