Page 93 of Cruel Deception
He lifted his right hand in return—just once—and then turned, disappearing behind a steel door.
From where I stood, I couldn’t see Marco’s face. But I could imagine the sting of defeat. The loss of pride. Of bloodline.
“You owe me fifty grand,” a voice said behind me, oily and smug.
Luca.
Of course.
I turned and gave him a blank look. I didn’t let his presence ruin the high buzzing through me. The crowd had started to thin out. I didn’t want to get stuck alone with him, so I turned away, already walking.
He followed.
“According to our contract, you’re bound to me until the debt is paid,” he said smoothly.
I stopped, whipped around. “I don’t owe you a damn thing. Thiago never looked for my mother. He didn’t even lift a finger. So how am I indebted to you?”
Luca smiled like the rat he was. “Doesn’t matter what he did. You signed it. Legally, you owe me fifty grand.”
Fury bloomed in my chest, but I turned and kept walking. That was always the plan, wasn’t it? Trap me. Chain me. Own me on paper. Like property.
“You’ll hear from me soon,” he called after me.
I glanced back once—just in time to see him retreat into the shadows. Maybe he remembered what happened the last time Cassian found us alone.
I didn’t stop moving.
I sprinted toward the Players’ House, my pulse still dancing with the thrill of the win. Cassian was standing by his locker, back in his black shirt and dark jeans, towel draped over his neck. His hair was damp, his jaw still tight from adrenaline.
“Hey,” I called breathlessly.
He looked up—and something softened in his face.
“Come here.”
I stepped closer, unsure, aware of the glances the other players were throwing his way. He was the champion. He was the name in every whispered conversation. And I was the woman he kissed—gently, proudly, right on the mouth as soon as I reached him.
“You were my good luck charm,” he murmured, pulling me into his arms.
I laughed against his chest. “You were always going to win.”
“No.” He leaned back slightly, his eyes dark. “Before Luca gave Sophia back... he tampered with her. She’s been glitching. Tonight, I didn’t think I’d make it.”
My smile faded a little. “Still. You did. So... you’re welcome.”
He nodded once.
“Who was the man beside you?” he asked suddenly.
My brows lifted. “What?”
“The one you were smiling at.”
“Oh,” I said, realizing. “Some guy who bet on you. I don’t know his name. He was just happy. Said you’ve made him rich the past two years.”
His gaze darkened. “You laughed with him.”
Was that jealousy? It felt like jealousy. The kind that coiled in the air and made things a little more possessive.
