Page 174 of Nemesync
“She doesn’t need anyone to let her win. She’s got her own skills, Niko.”
Ben, laughing at Nikolai’s losing streak, added, “That’s okay, you’ll win next time.”
“Maybe The Great Nikolai Moretti needs a lesson or two in poker strategy.”
“Oh, please. I’ve been playing this damn poker since before you were born little Z.”
“You’re old.”
“And you’re a spoiled child, Little Z.” He answered.
These two…
Zanae, holding her winning hand triumphantly, grinned. “Let’s go!!! I won, you’re a fucking loser Niko. Bouuuh, loser!”
He eyed her grin and my amused smile, and he turned like the kid I knew back then, who hates losing.
With a confident smirk, he said, “Alright, let’s see if the little one can keep up with a master.”
Zanae raised an intrigued eyebrow. “Master who Niko? I don’t see any here.”
I leaned back, amused by them. “Be kind to her, Niko.”
Ben couldn’t resist adding his personal touch to this scene. “I think he’s just scared to lose to a girl.”
Niko shot a narrowed-eyed glance at her. “I hope you’re ready for a real fucking game now, Zanae Dellé.”
She winked at me with a sly grin, her hand resting on my arm. “Don’t worry Moretti, I’ve got my lucky charm.”
Getting closer to her, I whispered, “Don’t look at me like that if you don’t want me to fuck you right now on this table.”
She slapped my arm, blushing and I felt my heart explode from affection.
I was content just watching her have a good time. I wanted her to feel how life had more to offer than what she was used to.Sometimes I catch her getting lost in her own thoughts, I know that in there she doesn’t feel safe, and I hate it.
Seated side by side, I can’t stop touching her, I can’t because it’s physical. My hand rested comfortably on her thigh, fingers still intertwined, a scene that drew an eye roll from Nikolai.
“You two fuckers act like you’re married already. Should I be looking for wedding invitations?”
Zanae, with a smirk, glanced at me and played along, “Oh... Niko focus, you’re still losing.”
One day, she’ll be my wife. She doesn’t know it yet, but she will, soon enough.
I chuckled, tightening my grip on her hand, “Listen to her, Niko.”
With a mock exasperated shake of his head, he added, “I’m having the worst fucking nightmare of my life losing to a rookie.”
Ben smiled at us, then shook his head. “Don’t be jealous, brother. One day it’s going to be you, my guy.”
My girl leaned in and smiled. “Moretti, are you sure you’re not going easy on me because you’re afraid to hurt my feelings?”
Playing along, Nikolai responded with a dramatic sigh. “Zanae, my dear little Zanae, I’m just being kind. I wouldn’t want to crush your rookie spirit.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at this. “I’m sure you’re just winning because you’re better than him at this game.”
Zanae laughed and took a sip before asking, “Hey, what would you do if you only had one day to live?”
Niko chuckled and looked at the end of the table, “That’s an odd question, I don’t know, maybe sleep?”
