Page 93 of Knot So Sweet
"We're aware," he says dryly. "Trust me, we're very aware."
"Deal the next round before I change my mind about staying."
"You're not going anywhere." Liam's tone carries that alpha command that makes my omega instincts flutter. He catches my reaction immediately, nostrils flaring as my fragrance sweetens in response. "Not in this storm."
As if to punctuate his words, wind slams against the building hard enough to make the windows rattle in their frames. Snow swirls past the glass in thick white sheets, completely obscuring the street beyond.
"Guess I'm trapped then." I arrange my new cards, pleased to see a straight forming. "However will I pass the time?"
"I have a few ideas," Garrick mutters, low enough that I almost miss it.
"Care to share with the class?" I bat my eyelashes at him.
"Not appropriate for mixed company."
"We're all adults here." I play a card, watching his reaction. "And I've already seen what you keep hidden under that grumpy exterior."
Liam chokes on his beer. "Christ, Violet."
"What? It's true." I'm enjoying this now, the way all three of them are shifting in their seats like they can't get comfortable. Like they're all thinking about this morning, and yesterday, and every other time we've tangled together. "You're all terrible at hiding what you want."
"And what do we want?" Xaden's question is a challenge.
"Me." I meet his stare boldly. "All three of you want me. The question is whether you're brave enough to do something about it during a snowstorm when we're all trapped together."
The air in the small room goes electric. Charged. Dangerous.
Garrick sets down his cards slowly. "You're playing with fire."
"Maybe I like getting burned." I stand, stretching deliberately so my sweater rides up to reveal a strip of stomach. All three pairs of eyes track the movement. "Now are we playing poker or are we going to sit here pretending we're not all thinking about the same thing?"
"What thing would that be?" Liam's grin is wicked.
"Use your imagination." I walk around the felt, trailing my fingers along the back of each chair as I pass. Garrick. Xaden. Liam. Each touch deliberate, claiming. "I'm sure between the three of you, you can figure it out."
When I reach Garrick's chair, I stop. Lean down so my mouth is next to his ear. "By the way, I've been able to beat all of you since the first round. Dad taught me when I was twelve."
His whole body goes rigid. "What?"
"You heard me." I straighten, moving back to my seat with a satisfied smile. "I've been hustling you this whole time. The question is, what are you going to do about it?"
The table erupts. Not in anger, but in surprised laughter that fills the cozy room with warmth. These alphas who've been circling me for weeks are looking at me like I just became even more fascinating. Like they can't wait to see what I'll do next.
"Let's play again." Garrick straightens, rolling his shoulders back. The movement pulls his flannel tight across his chest, revealing the muscles underneath. "But this time? No more going easy on you."
"Please." I gather the cards, shuffling with practiced ease. "I was never the one who needed gentleness."
Xaden's laugh is low and approving. "Damn, woman. You're something else."
"I know." I deal out the next round, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "Now let's see if you boys can actually keep up."
The game is on. But we all know poker stopped being the point a long time ago.
24
XADEN
The final cards hit the table with soft taps against worn wood. Violet's got a straight flush spread before her, chips piled high enough to buy out everyone at this table twice over. She grins like she just conquered nations instead of three alphas who should have known better.
