Page 21 of Of Kings and Thieves

I chewed on my lip as Magnus and Killian added their coins. This was the thrill of the game, supposedly, the danger and deception. I simply wanted to win money and make them all pay for being so smug.

I pointedly avoided eye contact with Col and kept my cards close to my chest.

Col laughed, knowing full well my competitive side was rearing its head. As the game progressed, it only grew. With every successful play, my confidence swelled, and Col sent me teasing glances, clearly entertained by my newfound enthusiasm.

Careful, love, he said through the bond. You wouldn’t want to bruise any egos.

I think that’s part of the fun. I smirked as I laid down a particularly satisfying set of cards.

“No communicating through magic rings!” Magnus barked when he saw my play. “That’s cheating.”

See? Col said. Huge ego to go with a huge man.

I stifled a laugh and grabbed my new set of cards from Killian.

To my disbelief, I managed to win the first round. When the others had added to the pot, I laid out my cards with a flourish. “A pair of death wyverns and a jade spider. I think that means I won, gentlemen.”

Magnus let out a bellow of laughter. “Beginner’s luck!” But he pushed the coins toward me with a shake of his shaggy head.

A fierce grin split my face. “I like this game.”

Col’s eyes gleamed with pride... and something more. A heat that set my blood simmering. Impressive. His voice was a silken purr, stroking along my flesh. Forgive me for doubting you. I’ll have to make it up to you.

A blush crept into my cheeks as I thought of ways he could make it up to me. I shook off the distraction and cleared my throat. “Another round?”

Killian inclined his head, gathering the cards to shuffle and deal. “The night is young yet.”

As he dealt the next hand, Magnus said, “So how did a pretty little thing like you end up with a talent for gambling? And don’t tell me it’s beginner’s luck.”

I shrugged, studying my new cards. A decent hand, if I could get the right draw. “A girl has to have some secrets.”

“Not from us,” Col said. “We’re your allies now, remember?”

“Allies,” I echoed with a snort. “That’s one way of putting it.”

Magnus’s eyes glinted with humor. “Come now, you can tell us. What other hidden talents do you possess? I asked Col, but he’s as tight-lipped on the subject as a dead man.”

Magnus’s suggestive tone made the meaning behind his words clear as day, and heat flooded my face again. I shot him a quelling look. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

He laughed. “You have no idea. Anyone who makes Col go all puppy dog eyed like that must be something special.”

Through the bond, Col said privately, Don’t encourage him, love. I’m the only one who gets to discover your hidden talents.

A delicious shiver ran down my spine at the possessive note in his voice. Jealous?

When it comes to you? Always.

I hid my smile behind my cards, pretending to study them while Col and Magnus bickered good-naturedly. Killian remained quiet, observing the conversation with a detached air. He didn’t seem to mind being excluded from the exchange.

Col followed my gaze to the Deviant. You can trust him.

I nodded. I trust you, so if you trust Killian, then I will too.

“Are we playing cards or not?” Magnus groused. “Some of us don’t have a magical bond to distract us, you know.”

“My apologies,” Col said insincerely. To me, he added, Shall we continue our conversation later? I’d like to hear more about this trust you have in me.

Heat pooled low in my belly at the promise in his tone. I think that can be arranged.

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