Chapter 88

Caroline’s POV
My jaw dropped as soon as we walked into Ryan’s mansion. But the game room? It wasn’t just nice, it was insane. The ceilings were super high, with these huge crystal chandeliers hanging down. The room looked like a fancy Vegas casino, seriously. They had real blackjack tables, roulette wheels, even slot machines along one wall. Everything was dark wood and soft velvet, just screaming money.
“Welcome to my playground,” Ryan announced with a theatrical flourish of his arms, his eyes twinkling with pride. “Make yourselves comfortable.”
Draven rolled his eyes at his beta’s showmanship. “Always the exhibitionist, aren’t you, Ryan? Most people have a pool table and a dartboard, but you had to build an entire casino.” Fresh chapters posted on.net
“When you have money and space, why not enjoy it?” Ryan shrugged.”The bar is fully stocked, and I’ve already ordered enough food to feed a small army. Help yourselves.”
As everyone dispersed toward the bar, I felt Draven’s presence behind me, his body heat radiating against my back. Rory stirred inside me, acutely aware of his proximity.
“Careful what games you start tonight, Caroline,” he whispered, his breath tickling my ear. “I play to win.”
I turned around to look at him, trying to keep it cool even though my heart was pounding. “So do I, Draven. So do I.”
We settled around the largest blackjack table, drinks in hand. The first few rounds were casual, with Ryan dealing and keeping everyone entertained with his stories. But as we played, I noticed Ruby and Eleanor exchanging glances, and I knew what was coming next.
“I’m getting bored with these simple bets,” Ruby announced suddenly, placing her cards down. “What do you say we make this more interesting?”
“What do you have in mind?” Wesley asked cautiously.
“I agree with Ruby,” Eleanor chimed in, ignoring Nate’s warning glance. “Where’s the excitement?”
Draven’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “It’s a card game. The excitement is in the winning.”
I couldn’t help myself. I placed my hand on his knee under the table, feeling him tense at my touch. “Even you must admit this needs spicing up, Draven.”
“Why do I get the feeling we’re walking into a trap?” Joseph muttered, looking between all of us women.
“Because your instincts are good,” Kyle replied with a wink, raising her glass in a mock toast.
“Just spit it out already,” Luke demanded, crossing his arms. “What exactly are you ladies plotting?”
Ruby sat up straighter, her eyes gleaming. “Whoever wins each round gets to kiss someone of their choice.”
Nobody said a word. I tried to keep it cool while watching every guy at the table look like they’d seen a ghost.
“Absolutely not,” Draven growled immediately, his Alpha tone making a few people squirm in their seats.
“What’s the matter? Afraid I might win and choose Caroline?” Jax challenged with a lazy smile that made Draven’s jaw clench.
“Okay, so here’s how the kisses work,” Ruby went on like nothing happened. “Get twenty-one points, you get a real movie-style kiss. Twenty points gets you a twenty-second kiss on the lips. Eighteen or nineteen, just a quick peck. Lower than that? You can pick between a kiss on the cheek, neck, or ear.”
“Have you all lost your minds?” Draven exploded, glaring at me. “No way in hell is another male putting his lips anywhere near my mate!”
“I didn’t realize I belonged to you, Draven,” I replied coolly.
“Just reminding you all that I’m not anyone’s property,” I added, meeting Draven’s intense gaze.Just wanted him to know I hadn’t forgotten about him sleeping with Ella.
His violet eyes darkened dangerously.
“I like the idea,” Ava said with a mischievous smile. “Either we play by these new rules, or we ladies might just find somewhere else to spend our evening.”
“Damn it,” Joseph muttered. “You’re all little she-devils toying with us.”
“One more thing,” Kyle added, and all heads turned toward her. “The winner should be able to choose either one person or two people to kiss.”
“Two?” Luke choked on his drink. “What the hell, Kyle?”
“What?” she replied innocently. “If I win and want to kiss two guys at once, why shouldn’t I have that option?”
The women erupted in laughter at the men’s horrified expressions. Even Ryan seemed momentarily speechless.
“You’re pushing this too far,” Draven said, his voice low and dangerous as he turned to face me. “Are you absolutely certain you want to play this game, Caroline?”
I met his gaze unflinchingly, feeling Rory’s excitement bubbling up inside me. “Just don’t lose, Draven.”
The look in his eyes turned wild. “I’m game,” he said, not taking his eyes off me.The others finally agreed, but man, the tension was insane.
Ryan started shuffling, and I felt butterflies going crazy in my stomach. What if Jax won? Or damn, what if I won? Who would I choose?
This just got real. We all knew we weren’t just playing cards anymore. Now it was all about who wanted who, who was jealous of who, and who might end up with who.
And honestly? Part of me was loving every second of it.