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."
"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." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞
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.


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