Heart of the Devil (The Forge Trilogy #3)(40)

Coyly, I look up at Jericho, my ex-husband, from under my lashes. “Thank you. You’re the gentleman tonight.”

He breathes in deeply, like a predator would scent its prey, as I lower myself into my seat and he pushes it in.

“I guess we’ll see if you’re right or wrong about that,” Jericho says as he backs away. “I’m definitely underdressed for this game.” He motions to his work pants, boots, and rain jacket, and then to my dress.

“I don’t mind, if you don’t.”

For the first time, I’m seeing the man beneath all the expensive clothes and veneer of sophistication. Jericho Forge ruthlessly carved out a place for himself in the world, and he didn’t do it wearing custom-made suits and expensive watches. However, he never showed that side to me, and I love seeing it.

“Fair enough.” He pulls out his own chair and sits down, glancing at the chips in front of him.

“I haven’t bought in yet.”

“Don’t worry, I fronted you the stake.” I smile, because the tables are once again turning, and if everything goes according to plan, I will win him tonight.





38





Forge





She’s a siren, and I’m the sailor she’s trying to lure in. I’ve never wrecked a ship, but she could tempt me to do anything.

I may not be good enough for her or deserve her, but I will spend a lifetime learning to be the man she needs me to be.

“It seems we’re short a dealer,” I say, pointing to the deck of cards in the middle of the table.

“I thought we’d take turns. That is . . . if you trust me.”

Just like earlier, every word that comes out of her mouth carries a double meaning.

“That depends. Do you trust me?” I ask.

“With my life.”

Indy’s declaration hits me hard, and the knot in my chest loosens another degree, allowing hope to rekindle.

“You’re not worried I’ll deal from the bottom? Cheat to win?” I can’t stop myself from asking the question, because we both know I technically cheated to win her before.

Indy smiles, and it’s like watching the sunrise after a year of darkness. “You want to play dirty? Bring it on. I’m not scared of you, Forge.”

She’s my equal in every way. More than I ever thought I could have. If this is my only chance at happiness, I won’t waste it.

A wolfish grin tugs at my lips. “Get ready, Ace. I’m playing for keeps.”





39





India





“Oh, we’re playing for keeps, all right. I’m going to own you when we’re done.” My cocky attitude barely covers the hammering of my heart.

I’m trying not to read into everything he says, but I can’t help it. My pulse is racing and my palms are sweaty. I can’t lose my composure before we even start.

I take a deep breath and reach across the table for the cards, careful to allow him a long look down the neckline of my dress. I’m brazen enough to even hope I flash a little nipple. I’m not above playing dirty either.

In my head, I’ve worked out exactly how I want tonight to end. With us, naked on the table, Jericho buried inside me where he belongs—until he finally admits that he loves me and can’t live without me.

When I told him that I thought this island felt like home, I meant it—as long as he’s here. Without him, it’s just another place filled with memories that aren’t enough to satisfy me. I’m greedy, and I make no apologies for it. I want him, and I want him forever.

“You seem to have forgotten some lingerie, India.”

I wink as I lower back into my seat, not caring that my dress is riding up. “Indy. My friends call me Indy.”

Jericho’s dark brows rise toward his wet hair. “Are we friends?”

“I think we will be by the end of the night.” I tap the tip of my tongue to the back of my front teeth, and Jericho shifts in his seat. Please, God, let him be as desperate for me as I am for him.

“Are you trying to distract me, Indy?” He leans back in his chair, unzipping his rain jacket.

“I don’t have to try, Jericho. I succeed.” My confidence is growing by leaps and bounds, because he’s giving me every reason to hope that everything I want is everything he wants.

He shrugs out of the jacket and hangs it on the chair behind him. Beneath it, a damp white T-shirt sticks to his skin.

“How are you wet under your rain jacket?”

“I got caught in the rain getting out of the chopper. Wasn’t prepared until I got to the boat.”

I swallow a lump in my throat as I stare at the outline of his shoulders, pecs, and abs. He’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.

“Do you want to change into a dry shirt?” I say, sounding like a frog took up residence in my throat.

“Not unless you’ve changed your mind about being okay with taking me as I am.”

I press my lips together, hauling back the urge to vault over the table, climb onto his lap and tell him I will take him any way I can get him, and forget this entire freaking game. But I have willpower, I remind myself. And a point to prove and a promise to extract.