Luck of the Devil (The Forge Trilogy #2)(57)

He smooths his blond goatee, camouflaging his sly grin. “I don’t have a wish to be ruined slice by slice like you’ve been doing to de Vere. She isn’t worth it.”

That’s where he’s fucking wrong. She’s worth everything.

I’m not about to correct him, though. Belevich doesn’t need any additional incentive to go gunning for Indy beyond trying to beat her at poker.

“But not everyone thinks like me, Forge. Not everyone is as smart. Remember that.”

Belevich slips away, and I step forward in the crowd and position myself at Indy’s back.

“Yes, yes, I did get married. Amazing how fast news travels in small circles, isn’t it?” She turns around as if looking for me, and her lips form a small o as she sees me standing behind her. “Mrs. Benedetto, this is my husband, Jericho Forge.”

I incline my head at the older woman who rests her hand on the arm of a stocky man in a tux. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

“I’ve heard of you,” the Italian man says. “You’re in ships.”

“What a handsome man. Such a catch. You did well, my dear.” Mrs. Benedetto lifts her champagne flute. “Cheers.”

Indy clinks glasses with her.

“Yes, in shipping,” I say as I slide my arm around Indy’s waist. “But she’s the catch, not me.” Indy stiffens slightly within my hold. “I assure you, I’m the lucky one in this marriage.”

“Oh, and his flattery is effortless. Hold on tight to that one, India.”





58





India





We move away from the Benedettos, and I’ve already lost my patience for tonight. I want to get the hell out of here and back to our room so I can watch more video footage, but I know I can’t make an early exit without making people talk. It’s like playing chicken. Most of the players, the smart ones, would rather not be here, but no one is willing to leave first because it’s a sign of weakness.

Or at least, that’s what I tell myself, and it’s the only reason I made sure I came.

Forge lifts a glass of champagne off a tray. He looks unbelievable in a tux, but there’s no chance of the formal wear civilizing him completely. His long black hair brushes the white collar, and the gold of his earring winks when it catches the light. The five o’clock shadow already shades his strong jaw, and every time I catch a glimpse of him, my mouth goes dry and I’m reminded that I’ve got nothing on under this dress.

Nipples, down.

When he holds the champagne out to me, I wave him off. “I don’t need to be tipsy. I have too much work to do after we get the hell out of here.”

He wraps my fingers around it anyway. “Don’t drink it. Just hold it. It’s part of networking. If everyone else has a drink in their hand, you look suspicious without one and make them rethink how much they’re drinking. Which is exactly the opposite of what you want. You want them walking into the games tomorrow with their heads pounding and stomachs sour from too much booze.”

He makes a point, one that I should have thought of myself. “How do you know so much?”

“I live and breathe strategy.” He winks at me, which makes him look even more piratical.

“You could be playing, you know. I’m sure the organizers would fall all over themselves to kick someone off the roster to add your name. You’re better than almost everyone here, but you know that too.”

He lifts his own drink to his lips and takes a sip. “I could. But that’s not why I’m here. This is your game. I’m just arm candy at best, and a distraction at worst.”

His droll tone while referring to himself as arm candy is too much. My entire body shakes as a belly laugh bubbles up from deep down.

“Is that what you are? Arm candy?” I lift my other hand to my face, trying to cover my mirth before I draw too much attention to myself.

Forge grins widely, and the smile threatens to split his face in two. “Damn right, and I’m good at it. Now, let’s go charm these guys into thinking you’re not the most lethal player they’ve ever faced.”





An hour later, Forge has proven his worth and commitment to me at least a half dozen times over.

He let me lead, let me play the role I set for myself this evening. Almost as if on my signal, he charmed the women, disarmed the men, and made me feel like we’re untouchable as a team.

When we step away from yet another couple’s congratulations on our marriage, the sound of the string quartet floats over us as we stand at the edge of the pool.

I step closer to his side and give in to my urge to inhale the scent I’ve quickly become addicted to. “For a man who I thought hated small talk and polite conversation, you’re really good at this.”

He rests a hand on the small of my back, and it feels so perfectly natural. Actually, just perfect.

“I wouldn’t do it for anyone but you.” He holds up his arm and glances at his watch. “Are you ready to leave? I think we’ve stayed long enough to prove your point.”

“How did you know?”

The golden outdoor lights lend a warmth to his tanned complexion and glint off his shiny black locks as he leans down to whisper in my ear. “I’m learning you.”