Luck of the Devil (The Forge Trilogy #2)(63)

I put it out of my mind as I go back to studying, because I don’t want to distract myself from the remaining game standing in my way of victory. I haven’t forgotten about Belevich’s side bet either. If I keep kicking ass, I’m going to walk out of here an even wealthier woman. Maybe Jericho will let me buy dinner then.

Yes, he’s Jericho again in my head. Which apparently is only a thing when I’m happy and not pissed at him. That’s when he becomes Forge, which sounds just as hard as he can look when he’s acting unreasonable.

He returns to the room, sliding the phone into the pocket of his charcoal-gray suit pants, and I can’t quite read his guarded expression.

“Is everything okay?”

“It’s fine.”

“Did you close the deal?”

He continues toward me and crouches in front of where I’m curled up on the couch. “I’m not being patronizing when I say this, but don’t worry about it right now. Keep your focus where it needs to be. We can talk about everything else tonight.”

It’s exactly the response I needed, but didn’t know I needed until he said it. Again, I find myself thanking him, and appreciate him even more.





68





Forge





“Are you ready?” I ask from the doorway of the bathroom where she touches up her lipstick, which I know will just end up on my lips or cheek, and I can’t find it in myself to care.

Actually, if I were pressed, I’d probably say I fucking love it. Because as much as I like marking her for all to see, I love that she’s leaving her mark too.

I also owe Karas a case of his favorite whiskey. I almost fucked up beyond repair, and he saved my ass with his advice and experience.

Indy turns to smile at me, her blond hair curling down around her shoulders, and the red on her lips is as bold as the woman wearing it.

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I’ve drilled every detail of their play into my head, and now I just want to go crush them and then celebrate with you . . . and the Kraken.” She winks when she refers to my dick with her favorite nickname, and my chest shakes with laughter.

I know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to keep her this happy . . . because it makes me fucking happy too.

“The Kraken and I agree that sounds like the perfect plan.”

As she walks toward me, I pull a small box from my pocket that I had Bates fetch over lunch today.

“In the meantime, this is for you.” I hold it out, and she blinks before looking down at the black velvet.

“What is it?”

“A gift.”

She tilts her head as she looks back up at me. “What kind of gift?”

“The kind you open.”

“Smartass,” Indy murmurs before she finally takes it from me and flips open the lid to reveal two tanzanite studs that perfectly match the indigo color of her eyes. She releases a ragged breath, and I hope I didn’t fuck up.

“Diamonds would’ve been the obvious choice, but I thought you’d like these better.”

Her lips tremble before they stretch into a smile. “They’re absolutely perfect. How did you know? Because I definitely like them better.”

I remove the earrings from the cushions holding them in place and hold one out. “Because I’m learning you, and it’s the most fascinating subject I’ve ever studied.” When her hand shakes as she takes the earring from me, I realize I need to lighten the mood. “Not to mention occasionally frustrating, but always fuckable.”

Her shoulders lift with her burst of laughter as she removes her gold earring and replaces it.

As soon as Indy’s tanzanite studs are secured, I escort her down to the room where the finals will take place, ignoring my buzzing phone the entire way.

When we reach the door, Goliath taps my arm. He’s looking down at his phone. “Sir, there’s a call you need to take.”

“Not now. Nothing is more important than this.”

Indy turns and smiles at me with a wink. “Take your call, Jericho. Just don’t miss the game. I want you to see me win.”





69





India





With Goliath and Bates tailing me, I walk into the room. Belevich is standing along the perimeter, and I march toward him with my shoulders back, boobs out, and feeling utterly unstoppable.

“You’ve played well, Mr. Belevich.”

The Russian casually sips on what I assume is his trademark glass of Beluga Noble vodka. “Not as well as you, Mrs. Forge.” He looks around. “Where did your husband run off to?”

I lift my hand to one of my new earrings and smile. “He’ll be right back. Don’t worry.”

“He seems to be your lucky charm. I’d hate for you to lose him now.”

Something about Belevich’s tone sets alarm bells ringing in my head and a chill skittering down my spine. “What the hell do you mean?”

The Russian sips again, the gold signet ring on his pinky winking in the light. “Nothing. Just that I hope it works out for you both. But I hope more that I walk away the winner of our bet.”

A rush of air comes from behind me, and I turn to see four men in black suits who look like they must be private security for another high-roller player file out the door. Goliath follows a short distance behind them, leaving only Bates waiting in the wings for me to finish my chat with Belevich. I search for Jericho, but I don’t see him.