his kink as she did. “If my eyes are covered, I can’t count anything.” But she could still hear everything that was going on. And sometimes what you could hear was as important as what you could see.
Even more so.
“Sounds like a perfect solution.” Kingston nodded. “But, Morris, if you don’t agree, I think I already told you what to do.”
Drag your ass out.
“Blindfold. That will work. But I put it on her.” With that, Morris stomped for the black door that waited about five feet away.
“Pleasant fellow,” Joel mused.
“Sure.” Kingston sauntered closer. “Just the kind of guy who makes you want to kick his ass.” He smiled at her. “Hello, Chloe. I didn’t think you’d ever be back in my place again.” His voice was low, carrying only to her and Joel.
“I needed information.”
“Um.” His attention slid to Joel. “And who do we have here? Details on your companion were pretty sketchy.”
“I’m a sketchy guy,” Joel returned.
“Those are the types of friends that Chloe likes to attract.” Kingston tilted his dark head. He seemed to take Joel’s measure. “It’s your first time at my table, so listen closely to the rules. I don’t repeat myself. No weapons are allowed. Ten thousand dollar buy-in. If you can’t settle your debt at the end of the night, it will be settled for you.” His bright gaze cut to Chloe. “No cheating allowed. If you’re caught cheating, I choose the punishment.”
Joel still had an arm wrapped around Chloe. At Kingston’s words, his hold tightened even more.
“Name’s King, by the way,” Kingston said smoothly. “And once you cross that threshold…” He indicated the waiting door. “You’re in my world.”
“Well, that certainly sounds ominous as hell,” Joel replied. “Am I supposed to be intimidated or impressed?”
Kingston smiled. “If you’re smart, you’ll be neither.” He turned away.
“Ten thousand dollar buy-in…” Joel called after him. “How the hell would a guy like Donnie Adams manage to get that much cash in order to enter your game?”
Kingston looked back. “Where he gets the cash from doesn’t matter to me. He has to show it in order to step up to the plate. He had enough to show in order to get a seat at my table.”
“If he had ten Gs, then why’d he end up paying with a high school ring?”
“I don’t have his ring. Already told Chloe that.” Kingston waved his hand toward the door. A bouncer immediately opened it for him.
Joel blew out a low breath. “You knew he didn’t have the ring,” he whispered as he angled his head toward her. “And yet we’re still here?”
“Kingston doesn’t have it. Someone else in that room does.” That was why they had to get inside.
“And the ten thousand dollars? The dress you’re wearing is pretty tight, so I think I’d notice if you had that much cash strapped to you. You don’t have a bag. You don’t have—”
“You think my dress is too tight?” She was momentarily distracted.
“I think your dress is perfect.” He sidled ever closer. She thought he was going to press a kiss to her cheek, but instead, he whispered in her ear, “What are we doing about the money? Do I need to put down—”
“You don’t have to pay anything. I already transferred the money. We’re good.” She licked her lower lip. “You have to be my eyes.”
He pulled back a little. Frowned at her.
“When we go inside, Morris will blindfold me. You have to watch closely. Look for small tells. Ask about Donnie, but don’t be obvious.”
“Are you coaching me right now?”
That was exactly what she was doing, yes. “If you have the chance to prove yourself, do it.”
“Prove myself? What in the hell does that mean?”
“Favors go a long way in this world.”
“I have no idea what you—”
“Game is starting,” a bouncer called. “The door is about to close. You in?”
Chloe stared up into Joel’s swirling gaze. “He’s in.” She grabbed his hand and led him into the VIP room. As soon as she swept inside, her gaze assessed the players.
Morris—she knew him already. Wyatt Morris owned a chain of grocery stores. Had a big gambling addiction. Lots of criminal ties.
To his right, there was a newcomer. An elegant woman with glass-sharp cheekbones. Her hair was pulled up in a twist, and diamonds glittered on every finger.
An almost ridiculously handsome man sat beside the woman. The top few buttons of his shirt were undone, and his posture appeared relaxed as he lounged in his chair. Late twenties, maybe early thirties,