Page 19 of Forged

The next hand is dealt, and when I look down, I see Ace-King of clubs. I raise three times the big blind. Neomi is next, and she sends out a stack of chips toward the pot—a clear message that this is her hand.

“Re-raise,” she says.

Suit Guy smirks. “Confidence looks good on you, sweetheart.”

She rolls her eyes, letting out a sarcastic sigh. “And your chips will look good when I add them to my stack. Call if you’re interested in the hand.”

Jesus Christ.

My cock twitches so hard I have to shift forward, bracing one forearm on the table like I’m analyzing chip stacks—but it’s just to keep from adjusting myself like some fucking animal in heat.

Suit Guy calls, and the rest of us fold. The flop hits with just the two of them in the hand.

Three cards hit the felt: King of hearts, seven of clubs, and two of hearts.

Now I’m pissed that I folded my hand—I would have top pair here. Neomi checks.Suit Guy bets big.

I feel her body language shift. I feel it because I’m so goddamn tuned into her that I could count her breaths if I focused enough.

She calls.

Suit Guy scoffs. “Cute.”

The turn comes, and it’s the two of diamonds. Both of them check.

“You check the turn after raising me before the flop? Sweetheart, who taught you how to play poker?” Suit Guy takes a sip of his whiskey.

She smiles, slow as sin. “I could say the same to you…you’re the one giving me a free card.”

The dealer lays down the river card. A nine of spades. No straight or flush draw got there; the board is pretty random. I can only assume that Suit Guy flopped top pair with that King.

Suit Guy leans back in his chair. “All in.”

Neomi immediately answers, “Call.”

The man’s eyes shoot to her.

Neomi flips her cards, revealing a seven of hearts and two of clubs. A full house. She began with the worst starting hand in poker, but she hit with it.

Fucking dirty and I love it.

Suit Guy throws his cards face down toward the middle of the table.

“What the fuck were you doing in that hand with that garbage?”

She shrugs. “I was getting bored.”

The table murmurs as the dealer pushes the pot towards her.She leans closer, voice low enough that only I hear it.

“Men really should learn not to underestimate me.”

My pulse slams hard and fast.

“Some learn fast,” I murmur.

Then she turns her face toward mine. “And some learn the hard way.”

I let my voice drop, meant only for her. “I’m willing to learn some things the hard way if you let me.”