The first round began, and Harrison and Philip laid down their cards with matching smug grins. Their hands were strong—better than mine—and they knew it. Confidence radiated off them like heat, their self-assuredness almost palpable as they leaned back in their chairs, savoring what they believed was an early advantage.

"Fold," I said, tossing my cards onto the table without a second thought.

They exchanged triumphant glances, their confidence swelling with each small win. By the second round, Philip had outplayed me again. Laughter spilled across the table, their arrogance filling the room like smoke. But I stayed calm, my gaze steady as I watched them closely, letting them revel in their so-called victory—for now.

"You're not doing too well," Harrison taunted, glancing at William. "Looks like this is going to be easier than we thought."

Philip nodded in agreement. "At this rate, it's practically a done deal."

I smiled. "The game isn't over yet. There's still plenty to play for."

As I spoke, William leaned closer, his hand settling on the back of my chair, his fingers brushing lightly against my shoulder. He lowered his head, his breath warm against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

"They have no idea who they're up against," he murmured, his lips grazing just beneath my ear—a barely-there kiss that left a lingering warmth. His quiet confidence seeped into me. Keeping my gaze locked on the two men across from us, I let my smile widen, the fire in my eyes growing.

William's lips brushed the curve of my neck again, lingering just long enough to make my pulse quicken.

"I'd be careful if I were you," he said, his smirk cutting sharp as his gaze shifted to Harrison and Philip. His thumb traced a slow, teasing line along my shoulder, his calm dominance making a statement all its own.

But before I could fully lean into the moment, a man from the crowd stepped closer, his presence unwelcome and cocky. He ignored William entirely, leaning in far too close to me. His hand brushed my shoulder as he tucked a stray lock of my hair behind my ear.

"If you lose," he murmured, his voice slick with self-assurance, "maybe I'll take you out to dinner." His fingers lingered on my shoulder, an unwelcome touch that immediately set my teeth on edge.

Before I could react, William's hand shot out, his grip iron-tight as he caught the man's wrist mid-touch. In one swift, fluid motion, he twisted the arm, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Touch her again," he said, his voice a low, menacing growl, "and you'll be leaving here on a stretcher."

The man barely had time to blink before William slammed his head down against the table, the impact echoing through the room. With a final shove, William sent him stumbling backward, his face pale as he stammered a hurried apology before retreating into the wide-eyed crowd.

I placed a gentle hand on William's arm, grounding him, feeling the tension ease under my touch. "Hey," I murmured, offering a soft smile. "Don't lose your cool for idiots. I need your eyes on me all the time, Montgomery."

His gaze softened as he looked at me, his hand settling protectively over mine for a brief moment. With a final warning glare toward the crowd, he exhaled and turned back to the table, refocusing on the game as the cards were dealt again. My lips curved into a confident smile as I watched them place their bets, each move revealing the cracks in their composure. When the moment was right, I made my move—going all in.

Harrison and Philip exchanged uncertain glances but eventually matched my bet. I revealed my hand—a straight flush. The collective gasp from the crowd was deafening, their reactions confirming what I already knew: the round was mine.

The fourth round was no different. I studied their every move, reading their tells, and exploiting their weaknesses. Another win. Panic began to seep into their eyes, replacing the confidence they had flaunted earlier.

By the fifth and final round, Harrison and Philip were visibly shaken. Their earlier arrogance had dissolved into desperation. They played their cards with trembling hands, hoping for a miracle. I played mine with steady resolve, the final card sealing their fate.

A full house.

The room erupted in cheers. I turned to William, who was already grinning, his pride unmistakable. "How was that?"

He tilted his head, a playful gleam in his eyes. "You played with your food first."

I shrugged, matching his grin. "It's the only way to make it taste better."

William's arm slid around my shoulders, pulling me close. He pressed a quick, warm kiss to the side of my face before letting me go, his voice low and full of admiration. "Baby, you blow my mind every damn time."

Across the table, Harrison and Philip sat frozen, their silence more satisfying than any apology. The rush of victory was intoxicating.

"Isabella—" Harrison began, his tone hesitant, but I held up a hand, cutting him off with a smile that didn't reach my eyes.

"You should know better than to count your chickens before they hatch, Harrison. Our deal is settled. Thank you for the game."

Harrison opened his mouth as if to argue, but the defeat in his eyes said it all. He nodded stiffly, casting a resigned glance at Philip, who looked equally deflated.

"You really are something else," William murmured, his voice low.

I allowed myself a moment to savor the victory before turning to William with a satisfied smile. "Let's get out of here. I think I've had enough fun for one day."

With one last glance at the table—and the men we'd left in ruins—we walked away, their silence trailing behind us.

Outside, I reached for the car door, but William's hand caught mine. In one swift motion, he slammed the door shut, the force sending a shiver through me.

Before I could say a word, he spun me around, pressing me gently but firmly against the cool metal of the car. His eyes burned with intensity, and for a moment, the world around us seemed to fade, leaving only the heat between us.

His breath was warm against my skin. "Did you get what you wanted?"

I met his gaze, refusing to look away. "Yes. It was a very satisfying payback," I replied, my pulse quickening.

A slow, predatory smile spread across his face as he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against my ear. "And what do I get for giving you this feeling?" His grip on my waist tightened, his eyes burning with desire.

I raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence as I looked up at him. "What do you think you deserve, Montgomery?"

William tilted his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, I can think of a few things," he murmured, his fingers tracing light circles at my waist. "But I'm curious if you're willing to guess."

I leaned in, brushing my lips against his but not quite kissing him, letting him feel the warmth of my breath. "You'll have to do better than that if you want a prize."

He chuckled, his hands slipping down to my hips, pulling me flush against him. "You like making me work for it, don't you?"

I smirked, sliding my fingers up his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my touch. "Maybe I just like watching you try."

His grip tightened, his eyes dark with a touch of challenge. "Careful, or I might just have to remind you who's in charge."

"Oh?" I arched an eyebrow, playful but daring. "I think we both know that depends on who you're dealing with."

For a moment, the air between us crackled, his gaze locking onto mine like a predator sizing up its prey. Then his mouth curved into a slow, dangerous grin. Without breaking eye contact, he leaned in, his lips brushing mine with deliberate slowness, testing, teasing. And then, with a sudden, fierce intensity, he claimed my mouth in a possessive kiss that sent a thrill racing through me.

I let out a soft gasp, caught off guard by the intensity, but he didn't let up. His kiss deepened, more demanding, as if he wanted to erase every barrier between us.

His hands slid to my waist, pulling me against him as if daring me to resist. But I wasn't about to let him take the lead so easily. My fingers tangled in his hair, tugging just enough to make him pause, his sharp intake of breath fueling my own fire.

He pressed his lips to mine with fierce determination, but I met him with equal force, matching his intensity, refusing to back down. His hands moved up my back, fingers tracing my spine in deliberate, teasing movements meant to unnerve me. Instead, I arched closer, gripping his shoulders.

His mouth moved from mine to my jaw, then lower to the hollow beneath my ear, a soft groan escaping him when I pulled him closer. My nails dug lightly into his back, and he retaliated with a bite to the sensitive skin just below my ear, sending a shiver coursing through me.

When he finally pulled back, his breathing was ragged, his darkened eyes meeting mine with a spark of amusement. "You don't make it easy, do you?" His thumb brushed gently over my cheek, lingering as though reluctant to let the moment end.

I smirked, my own breaths uneven as I pushed lightly against his chest. "You should know better than to kiss me, Montgomery."

He smirked. "I can't help it. You're so tempting. After all, you just reminded everyone in that room why I can't get enough of you."

I laughed softly. "And you think that's enough to earn a reward? That little display of macho heroics?"

He tilted his head, pretending to consider my question. "Hmm, maybe I should try harder, then," he murmured, his hands slipping around my waist, pulling me closer again. His lips grazed my jawline, a teasing brush that left me breathless. "Or," he whispered against my skin, "maybe you just need a little more convincing."

I bit my lip, fighting the heat that spread through me as he trailed soft, lingering kisses down my neck. "Convincing? You seem pretty sure of yourself," I managed, trying to keep my voice steady.

His fingers tightened around my waist as he let out a low chuckle. "You're right, I am," he said, his voice full of confidence. "But I love watching you fight it. Makes it that much sweeter when you finally give in."

I raised an eyebrow. "You assume I'm going to give in."

"Oh, I know you will," he replied, his lips hovering just above mine, the heat in his gaze searing. "You always do."

My pulse quickened, his words wrapping around me like a dare. Deciding to turn the tables, I leaned in, brushing my lips against his ear as I whispered, "Maybe this time, I'll make you beg for it."

With a smirk, I stepped back, slipping out of his grip and putting a few feet between us. His eyes followed me, dark with desire, as I opened the car door and slid inside.

Seconds later, he joined me, settling into the passenger seat with an easy confidence. "What time are you planning to leave today? I thought we could go to the wedding together."

"As my plus one?"

He smirked. "As two people heading to the same place at the same time. But let's face it—it'll be more fun if we go together."

I studied him, trying to read between the lines, weighing his intentions. Despite everything, a part of me couldn't deny the intrigue that always seemed to come with him.

William leaned back, his smile softening into something more sincere. "You know it will be."

For a moment, I considered saying no, keeping the distance between us intact. But the thrill of the game made curiosity win out.

"Okay. Are we taking my plane or yours?"

"Yours, obviously. I wouldn't dream of stealing the spotlight from Isabella Armstrong."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't hide the faint smile tugging at my lips. "How generous of you."

He leaned back, watching me as I started the car. "Generous, yes. But let's be honest—you thrive on the attention."

I shot him a sharp look as we pulled out of the parking lot. "I thrive on winning. The attention? That's just collateral damage."