Page 18 of When He Plays

“That’s an interesting new scar you have, Logan.” Pierre pointed toward Logan’s cheek. “How did you acquire it?”

Another kiss of Logan’s mouth against her knuckles.

That kiss is not saying I’m some platonic employee. The kiss felt like a brand. A mark of ownership that was clear for everyone to see. Like he was saying… She belongs to me.

“I got the scar in a knife fight, dumbass,” Logan rumbled. “How the hell do you think I got it? You think I cut myself shaving?”

Charlotte tried to tug her hand back.

Instead of freeing her hand, Logan hauled her down onto his lap.

This whole scene was out of control.

“I do believe I specifically said she was off-limits,” Logan spoke in a clear, hard voice. “Despite my warning, you pricks decided you wanted to wager for her. Because you clearly wanted to fuck with me.”

Freya cleared her throat. “I think the gentlemen actually want to fuck with her.”

Charlotte needed out of his lap.

But he’d wrapped one arm around her waist, and Logan’s grip was fierce.

“Not helping, Freya,” Logan snapped. Then, “Ares, the casino is your offer?”

Ares nodded. Appearing far too confident, he said, “You’re going to lose, Logan.”

Her breathing hitched.

“Are you in or out, Pierre?” Logan demanded.

Silence. It stretched and stretched.

“In.” Pierre nodded. “In…and for my part…look, I’ll throw in my villa in Provence. But I want more than two weeks with her. I want two months.”

Nope. Not⁠—

“Done,” Logan immediately agreed. “Gentleman, I believe it’s time to show our cards.”

Ares flashed a confident grin.

Pierre smirked.

And Charlotte prayed that Logan could pull off a miracle. Because the jerk was not going to trade her in a card game. Yes, she got that he was pissed at having to work with a CIA operative, but he didn’t get to bet her.

Then the cards were slowly revealed.

Charlotte stopped breathing.

Chapter Four

“This isn’t funny.” Charlotte’s low, angry voice. “I get that you enjoy playing your games and being outrageous.” She still sat in his lap, a position that he quite enjoyed, but she was tense and obviously furious. Her scent teased him. Passion and Candy. She huffed out a frustrated breath. “But you can’t bet me.”

“I’m afraid that he did just that,” Ares announced. “Pierre, why are you hesitating? Show all the cards.”

Charlotte’s golden eyes blazed as she fired a glare at Logan. Blazed both with fury and…surely that wasn’t fear in her eyes?

Did she think he would lose her?

Or…share her?