Chapter 10

Stella's POV

The air in Rouge's VIP room crackled with tension. Adam's fingers still circled my wrist like a band of fire.

"You indeed have a sharp-tone. Miss Winston." His voice dropped dangerously low, thumb pressing against my pulse point. The pad of his thumb pressed deliberately against my pulse point. and I knew he could feel my heartbeat betraying my composed exterior.

I met his gaze head-on. "Thanks. I just said the truth. I can't let him slander me as your 'companion' tonight."

His eyes flashed, but before he could bite back, someone else decided to join our little drama.

James waved at a waiter. "Bring us some dice and vodka. Let's see how our social climber entertains herself."

"How original," I drawled. "What's next, spin the bottle?"

"The usual stakes," he recovered smoothly. "Loser drinks." "Scared, Stella?" His smile was fake. More snickers from our audience. Scared? Oh honey, you have no idea what I can do.

"You know what?" I smiled sweetly. I felt Adam's warning squeeze on my wrist but plowed ahead anyway."Loser removes an article of clothing. Unless you're scared...?"

The crowd collectively gasped. That got their attention.

"Miss, Winston." Adam's warning tone just made me want to push harder.

I turned to him with wide-eyed innocence.′′What's wrong,honey? Isn't this what a good companion does - entertain your friends?"

James laughed out loud. "Well! Stella, are you sure you want to play such a... dangerous game?"

"Aww, is the big bad conductor afraid of me?" I batted my eyelashes innocently. "Don't worry, I'll try not to humiliate you too badly."

I was totally going to humiliate him.

The dice arrived on a silver tray. Time to show these snobs my ability.

"Ladies first," James pushed the dice toward me. "Try to keep up with the rules, sweetheart." I picked up the dice, letting them dance between my fingers.Ten years of practice in sketchy bars about to pay off. "Big or small,James?"

"Small." He practically oozed confidence.′′Do try to understand -that means less than seven, dear."

I let the dice roll. "Eleven. That's big." I batted my eyes at him."Your jacket looks expensive. Shame to lose it so soon."

Ten rounds later. James sat in his silk boxers, face redder than a summer tomato. I hadn't lost once.

"You're cheating!" he sputtered as the dice betrayed him again."No one's this lucky."

"Oh?" I did my favorite trick, walking the dice across my knuckles. "Lucky? Oh sweetie, this is pure skill."

"You... you're a professional?" He made it sound like the dirtiest word possible.

"Guess." I stood. enjoying how he flinched. "Though I should thank you for making my evening so... entertaining. It's not every day I get to see a young man in his underwear. But,it looks so small." Though honestly, he should hit the gym more if he's going to be this cocky. "You little-""Careful now." I cut him off with a sugar-sweet smile."Though I must say, for someone who loves looking down his nose at others. you deserve this."

"Mr. Lancaster?" I kept my voice soft, deliberately vulnerable."Should I continue... playing? He is just left an underwear." The slight pause before the last word drew several sharp intakes of breath from our audience. "I'll do whatever you1 want."

James nearly choked on his drink. He glanced between Adam and me, clearly scandalized by my suggestive tone. That's right,darling. Let them think what they want.

Adam's expression remained unreadable, but something dangerous flickered in those green eyes. Without breaking our gaze,he reached for his jacket and tossed it to James."Put it on."

The crowd's giggles turned nasty to James. "I... I should go."James gathered his clothes and what was left of his dignity,about to leave.

"Well, darling?" I let my voice carry sweetness.

His grip tightened. "You even want to continue?" "Aw, what's wrong?" I traced my vodka glass with one finger."Don't tell me you're scared?"The look he gave me promised trouble later, but honestly?Worth it. I announced to the room, eyes locked on Adam, "So... who's brave enough for round two?"

Dead silence. Even Mark Anderson looked like he was reconsidering some life choices.

"No one?" I stood up, smoothing my dress."Pity. I was just warming up."

The other guests scattered like roaches in sunlight, leaving me alone with Adam. The silence stretched between us, charged with something that definitely wasn't just anger anymore.

Seeing James at the door, I couldn't resist one last shot."Oh,James?" I called out.′′Maybe stick to conducting - you're better at waving your hands around than... other activities."

The relief on James' face was almost comical.

"That was quite a show." His voice held that dangerous amusement that always did funny things to my pulse."Where exactly did a society princess learn to play dice like that?"

"A lady never tells." I met his gaze steadily. "Though I do hope you enjoyed the entertainment, darling." His mouth twitched. "Entertaining indeed." His thumb traced slow circles on my wrist."Though I can't help but wonder what other surprises you're hiding." I pulled my hand free, "You'll never find out."Checkmate, Mr.Lancaster.

I rose smoothly, ready to leave. "If there is nothing more-"

His hand shot out, catching my wrist in an iron grip that sent electricity racing up my arm. "Going somewhere?"