72 Chapter 72 – Calculated Distractions and Dangerous Bluffs
Something predatory flickered in Liam’s eyes. Without hesitation, he shoved his entire stack of chips forward, the colorful towers representing a small fortune.
“I’ll see your bet and raise you ten thousand, Levi countered smoothly. “Some things. are worth any gamble.”
“Like hell you will!” Liam’s voice was deadly quiet, more dangerous than any shout. “I’m doubling the stakes.
Only Liam and Levi remained in this masculine standoff, with me as the prize between them. Levi’s confidence radiated through his relaxed posture and amused smile. He was savoring every moment of this psychological warfare.
“Already counting on our defeat, gorgeous?” Damian protested, though his adoration. was obvious. “Don’t you believe in your men?
“Oh darling, we honestly didn’t notice you there!” Chloe lied smoothly, sealing her deception with a quick kiss. Her devotion to Noah was absolute, but she’d never betray our sisterhood.
Throughout the poker game, Levi maintained his charming offensive, touching my fingers as he dealt cards and whispering strategies in my ear. His breath against my neck sent shivers down my spine, and I made sure Liam noticed every reaction. Liam’s jaw tightened with each intimate gesture, his knuckles white as he gripped his cards.
Logan followed suit, lavishing compliments on Stella until Adrian couldn’t stand another second and forfeited his position. Vera whispered something that made Chloe giggle, prompting Noah to slam his cards down in defeat. Cameron barely lasted another hand before Damian yanked Scarlett’s chair possessively closer and declared himself out.
“Excellent. Gentlemen, we’ll be escorting our ladies to dinner now,” Liam announced, rising and collecting his winnings with practiced efficiency.
“But-” He silenced my protest with another kiss, deeper this time.
Owen’s eyes blazed with promise while the rest of us dissolved into laughter. Their
7 Chapter 72–Calsisted Distractions and Dangerous Bluffs
dynamle never failed to amuse us.
No gentlemen, were you following us?” Chloe asked boldly, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.
“Told you that you wouldn’t be dining with our women tonight” Liam said, his smile sharp with triumph. “Now if you’ll excuse us.”
“Are you threatening to spank me, husband?” Thea responded with perfect innocence. “You know how much I enjoy your creative punishments.”
They whisked us to an intimate bistro, small and cozy with exceptional food. The atmosphere was warm, filled with laughter and easy conversation among friends who genuinely enjoyed each other’s company.
I walked into my building on unsteady legs, unable to comprehend his unwavering faith in our future. Yet part of me was grateful he refused to surrender.
After what felt like eternity, Levi placed his cards face down and pushed back from the table.
“Then it’s decided. But you gentlemen will be our designated drivers afterward. We’ve been sipping champagne since brunch, and French cuisine demands proper wine pairings, Scarlett declared confidently.
Levi studied Liam carefully, searching for tells, weaknesses, anything to exploit. But Liam remained stone–faced, every muscle controlled, every breath measured. His poker face was legendary for good reason.
“What about Le Pancake?” Gavin suggested eagerly. “Hazel, have you experienced their cuisine? It’s absolutely divine.”
Gavin folded first, immediately abandoning the game to hover around Thea. His undivided attention made Owen seethe with jealousy, destroying his focus until he too threw in his cards, joining the battle for his girlfriend’s affections.
“Liam, why haven’t you left yet?” His confused expression prompted me to clarify. “I wrote you a goodbye letter.”
Despite Chloe and Noah heading to the same building, Liam insisted on driving me home personally. He walked around to open my door like the gentleman he’d been raised to be, but I needed answers before this night ended.
72 Chapter 72- Calculated Distractions and Dangerous Bluffs:
“Complete accident,” Thea explained naturally. “We were exploring the casino when Scarlett spotted her brother. We went to say hello, they invited us to join them, and it seemed rude to refuse.
His smile was tender as he cupped my face, delivering a soft kiss that tasted of chocolate and determination.
The table fell silent. Levi straightened, the casual confidence wavering as he processed the magnitude of Liam’s bet. He studied his cards again, then Liam’s impassive expression, searching for any crack in that perfect mask.
“One thing led to another?” Owen’s voice carried a dangerous edge. “Well, tonight several things are going to lead to you being thoroughly punished for this little stunt.”
“Go inside now. Give Leo my regards. Sweet dreams, my love.”
“Oh Damian, poker is so unpredictable,” Scarlett replied with mock innocence, her smile devastating.
“I fold. Seems tonight wasn’t my lucky night after all, lovely Hazel.” He lifted and pressed a gentlemanly kiss to my knuckles.
my hand
We executed our distraction strategy flawlessly. Every touch, every laugh shared with Levi and his crew was calculated to unravel our boyfriends‘ concentration. Even Noah, typically unshakeable, was visibly rattled.
Hazel’s POV
“Ladies, where shall we wine and dine you tonight?” Vera inquired, stealing glances at his hand before focusing entirely on Chloe.
“Hazel, I will never say goodbye to you. I’ve told you before, I’ll spend forever earning your forgiveness if necessary, but I’ll never stop fighting for us. I love you.”
“Pure coincidence, Chl, Adrian replied smoothly. “Though I’m curious how you ended up with Levi’s crowd.”
“All in,” Liam stated simply. “Like you said, some things are worth everything.”
Chapter 72 Calculated Distractions and Dangerous Bluffs
“I’ve heard wonderful things, though reservations are supposedly impossible,” I replied, letting interest color my voice. This made Owen’s face darken considerably.
72 Chapter 72 Calculated Distractions and Dangerous Bluffs
“Levi, you absolute fool! You had a full house and folded to his bluff. He only had a flush. You threw away a guaranteed win!”
For dessert, Liam ordered chocolate silk pie, feeding me bites with intimate precision. Each morsel delivered by his fingers sent heat pooling in my stomach, his eyes dark with unspoken promises for later.
“What hurts, girls, is that you didn’t acknowledge us at all, Noah said, genuinely
wounded.
Gavin couldn’t contain his curiosity, flipping both hands to reveal the cards. His groan of disbelief echoed through the room.
“This isn’t over, Sterling,” Levi said as he stood, but our group was already moving. barely allowing time for polite farewells.
“Looks like I’ll have the pleasure of your company tonight, beautiful Hazel,” Levi said,
his voice smooth as silk.
“Not when Gavin’s uncle owns the establishment, Logan chimed in with a grin. “If we’re all in agreement, it’s perfect. The ambiance is romantic and the food exceptional, fitting for such stunning company.” He winked at Stella, causing Adrian to shift uncomfortably.
