The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 87

87 Raising the Stakes

87 Raising the Stakes

Tension crackled in the air like static electricity as Liam, Noah, and Damian faced off with Levi’s group. I sat caught between them, feeling like the rope in their tug-of-war.

“Well, isn’t this cozy?” Liam’s voice dripped with false pleasantry. His hand remained possessively on the back of my chair.

Levi didn’t back down. “We were having a perfectly good time before you showed up.”

“I bet you were,” Liam muttered, his eyes never leaving mine.

The dealer shuffled uncomfortably, cards paused mid-deal. Other patrons glanced our way, sensing the brewing confrontation.

Chloe shot me a quick wink across the table. This was exactly what she’d wanted – drama, tension, attention.

“How about we all play nice?” Angel, one of Levi’s friends I hadn’t met before, suddenly broke the silence. Tall, with dark curly hair and an easy smile, he extended his hand toward Damian. “I’m Angel Rodriguez.”

Damian hesitated, then accepted the handshake. “Damian Knight.”

“I know who you are,” Angel replied with a genuine smile. “Your work on the Southeast Harbor project was brilliant.”

Damian’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You follow commercial development?”

“I’m an architect,” Angel explained. “Your structural solutions were inspired.”

Just like that, the temperature in the room dropped a few degrees. Damian’s professional pride won out over territorial posturing.

“We’ve got plenty of space,” Kyle gestured to the empty chairs. “Why don’t we all play together?”

Noah glanced at Liam, who gave a stiff nod. The men rearranged themselves around the table. Liam wedged himself between me and Levi, while Damian took a seat beside Angel. Owen situated himself directly across from Thea, his eyes never leaving her face.

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The dealer, relieved, resumed dealing cards.

“Minimum bet is $100,” he announced.

As the game progressed, an unexpected shift occurred. The men, initially hostile, found common ground in their competitive spirit. Levi’s friend Jason turned out to be a terrible bluffer, causing even Liam to crack a smile when he lost spectacularly on a weak hand.

Noah and Kyle discovered they’d attended the same university. Owen and another of Levi’s friends bonded over their shared love of classic cars.

An hour later, the initial tension had transformed into something resembling camaraderie.

Chloe leaned toward me, whispering, “This is boring. They’re actually getting along.”

I shrugged. “Isn’t that better than a fistfight?”

“I didn’t want a fistfight,” she hissed. “I wanted drama. Look at Thea – she’s practically falling asleep.”!!

Thea did indeed look bored as Owen and Levi’s friend discussed engine specifications.

Chloe pulled out her phone beneath the table, her fingers flying across the screen. Moments later, my phone vibrated with a group message.

*Chloe: This is NOT what we planned. Need to spice things up.*

*Scarlett: I know! What happened to the jealous cavemen from last night?*

*Thea: They’ve been replaced by a brotherhood of gamblers*

*Jessica: Ideas?*

I glanced up to see Chloe staring expectantly at me. I hesitated, then typed:

*Hazel: Maybe we should just enjoy the peace?*

Chloe rolled her eyes at me across the table, then returned to her phone.

*Scarlett: What if we raise the stakes?*

*Chloe: I’m listening…*

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<

87 Raising the Stakes

*Scarlett: Betting kisses instead of money for the next round*

My pulse quickened at the suggestion. I shot Scarlett a warning look, but she merely shrugged.

*Thea: We can’t do that here. Club rules.*

*Chloe: Then we need to move this party somewhere private*

Thea appeared thoughtful for a moment before leaning toward Damian, who was celebrating a winning hand. She whispered something in his ear, her hand resting casually on his arm.

Damian’s face lit up. “Actually, I’ve got a game room at my place with a professional table. We could continue there if everyone’s interested?”

Liam frowned. “I don’t think-”

“That sounds awesome,” Kyle interrupted. “I’m in.”

The other men nodded in agreement, but Noah looked warily at Levi’s group.

“All of us?” he questioned, his meaning clear.

“Of course all of us,” Chloe interjected before Damian could respond. “Unless you boys are afraid of a little competition?”

That did it. Male pride flared across both groups.

“My place has plenty of room,” Damian confirmed, shooting Chloe a look that promised retribution later.

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” Liam murmured close to my ear, his warm breath sending goosebumps down my neck.

“Scared I’ll beat you?” I challenged quietly.

His eyes darkened. “Terrified you’ll lose.”

The intensity in his gaze made my stomach flip. This was dangerous territory.

Jason settled our tab while Owen called for cars. Within twenty minutes, we were heading for the exit.

“Wait,” Chloe announced, her voice commanding attention. “The girls are coming with

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me.”

“I’d rather Hazel ride with-” Liam began.

“All the girls,” Chloe emphasized, linking her arm through mine. “In my car.”

Liam’s jaw tightened. He glanced at me, clearly expecting me to override Chloe’s

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