Chapter 109 The Devil’s Fork
POV Maya:
I take a sip and am surprised by the spicy flavor that explodes in my mouth. I can clearly taste the vodka, while the sweet note I can’t quite identify, which makes the drink spectacular. It’s delicious, though I think the bartender could’ve added more alcohol. Still, I can’t complain—this way I can drink three without getting drunk.
For the next half hour I stay quietly in my spot, sipping my second drink, which has quickly become my favorite. The Moretti brothers don’t notice me even once, which leaves me pretty annoyed, but not enough to give up. I finish my drink and stand up, feeling a wave of heat sweep through my body, concentrating in my lower belly. Ah, now I get why the straw is the devil’s fork—I just got stabbed in the ass.
With determined steps, I walk toward the pool table, wanting to watch the game up close. As soon as I get closer, I realize they’re playing for money. A smile spreads across my lips—maybe if I play, they’ll notice me. I watch for a few minutes, and as soon as the Morettis win once again, I make myself known. All five of them look at me, surprised, but I’m not intimidated.
“I want to play,” I announce, and Dominic is the first to laugh.
“I don’t think this is a game for a lady like you,” the brute says, making all the men around us burst out laughing.
I assess my five opponents, noting that they won’t be easy. Apparently, they don’t like a woman who’s decisive and knows exactly what she wants. They’re going to be very surprised when they realize I’m not the innocent, demure, shy type. I’m more the filthy, completely unhinged kind.
“Is that so?” I ask, grabbing a cue and making sure to sway my ass. “And what game would you recommend?” While I wait for his answer, I arrange the balls in the center of the table, setting them up for the break.
“Hmm, I don’t know. What do you think, Luca?” he asks his brother, who looks at everyone except me.
“Crossword puzzles?” the asshole replies, and everyone bursts into laughter.
Crossword puzzles are for your grandmother.
“Seriously?” I ask with fake enthusiasm, and he nods immediately. “But there’s one problem.” Luca furrows his thick brows, unaware that he’s stepping into a minefield.
I am the fucking minefield, and I’m going to prove it to them.
“And what is it?” he asks, just as I position myself for my opening shot.
“I don’t like crossword puzzles,” I say, leaning over the table and striking the white ball to start the game. The colored balls scatter in all directions, and I sink about four in the process.
“Now, pool? Wow, I love it.”
All the men—especially the five idiots—stare at me with their mouths open, clearly shocked by my wonderful ease. Dominic’s nostrils flare almost immediately, and a smile spreads across my lips. I imagine his ego must be bruised, and if I know men at all, he and his brothers will want to play against me, believing they stand a chance. Delusional. Luca shoots daggers at me with his eyes, and all I do is wink back at him.
“Who wants to be my partner?” I ask, and chaos erupts within seconds as several men offer themselves as my teammate. Dominic’s and Luca’s scowls deepen, and I openly flash a smug smile.
“I don’t want to play in pairs,” Dominic says, making everyone fall silent. “If you want to play, it’ll be you against me—just the two of us.”
I seize the opportunity to provoke him. I step closer and whisper, “Just the two of us? Are you sure?” I glance at his brothers and look back at him. “I heard six is good too.” Dominic’s eyes widen, confirming that he understands exactly what I mean. “But if that’s how you want it, who am I to argue?”
“Finish her, brother,” Luca says behind me, surprising me—I didn’t realize he was so close. “No mercy.”
“Give it your best, Dominic, because you’re going to need it. I’m even,” I say, leaning over the table and sinking another ball.
This is going to be fun.
(...)
POV Dominic:
I lost. I lost, fuck!
Son of a bitch! I’m furious—murderously furious. I hate losing, but above all, I hate Maya. I look at her flashy smiles, and the urge to strangle her grows with every second. Who would’ve imagined that the shameless woman plays better than I do? Fucking hell. I don’t know what’s worse: standing here like a statue watching her ridiculous victory dance, or pretending I’m not hearing the whispers of the men around me, talking about how hot she is—on top of playing so damn well.
“I think I won,” the shameless woman says with the biggest smile.
I knew I shouldn’t have looked at her fucking tits, which are practically falling out of that hideous dress. Maya used her tits against me, damn it! I know the bitch did. If I’d known she was going to play that dirty, I would’ve pulled my cock out of my pants and rubbed it in her face the same way she did with that pair of mouthwatering tits.
The wretch walks toward me, and if I were her, I wouldn’t get so close. I’m about to tell her to go fuck herself.
“What do I win?” she has the audacity to ask. “We didn’t bet anything.” I stare at the she-devil in front of me, not knowing what I did to deserve having this curse stuck to my foot.
“What do you want? A drink? Fifty dollars? Just pick one,” I say, not wanting to be a sore loser like my brothers claim I am. All I want is to get drunk and forget this shit ever happened.
“Can I ask for anything?” she asks with unbelievable nerve. What is she going to ask for? One of those weird shoes she wears, or some new outfit for her poor dog? Poor thing—I feel sorry for the damn animal.