Chapter 151
An hour later, the hood was removed from Eliana’s head. The glaring lights made che instinctively turn away, followed by a burst of shouting and
Once Eliana adjusted to the light, she looked forward. In front of her was a rectangular poker table. Across from her sat Julian, with Hannah beside Firm watching her with glee.
Seeing the dealer, Eliana seemed to understand. “Mr. Black, is this your underground casino?”
Julian nodded, wearing an uncomfortable simile that signaled he was in control. “Sorry, Mrs. Russell, but I couldn’t think of another way to invite you here.”
Eliana asked, “Don’t tell me you lost the horse race last time and now want to save face un your bur!!”
Julian squinted as her words hit where it hurt. “No other reason, I just saw your luck out against Hannah last time and wanted to see if your fuck still holds.”
Eliana’s mouth twitched. Julian cared deeply about winning and losing. Losing to her so publicly with Hannah must have been humiliating.
“You mean we’re just playing for fun, no stakes?” Eliana thought, ‘That’s fine.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Hannah interjected. “Mrs. Russell, use that case of gold bars as your stake.”
Eliana frowned. “But I already spent that gold.”
It was the truth. With Theodore’s approval, she’d donated the money to the Therapy Center the next day. Now the children had new desks, beds, and supplies.
Hannah assumed Eliana had squandered it on luxury. “Mr. Russell really influences you. Now you’re splashing cash around too.”
Eliana pressed her lips, choosing not to explain lest Hannah harass Bernice again.
“Let’s bet on something else today.” Julian snapped his fingers. A bodyguard placed a box on the table and spun it to show Eliana. It was full of cash. “ift lose, take all this.”
Eliana asked, “And if I lose““”
“I don’t want your money.” Julian pointed to the table, a grin in his inherently fierce eyes. “If you lose, climb onto the table and bark, then you can leave.”
The thought of such a pure, beautiful woman crawling on a table of vice to bark was both cruel and novel. The surrounding gamblers cheered excitedly
at the image
“She should wear an ankle chain too.”
“Good idea–chain her neck and hands as well.”
Amid the jeers, Eliana realized Julian was just holding a grudge. “What if I refuse to play?”
“Then you might not leave this casino. Julian pulled out a cigar, sniffing it. “Mrs. Russell, even your husband can’t find you here quickly.”
Knowing Theodore was badly injured, Eliana didn’t want him rushing around. “Can I use the restroom first?
“Of course.” Julian was about to have a guard escort her when Hannah said, “Honey, let me do it.” Julian didn’t object.
Outside the restroom, Hannah crossed her arms arrogantly. “Without Theodore to help you, how will you win this time?”
Chapter 151
Ellana ignored her and walked in.
Hannah seethed at being ignored in such a vulnerable state, “If you beg me, I right put in a good word with Julian later so you don’t lose tou hadh.
The only response was the sound of Elana closing a stall door
Hannah covered her nose and stepped back. This place reeked of gamblers–smoke and sweat in the men’s room, and the women’s only a wall away just as foul. Staying longer, she feared she’d catch consumption:
Inside, Eliana knocked on the stall partition. Finding the soundproofing good, she called Theodore. He answered quickly. Eliana downplayed her situation, explaining what had happened.
“I only agreed to come because they begged so humbly,” she said, omitting that she’d been knocked out and brought here.
“Also, Julian said if he loses, he’ll give me a case of cash. You know how much I love money, so I couldn’t resist a bet.” In fact, she couldn’t have without agreeing
After a long silence, Theodore asked, “Did Julian say what game you’re playing?”
“Not yet.” Eliana hurried on, “Mr. Hussell, I have an idea, I’ll wear a Bluetooth earpiece, keep the call on, and you can coach me, okay?”
He said, “Clever thinking”
She’d learned it from movies.
But the next second, Theodore deadpanned, “Do you think this is a movie?”
“Isn’t it possible?” Eliana’s eyes widened. Was her only way out really to bark like a dog?
“Here’s the plan–Theodore told her something, and they hung up.
When Eliana emerged, Hannah noticed she’d let her hair down. Hannah asked, “Why did you put your hair down?”
Eliana was stunned and busy coming up with an excuse when she heard Hannah sneer. “Don’t tell me letting your hair down to look more feminine will make Julian go easy on you?” said Hannah.
In truth, Eliana had hidden a Bluetooth earpiece under her hair.
“It won’t work. Julian isn’t Theodore or Anthony–he won’t fall for your helpless act,” Hannah said.
“Whatever.” Eliana was glad she’d misunderstood.
Back at the table, Hannah smiled at Julian. “Honey, let’s start”
Julian asked Eliana, “Shall we play bridge?”
“Never played. I don’t even know the rules,” said Eliana.
He asked, “Texas Hold’em?”
Eliana said, “I’m worst at that. You wouldn’t win so cheaply, would you?”
Chapter 152
