Chapter 261

I turn back to Harper, and find her watching me like a lioness watches a gazelle.

She licks her lips. Let’s play.

We go several more rounds, but when the last cards are shown and I rake in the chips, it’s me who comes out victorious.

“What the fuck?” she snarls, slamming her hand into her own pile of winnings and sending them flying. “You rigged that!”

“We all saw that she didn’t,” Tristan snaps at her as I stand up and glare down at Harper’s scowling face.

“I’m from Lower Banks. Don’t you know poor kids always play poker better than rich ones? Now leave my sister alone.”

I turn and start off toward the dance hall. I’ve brought a special treat with me tonight.

“I can’t really leave her alone, you know,” Harper calls out, and I pause just long enough to grab a shimmering white masquerade mask. There are white pumpkins carved and set all around the ballroom, flickering and adding to the ambiance. “I’m her sponsor! And you know what bet she mad