Chapter 16 - Playing with Fire
Marco Moretti stopped inches away from Tessa, his dark eyes roaming appraisingly over her emerald-green dress with a mixture of lust and suspicion. He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against her bare shoulder. "You're new in town, sweetheart. I make it my business to know every high roller who steps foot in the Phoenix. And I certainly don't remember inviting someone who looks like a goddess."
Tessa forced her breathing to remain slow and steady, channeling every ounce of cold composure Marcus had beaten into her during her training. She offered a cool, enigmatic smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Some people buy their way in through lists, Marco. Others prefer to enter through the back door."
Marco’s smirk faltered slightly, a flicker of sharp suspicion crossing his weathered features. "You know my name."
"In my line of work, knowing who holds the purse strings is basic survival," Tessa replied smoothly, her voice dropping an octave into a low, sultry purr that completely disarmed his immediate aggression. She stepped slightly closer, letting her fingers brush against the lapel of his tailored suit jacket, right where his hidden holster bulged. "Though I expected the Moretti syndicate's financial genius to be a bit more... observant."
Marco chuckled, clearly flattered by the dangerous flirtation, his suspicions momentarily eclipsed by his ego. "Audacious. I like that. Most women in this room shake when I look at them." Then his eyes narrowed again, the predator resurfacing. "So, what brings a dangerous creature like you to my private tables?"
"I’m looking to make a wager," Tessa said evenly, holding his gaze without a single tremor. "A very large wager. But I prefer high stakes and total privacy."
May you like
Marco’s gaze drifted toward the heavy velvet curtains behind him, leading directly into the private vault office. A slow, knowing grin spread across his face. "Privacy, is it? Well, sweetheart, my office is the most private room in the building. Let's discuss your... wagers."
He reached out, grabbing her elbow with a firm, possessive grip, and led her past the velvet curtains directly into the lion's den.
