Angel of Tears: A Verona Legacy Short Story by L A Cotton

Author:L A Cotton [Cotton, L A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Delesty Books
Published: 2021-06-29T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 4

Caitlin

“You want to play strip poker?” My cheeks flamed. Matteo was the perfect distraction. Apart from the odd crack of lightning, I’d barely noticed the storm raging on outside. He was funny and sweet, and he had this smile that made me feel at complete ease.

“I’m joking.” He frowned. “It was a joke.”

“Oh, okay.”

“I mean, I’m down if you are...” Matteo flashed me a blinding smile. “Or we could just play Truth Blackjack.”

“Truth Blackjack? That’s not a thing.” I rolled my eyes.

“Sure, it is. We’ll take it in turns to deal. Win the hand and you get to ask a question and the other person has to answer. Lose and the dealer gets to ask the question. If you pass, you have to do a dare.”

“I think I prefer the sound of strip poker.”

His eyes flashed with something. I didn’t want to believe it was lust because that presented all kinds of problems.

But I couldn’t deny a tiny part of me wished it was.

Matteo was a like a breath of fresh air compared to most of the guys I came across in my life. He was selfless and kind and it was obvious how much he cared about his family. It almost made me wish I was braver. Made me wish I had the confidence to do something impulsive like lean over and kiss him.

But sex changed things.

And I didn’t want to ruin a single second of my finite time with the man who had saved me tonight.

Because despite his age, I didn’t doubt Matteo was all man.

“Okay, rack ‘em up,” I said. “Actually, hold that thought.” I got up and hurried to the refrigerator. Sure enough, there was a couple bottles of beer stowed inside the door rack.

“I have supplies.” Waving them in the air, I returned and got comfortable on the couch.

“Now we’re talking.” Matteo uncapped them both, offering me one. “Cheers.” We clinked the bottles and Matteo took a long pull before placing it down to shuffle the cards.

“I’ll deal first. You know the rules?”

“I know the rules.”

He dished me two cards and I peeked at them before flipping them over and putting them down in front of me. Matteo gave himself two cards and left one unturned. “It’s your call.”

“Hit,” I said confidently. Matteo flipped the next card.

“Six. The lady has twenty.”

“The lady can speak for herself.” I smirked, taking a gulp of beer. “Stand.”

“The lady stands.” He turned his second card. “The dealer has sixteen.”

“Oh, you’re going down,” I teased.

“I’ll take my chances.” He got ready to turn another card off the pack. “And he’s bust. Dammit.”

“Yes! My question.”

“Go easy on me.”

“What are you doing in Providence?”

He studied me, running a hand over his rugged face. “Ah shit, Tink.” I gave him a pointed look, and he grumbled, “Visiting some old friends?”

It sounded more like a question than it did an answer.

“Old friends? That’s very open of you. Is it the truth?”

“Are you accusing me of being a liar?”

“I’m just trying to figure out what kind of guy is walking the streets of a small neighborhood in Providence late at night.

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