Chapter 4

The mocking laughter around me got louder.

"Mara's totally lost it. If I embarrassed myself this bad, I'd die of shame."

"First time I've seen someone try to act like the girlfriend only to crash and burn."

Claire covered her red lips with her hand, looking victorious.

"Gambling should be fun. Getting this worked up is bad luck at the tables."

With that, she kicked a wine bottle on the table with her high heel.

The insult in that gesture was crystal clear.

"We've known each other so long, but this is the first time I'll drink wine poured by Mara herself."

I took a deep breath. "I get it. A bet's a bet."

I stood up under everyone's watchful eyes and poured her glass after glass of wine.

Preston, quiet for so long, finally spoke up,

sounding annoyed.

"Mara, haven't you embarrassed yourself enough?"

For the rest of the night, just about everyone on the yacht knew

that Mara had been totally humiliated on her engagement night.

Someone who'd never played Texas Hold'em before

acted like a stubborn gambler,

losing until she was completely beaten.

Almost everyone at the table had taken off several pieces of clothing.

I was down to my last piece of clothing—a tight red dress.

Tonight was my engagement party.

This red dress represented my most shy, girlish hopes.

I'd wanted Preston to take it off me personally on this happiest of nights.

But that day would probably never come now.

My hand holding the wine glass shook a little.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I forced them not to fall.

From age fourteen until now,

a whole ten years.

Thanks for using the cruelest, most humiliating way

to end our story once and for all.

"Preston."

"I don't think the earlier games were exciting enough. Since we're in international waters, why not play for something bigger?"

Preston frowned. "What are you up to now?"

I met his eyes.

"I only have this one piece of clothing left, so I want to bet one final round with all of you."

"I'm betting all the assets in my name."

When I said that, everyone was shocked.

Preston's eyes sharpened immediately. He sat up straight.

"Mara, do you even know what you're saying?"

I gave him a faint smile.

"Don't worry. I know exactly what I'm doing."

"If I win, I want you to agree to one thing. And you and her—"

I pointed at Claire, then looked toward the deck, at the calm ocean.

"Jump off my yacht and swim back yourselves."

Total silence.

The yacht had been sailing all night. No one knew what would happen to someone jumping into the ocean now.

Claire's face changed. "Are you out of your mind?"

But I stayed calm. "You too scared? That's more money than you'll ever see in your life."

Claire swallowed hard. The huge temptation was right in front of her.

Preston laughed coldly. "I'll match whatever you put up. If you lose, you swim back alone. Mara, I've given you too many chances. You're the one pushing this."

The dealer started dealing cards.

This time, neither Preston nor I moved.

Neither of us looked at our cards, just kept raising the bets.

After three rounds, Claire couldn't take the pressure and folded, bowing out.

Only Preston and I were left at the table.

Kyle's voice sounded dry as he announced the final river card.

The board was complete.

Preston's eyes locked on mine. "Mara, admit defeat now, and I can pretend you were just drunk tonight, acting out." "Forget the ocean jump. I can manage those assets for you."

I said nothing, just slowly lifted my two hole cards that had been face down on the table.

Ten of Diamonds. Jack of Diamonds.

And the community cards on the table were: Ace of Diamonds, King of Diamonds, Queen of Hearts, Eight of Spades,

and that final, deciding Queen of Diamonds.

When that last card was revealed, Kyle gasped, his eyes widening.

The smile on Preston's face froze instantly.

He jumped to his feet.

"This can't be!"