23. Annalise

23

ANNALISE

C assius leans toward me, his piercing blue eyes locked on mine. “Alright, Annalise. Poker is all about strategy,” he says, shuffling the deck with practiced precision. “Not only do you have to read your opponents’ expressions, but you also have to keep your own hidden.”

I watch as the cards dance between his fingers, mesmerized by his skill. My determination to win this game and get the answers I seek only grows stronger. “I’m ready,” I say, my voice steady despite the racing thoughts in my head.

“Remember, Lily,” Nikhil chimes in from across the table, smirking devilishly. “We’re playing strip poker, so for every round you lose, you’ll be removing an article of clothing.”

I nod, swallowing hard at the thought of exposing myself to these two dangerous and alluring men, but I refuse to let my fear overtake me. I need this information, and if a little skin is the price I must pay, so be it.

Besides, I’m a Volkov princess, right? And Volkovs don’t lose.

Cassius deals the cards, and I focus on the hand I’ve been given, trying to recall the rules he’s just explained. The game begins, and I try my best to maintain a neutral expression, searching their faces for any sign of weakness.

“Raise,” I say confidently, pushing a small pile of chips into the pot.

“Call,” Cassius responds, his voice smooth and controlled.

“Fold,” Nikhil says, tossing his cards onto the table with a smirk.

The game continues, and despite my best efforts, I lose the first round. My heart sinks as I realize I have to remove my dress. I take a deep breath, stand up, and pull the fabric over my head, revealing my black lace bra and matching panties beneath.

“So much for going easy on me,” I comment.

Cassius’s eyes rake over my exposed body, and I feel a shiver run down my spine as he smirks. “It’s hard to do that when your body is on the line,” he says, his voice dripping with intrigue.

Nikhil’s gaze is equally intense, leaving me feeling both exposed and powerful in their presence. I refuse to let them see how much this affects me. Instead, I focus on the game at hand, determined to come out on top.

Nikhil leans back in his chair, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “You really thought you could win that easily?” he teases, his voice dripping with mock concern.

His words sting, but I refuse to let his mockery deter me. “Just watch,” I reply, my voice steady and determined. “I’m not giving up yet.”

“Very well, then.” Cassius shuffles the cards and deals a new hand. “Round two it is.”

My heart races as I study my cards, trying to remember everything Cassius taught me earlier. The stakes are high, but I refuse to back down. I need answers, and this is the only way to get them.

Cassius and Nikhil exchange glances, their expressions unreadable. I take a deep breath, pushing aside my nervousness and focusing on the game. “Raise,” I say, tossing more chips into the pot.

“Call,” responds Nikhil, his gaze never leaving mine.

“Fold.” Cassius tosses his cards onto the table, his expression unreadable.

The game continues, each move more tense than the last. My mind races, strategizing, calculating odds. Finally, the cards fall in my favor, and I win the round by the narrowest of margins.

“Looks like our little Lily here has learned some tricks.” Cassius’s playful accusation sends a shiver down my spine, but I don’t let it distract me. I’ve won, and now they owe me answers.

“Didn’t I tell you I’d win?” I say, trying to keep the excitement from my voice. “Now, it’s time for you to hold up your end of the bargain.”

“Fine,” Nikhil says, his voice strained, clearly unhappy about losing. “Ask your question.”

“Alright.” I swallow hard, steadying my nerves. “What happened between Damian and Mikayla?”

“Damian told you about that?” Cassius raises an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his voice.

“It doesn’t matter who told me,” I reply, trying to keep my composure. “Now, are you going to tell me or not?”

Nikhil’s eyes narrow, the blue depths suddenly icy as he scrutinizes me. “What do you know about Damian and Mikayla?”

“Only that they were close,” I reply, meeting his gaze head-on. “I spoke with Isabella earlier today.”

The second the words leave my lips, I realize I’ve thrown her under the bus.

“Ah, our dear sister has a penchant for sharing secrets, doesn’t she?” Cassius smirks, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. The mood in the room shifts, tension pulling at the edges of our game.

“Remember our agreement,” I say firmly, unwilling to let them off the hook. “I won the hand, and now I want my answer.”

“Fine.” Nikhil leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “Damian and Mikayla were lovers. They dated for a while, and he even wanted to marry her at one point.”

Damian wanted to marry her? Isabella told me he loved her, but to that extent?

My heart skips a beat, and my curiosity deepens. I had sensed there was something more between them, but this revelation stirs a mixture of emotions within me. I need to know everything—what brought them together, why it didn’t work out, and how it has affected Damian.

How my sister ended up dead.

“But how…?”

“Uh-uh.” Cassius shakes his head. “We answered your question. If you want to ask another one, you’ll have to win another hand.”

He’s right.

“Deal the cards,” I command, my voice firm but betraying a hint of urgency. I can feel the pressure mounting with each passing round, and I refuse to let my composure slip.

I lose the next game, my hand unable to compete with Cassius’s full house. As per the rules, I stand up and slowly remove my bra, ensuring that my movements are deliberate and seductive. The brothers watch me with hungry eyes, their desire for me intensifying.

“Ready for another round?” I ask, my voice steady despite the swirling emotions within me.

Cassius nods, his eyes never leaving mine. The cards slide from his fingertips like silk, each one landing precisely in front of me. As I collect them, I devise a plan to distract him, using whatever means necessary to secure my victory.

“Alright, let’s see what fate has in store for us this time,” I say, allowing my fingers to linger on the edge of the table, drawing his gaze to my exposed skin.

Cassius swallows hard, his eyes flickering between my hand and the cards in front of him. Sensing his vulnerability, I lean forward, letting my hair cascade over my shoulder and brush against my bare chest. His breath hitches, and I know I have him right where I want him.

The game progresses quickly, each of us making calculated moves, but I can tell Cassius is struggling to concentrate. Finally, my moment arrives—with a triumphant grin, I lay down my winning hand.

“Looks like I’ve won,” I declare, the satisfaction evident in my voice. Cassius clenches his jaw, clearly frustrated by his loss.

“Choose your next question carefully, Annalise,” Nikhil warns, crossing his arms over his chest. “Time is running out.”

My mind races through all the possible questions I could ask, but ultimately, my priority lies with my children. “When can I see my daughters again?” I ask, desperation seeping into my voice.

Cassius looks at me intently, his blue eyes softening. “You’ll be able to see them soon,” he promises. “We won’t keep them from you any longer.”

A wave of relief washes over me, and I can’t help but smile. The thought of seeing my precious girls again fills my heart with joy, strengthening my resolve to uncover the truth and protect them at all costs.

“Thank you,” I whisper, emotion thick in my words. But as grateful as I am for this small victory, I know there’s still so much more to learn—and I won’t stop until I’ve uncovered every last secret hidden within the shadows of the Volkov family.

I pick up my cards for the next round, feeling a newfound determination coursing through me. I’ve proven that I can hold my own against Cassius and Nikhil, and now it’s time to use this momentum to uncover the secrets they’re hiding.

“Seems like you’re catching on quickly,” Cassius observes, his eyes narrowing as he scans his own hand. “But don’t get too comfortable.”

“Comfort has nothing to do with it,” I reply, studying my cards intently. The weight of their gaze on my exposed body only fuels my desire to win. As the game progresses, I can tell that I’m getting better at reading their expressions and anticipating their moves.

I lose the game.

“Seems like luck isn’t on your side this time,” Nikhil taunts, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

I swallow hard, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as I slowly remove my panties, leaving myself completely exposed before the two men. Despite my vulnerability, I refuse to let it weaken my resolve. Desperate for answers, I plead with them for one more chance. “Please, just one more game. I need to know the truth.”

Cassius studies my face, his expression unreadable, while Nikhil’s eyes dance with a mixture of amusement and desire. The weight of their gazes feels heavy, but I hold my head high.

I have nothing to be ashamed of. It’s nothing they haven’t seen before.

After all, one of them is the father of my twins.

My heart skips a beat as Cassius shakes his head, denying my request. “You have nothing left to wager, Annalise,” he says coldly, his eyes never leaving mine. “The game is over.”

I refuse to accept defeat so easily, and my mind races through various alternatives. “Fine,” I say, my voice steady despite my pounding heart. “If I have nothing else to wager, then I’ll put myself on the line. My body, in exchange for one final answer.”

Cassius’s eyes widen at my offer, but it’s Nikhil who steps closer, unable to resist the temptation I’ve laid out before him. He stands behind me, his warm breath teasing my sensitive neck as he whispers, “We don’t need you to bid your body. It’s already ours.”

His lips press against the curve of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. I can feel the heat radiating from his body, the desire between us intensifying with each passing second.

I close my eyes, trying to focus on the information I need rather than the sensations coursing through me.

Nikhil chuckles darkly, his fingers tracing a path along my exposed collarbone. I register the sound of footsteps approaching, and before I realize what’s happening, a strong hand grips my chin, turning my face. Cassius’s piercing blue eyes lock onto mine, stealing my breath away.

His lips descend upon mine, swallowing any protest I might have made. He kisses me passionately, fiercely, as if trying to reclaim what he sees as his. And though a part of me rebels at the possessiveness in his touch, another part finds comfort in the intensity of his desire for me.

There’s not a feeling like being wanted by the Volkov brothers.