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I had no doubt seeing me in public with Sam surprised the hell out of them and made them realize we were a lot more than casual.
Plus, members of the media sat throughout the room, taking in the scene. Even if they couldn’t hear the conversation about to happen between a King brother and the notorious Queen of Diamonds, they’d report we were together.
“What are you doing?” He leaned forward and then said, in a reprimanding tone that had me holding in a smirk, “You can’t drink.”
“What makes you believe I ever planned to indulge?” I licked my lips and watched his golden gaze drift down for a brief second. “Maybe I wanted your undivided attention.”
“Well, now you have it.” He brought my hand down, taking the tumbler of whiskey from my fingers and replacing it with a glass of water. “Including the other players at the table and most of this ballroom.”
I ignored the weight of his warning. Our future depended on this. However, the people at the table or around us had no need to hear the extent of our conversation.
I shifted closer to him, my knees sandwiched between his and my face too close for mere strangers. I wasn’t even sure if he realized it, but he’d set a possessive palm on my hip, in plain sight of everyone.
“You asked me what I could offer as an alternative to my money. Don’t you want to hear my answer?”
“You said it was for the Kings. There is only one King at this table. What makes you think I’ll win to take it?”
“I suspect knowing what’s at stake will incentivize the win.”
“Now I’m intrigued. What is it you’re offering?”
“Me and your future heir growing inside me.”
He swallowed, his fingers flexing against my hip as a war of emotions played out in his amber eyes. “Be sure what you’re saying. There is no going back.”
“Sam, I’m here in a room full of media and New York society. You’re holding me. I’m saying I love you, that I belong with you.”
When he remained silent, just staring at me, I added, “Do I qualify to play at this table?”
He shook his head. “What you’re offering is beyond anything anyone at this table can match.”
“Then perhaps a private game?” I picked up my glass, drank down my water, then spoke the words I’d used after I challenged him to that first game. “That is, unless you’re afraid to lose to a queen.”
His lips curved, and he offered me his hand. “A King never steps away from a challenge, especially from a queen.”
I slid my palm over his. Immediately, his heat seeped into my skin, soothing the ache deep in my chest.
We both rose together, that energy between us crackling like usual.
“Lead the way, Mr. King.”
20
Sam
I wrappedmy arm around Devani’s waist, aware of the stares we garnered.
When I’d sent her the invitation, I never expected her to accept or to arrive at my table the way she had.
In fact, I’d planned to visit her penthouse later this evening.
After all the revelations of the last few weeks, I’d reevaluated my stance on several things in my life—chief among them, the succession of the trust left by my paternal grandmother to her grandchildren. The trust stated that the eldest grandchild inherited Shah International. I wasn’t the eldest. Therefore, I had no problem letting every penny of it go to the rightful heir.
I glanced down at Devani as we moved around tables and through the crowd of gala attendees. She wore an understated black gown that should have looked simple considering the attire of the other guests but instead drew attention to her. And she’d repeated her jewelry choice from the night at The Library, wearing only the earrings I’d given her and the cuff on her wrist.
As always, the Queen of Diamonds was never predictable.
After three years, she’d finally decided and announced it in the most public fashion imaginable.
