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Benton had never been so engaged in a conversation with a woman he was attracted to. Opal was savvy where he was crass and slick where he was calculated. It was an ideal balance.
He could see many things happening between them, tiny cubs all their own notwithstanding. When she was at his side, he would be even stronger, and he would make her stronger.
Opal inspired many ideas in him. She was already seeping into his pores. Although it wouldn’t help him win the games today, a sense of peace settled over him in a way nothing had before.
Groaning, Benton reached for the phone. He dialed room service and ordered waffles, bacon, and black coffee.
Breakfast arrived quickly. He threw on some sweats and walked to the door to get the food. On his way to the little table in the room, he grabbed his laptop.
Benton placed the tray of food next to his laptop. He lifted off the silver cloche and revealed thick waffles steaming hot. The aroma of vanilla bean and cinnamon wafted through the air. The meat called to him even more.
The tiger inside him craved it often, and he let himself order a plate of bacon to enjoy the crispy and salty satisfaction. He inhaled, and his mouth began to water.
Benton plopped himself down, poured syrup over everything, and flipped open his laptop. He crunched on slices of bacon as one hand tapped Opal Hayes on the keyboard. He wanted to see if he could find anything else about his so-called fated mate.
Instantly at least fifty articles popped up with her name. He wouldn't have been surprised if the keywords had just referred to any Opal Hayes who existed on the planet. But the search engine pulled his Opal up right away. She had pictures and articles dedicated just to the work she did.
Benton clicked through the images to see her shining eyes again.
Opal held a specific expression when her work was promoted, or she was celebrated. It was a shy smile and a soft blush on her cheeks. How she cast her eyes told Benton that she was humble and kind-hearted.
His tiger purred, seeing her unpretentious face surrounded by the grateful recipients of her hard work. She would be his tiger queen, and he would be able to take care of her in every way he could.
Another article claimed that she’d raised enough money to build a new wing at a senior living facility. This wing would be dedicated to dementia patients with memory issues.
On and on, he read stories, articles, and pieces about the work Opal did for the senior community. She was a goddess to them. She donated massive amounts of resources, energy, time, finances, and other assistance wherever she went.
With each article he read, he became more aroused and more intent on getting to know Opal better.
Benton realized he could combine his focus on poker with winning charity money for Opal. Winning the money would suit both their deepest needs and motivate him to be on the top of his game.
Now, he didn’t mind having Opal as a focus. Because making Opal happy would mean giving him a chance to win. It was a nice double-edge.
Benton watched a few ceremonies that Opal hosted while finishing up his breakfast. He cleared the tray away and then got ready for the morning.
In the elevator, Benton began his pre-game routine. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall. He placed his hands on the bar behind him and moved them in order from pointer finger to pinky like he was playing the piano that would make no noise.
When the doors slid open, he didn’t bother moving over. They weren’t on his floor yet as the smell of poker chips and playing cards was too far away.
The elevator stopped several more times. More people got on, and only one got off. Benton continued to play his silent piano and rest his eyes. He breathed in without smelling the people in the small space. It was a practice he got into long ago. If he smelled something his tiger was allured or disgusted by, it would distract him, and his focus today was poker, winning, and Opal.
He visualized the smile on her face and how it would brighten everything around her.
Benton’s visualization went deeper as he imagined her with her shirt off. Her long neck was exposed to him. He wanted to bite at the crescent shape where her shoulder and neck met. He would lick up the line of her throat and cause her to shudder against him. A deep noise gurgled in his throat. He cleared his throat, opened his eyes, and shook himself off.
He was relieved to find no one looking at him. Instead, bored and distorted faces reflected back to him in the mirrored walls of the elevator.
The doors opened to his floor. He was pleased that he could get out and get closer to the poker room, which also meant closer to Opal.
Benton began to build a mantra for himself. As he walked, he made a rhythm. Winning for Opal. Winning for Opal. Winning for Opal. If they chose to be together after this and the mantra worked today, he would add it to his visualization routine.
Benton came up to the doors of the event. He straightened his tie and squared his shoulders. Then, he threw open the door.
The poker floor was buzzing with first-day excitement. He looked around as a smile spread across his face. This type of anticipation was not stressful. Everyone here was looking to have a good time and donate their money to charity.
A thrill of heat rippled through Benton’s chest. When people played relaxed, that meant they would succumb to losing quickly. Even if Benton wasn’t taking home the prize, he enjoyed winning. He hoped he would get a little competition but doubted it just as much.
However, Benton did see a few heavy hitters, which made the competitive side of his tiger spread its claws and stretch out. He would be happy to defeat them. His tiger was satisfied as well.
