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The first game he was assigned to was at table four. Surrounding him were four other players. They weren’t anyone he recognized from the poker circuit, and he beat them with a few hands.
As soon as he was done, he wanted to find Opal.
His tiger needed to see her, and Benton always enjoyed a bit of bragging. Even if he said it just to see her be proud of him.
Benton followed the peony scent and discovered Opal talking to a group of people wearing red coats with gold trim. He knew they were hotel employees, although his gut reaction was to pounce on Opal and pull her away from the crowd. He leaned against the wall and let her finish speaking with them.
As his tiger thrashed and tensed inside his head…it did not want to be patient…Benton observed how calm Opal appeared outwardly.
She turned her head and smiled at him. He could hear her heart beating more quickly. His heart picked up a beat. He could smell her stress but couldn’t see it. “She is good,” he muttered and swiped a hand through his hair.
Benton could tell that her actions were restrained on purpose. But her lips began to move quicker. She rushed to end the conversation with the staff. He continued to watch her as he would prey, but there was more to her movements and actions. She was more than just prey.
She was his mate. His partner. Benton raised his eyebrow with the thought. He couldn’t wait to see what they would accomplish together.
Opal finished her conversation and turned toward Benton. His tiger perked up and stood straight as she walked over to him.
“Hi.” She laced her fingers into his. Her breath was sweet and warm.
“Hello.” Benton wrapped his free arm around her waist. “You are very buttoned up. Calm. Cool. Beautiful.”
Heat rose through Opal’s cheeks. Benton pulled her closer, enjoying the humbleness she expressed so openly. Normally, he wouldn’t be so open to showing his cards outright, but games seemed to be unnecessary with Opal. He wanted to share everything with her. His thoughts, his feelings, and more.
“My routine is usually panic and stress before the big show, then when the first bell rings, my nerves settle. I still feel like a hot mess, but it’s more the adrenaline rush than being muddled.” Opal laughed and nuzzled at Benton’s neck. He pulled her into a dark corner and pressed himself into her. Opal gasped, which only aroused Benton even more.
“You are a bad influence on me,” he whispered into her ear. Benton needed and wanted to take things slowly with Opal, but it would be a challenge he would fight for. He nipped at her lobe, and she purred at the sensation.
Benton traced the tip of his nose across her jawline and her full pink lips. He pressed his to hers, and she willingly opened her mouth to his.
He rolled his tongue around hers and heard a low moan slip from her throat. Her hands found the back of his head and clawed into his hair. Benton dug his fingers into the fabric of her jacket. He pulled away only when the heat began to build too much in his center.
Opal’s face was flushed, and she was breathing heavily.
His breaths matched hers, and he knew her reddened cheeks were a reflection of his.
“I get nervous before a big game too.” He gave her a sly smile. “I won the last one. I’m onto the next round.”
Pride shined in Opal’s sapphire eyes, and satisfaction developed in Benton’s chest. He kissed the tip of Opal’s nose. “I’m going to be on the lookout for you today, but do you want to meet up after everything tonight? We can do something fun together.”
Opal’s brain was still trying to form words but could not with Benton so close to her and after their first kiss. Instead of saying anything, she nodded.
“Good.” Benton leaned over and kissed her lips lightly. He was pleased with himself that he stunned her speechless. His tiger whipped its tail with confidence that he could satisfy their mate.
“Good luck with the next round.” Opal kissed Benton back.
“Thank you. I’ll see you later.”
“Looking forward to it.” Opal straightened her suit and hung on to Benton’s fingers as she slipped out of the corner. She looked back and gave him a sweet smile.
Benton was ready to win another round.
SEVEN
OPAL
The kiss lingered over Opal's lips as she floated from room to room. She was happy to sit inside the daydream bubble for a few more moments. No one needed her, which was a nice break from reality.
She leaned against the wall and took a deep breath in. Opal remembered how close Benton was to her and how every place his hands, lips, and fingers touched sizzled to life as though they had never been touched.
