20 The Game
THE GAME
Jackson
W e’re silent as I hold Mia’s hand on the way to poker. I texted her earlier that Eli had got me on the list. Fully understanding her situation made it hard to pull away when I dropped her off earlier. And even though her security detail gives me peace of mind, having her with me again puts me at ease.
My chat with Sam didn’t alleviate my concerns, considering they can’t do anything other than keep a closer eye on her. But that doesn’t make me feel better knowing she was being assaulted while he was stuck outside last time. I’m planning to talk with Mia about having a full-time bodyguard, thinking it won’t be necessary to tell her that I’ve already had someone in place if she’s willing to accept it moving forward.
“I think we should go in separately so it doesn’t seem like we’re together. I don’t want to raise any red flags,” she says, pulling me straight from my thoughts to pissed off in two seconds flat.
“Mia, we are together, and I plan on making it obvious to everyone there. I won’t have some creep coming on to you.”
“See, this is exactly why I shouldn’t have told you. This is serious, Jackson. It’s not about you and me. It’s bigger than that, and you know it. If I give these guys any ammunition, who knows what they’ll do next? I just need to ride it out, and eventually, I’ll pay them off and be done with this. But until then, you and I both need to play by the rules and not stir the pot.”
“Goddammit. I hate this for you. Wait, how much do you owe them?” Fuck, why am I just now thinking of this?
“A lot.”
“What’s a lot?”
“I’m down to $180,000.”
“You’re paying them off tomorrow.”
“What? No, absolutely not. I get that you want to help, but there’s no way you’re doing that. No.” She’s shaking her head, as adamant as I’ve ever seen her, but she won’t win this argument. I’m half tempted to turn this car around right now and say fuck it, but I don’t want to put her or her mom in jeopardy before they have the money in hand.
“Mia, our company brings that amount in every week. I’m not taking no for an answer. Your safety is more important to me than your pride.”
“You have no right to demand that. Being in a relationship doesn’t mean you get to make decisions for me.”
“Dammit, Mia, that’s not what I’m doing. I care about you. I love you, for Christ’s sake. If you’re in danger, I’m in danger along with you. Everything that happens to you happens to me now, sweetheart. If you get hurt, I hurt. If you feel threatened, then I’ve been threatened, and if you have a burden to bear, I’m right there with you, carrying the other half. That’s what it means to love someone.” I bring her hand to my mouth and hold my lips against it, needing any part of her I can reach.
“We can talk logistics later,” I continue. “Whatever is holding you back from letting me do this, forget it right now. We’ll figure out the rest after you’re safe and out from under these assholes. If you want to keep playing poker and pay me back, then do it. If you don’t want to play anymore but still pay me back, you can do that too. I’m not taking away your independence—I’m trying to get it back.” The tear running down her cheek pierces my heart, and I pull over.
I reach over and undo her buckle once the car is in Park. “Come here, sweetheart.” I urge her into my arms and cradle her on my lap sideways, with her back to my door and legs hanging over the center console. She nuzzles into my neck as I hold her tight.
“Will you please let me take care of you?” I plead with her.
“I just… It’s too much. And it would take too long to pay you back. And what happens if we broke up—”
“You’re already planning for our breakup?” I ask, chuckling. “That’s not giving me much confidence here, sweetheart.”
She swats my chest. “I don’t mean it that way, but you don’t know what the future looks like. There’s already a huge disparity between us. You’re way older, you have more money, you’re further in life, and one day, you might wake up and realize I’m not good enough for you.”
“Mia, if anything, you’re too good for me . I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but nothing about you is less than. You’re it for me. I don’t want to scare you off with that statement, but it’s true. If society didn’t dictate what’s normal and what you should or shouldn’t do, I’d make you officially mine right now.”
“You can’t say things like that.”
“Why, because it’s too soon? Fuck that. Look, I’m not asking for marriage, and I’m not expecting you to feel the same, but I want you to know that’s how serious I am. And if I do this, I don’t care if you ever pay me back. I just want to know you’re safe. God forbid we break up, but if that happens and it makes you feel better, we can write up a contract. Whatever it takes to have you accept my help.”
She sighs. “Okay, fine, but I do want it in writing that I owe you with conditions on paying it back.”
Thank fuck.
“Damn, you’re a stubborn woman. I do like the sound of these conditions for payback, though. Can I negotiate a few of them?” I say seductively to lighten the mood and bring a smile to her face, and it works like a charm.
“You’re awful. And there’s nothing you could put in there that I wouldn’t do anyway.”
“Oh, I know, but you being forced to do things is fucking hot.” And I’m not kidding, given the state of my growing erection.
“Oh my God, Jackson, seriously, you cannot turn me on right now. We need to get to the game.” She sits up, ready to scoot back over to her seat.
“All right, but one kiss before you go.”
While she’s busy with my mouth, I sneak my hand up her skirt, unable to resist. Making quick action of moving her panties aside, my fingers slide into her already wet pussy, while my thumb teases her clit. I’m dying to pull an orgasm out of her before we go since pleasing her has quickly become an addiction.
She moans into my mouth, bucking and rubbing her ass on my dick. Fuck, I might come from that alone.
“Give me one orgasm, Mia. Let me feel it.” I curl my fingers deep inside, moving back and forth against her walls, knowing it’ll send her over. Immediately, I feel her tightening.
“Yes, more.” She bucks harder, desperate for release.
I push deeper, my words coming out in time to each thrust of my hand. “This right here, Mia? This is what I want… every day… for the rest of my life. For you to be mine. To fuck, take care of, and pleasure… whenever, however, and wherever the fuck I want. Come on, give it to me. Now, Mia.”
She wails into my neck, riding out her release. The minute she stops pulsing, I bring my fingers up, sucking them clean before plunging my tongue into her mouth.
I pull away and look her in the eyes. “I love you, Mia.”
“I love you too. Thank you. That was… nice.”
“You better go back to your seat before I decide to keep going until you have something better to say than ‘nice.’” She giggles as she climbs over, a sound I can’t get enough of.
“Nothing you do is just nice. I think you know that already, and the last thing you need from me is an inflated ego.” She buckles up, and I pull back onto the road, smiling.
“You are one sassy little girl, Mia. And I fucking love it, so don’t ever change.”
Mia
Jackson ends up winning the battle, and we enter together. His erection still hasn’t disappeared, making me giggle on the way in. Tonight’s game is in an office building downtown, a much nicer location than last time. Looking through the large glass windows while we’re paying, I see three tables with eight seats at each. It’s another large pot, and if I can finish somewhere in the top three, I could make a nice dent in the amount owed. Although big money attracts better players, so we’ll see.
All games have some system to choose your seat upon arrival, and this one has face-down seat assignments. We both choose one, ending up at different tables, which doesn’t make Jackson very happy, but I’m relieved. Usually, my game face is one of my biggest strengths, but Jackson has made all my walls come down, and I’m not sure I can separate that while playing. It’s best to have some time to get back in the groove before testing myself.
Going all caveman, he walks into the room with his arm around my shoulders, staking his claim. After sealing the deal with a kiss, he wishes me luck before we take our seats. Knowing we’re paying them off tomorrow relieves my concern about being here together, and honestly, I feel safer having him with me.
As always, I’m met with skepticism as I take my place at the table. Oh well, it’s fun to take them by surprise. It gives me a sense of satisfaction to shock the shit out of everyone and makes taking each one out that much sweeter.
We make introductions and organize our chips until the cards are dealt. As I pick up my first hand of the night, the familiar hum of excitement makes its way through me.
I try not to look at Jackson during the game, but the pull is too strong, and I end up caving between hands. His eyes are always on me, staring so intensely that I blush. He winks occasionally if both tables are mid-shuffle; otherwise, someone would think we were cheating if we had cards. I’d wink back, but oddly, it’s not something I’ve ever been able to do. One eye just won’t close without the other.
Only four players have been knocked out by the time the first fifteen-minute break rolls around, proving how fierce the competition is. Jackson motions me to the door, then grabs my arm and guides me down the hallway at a frantic pace.
“Jackson, where are we going?”
“No words. I need you to be a good little girl for me right now.”
Oh God. I’m immediately turned on.
He pulls me into a single bathroom and locks the door behind him, backing me up against the wall and pinning me in place with his body. “Do you know how fucking hot it is seeing you sit at that table and win hand after hand, seeing the look of awe on all those men’s faces, knowing you’re all mine? All mine to take advantage of. Mine to do with what I want.” All this is whispered in my ear seductively, making me shiver with anticipation.
He steps back, whips his coat off, and lays it on the ground before him. “Down on your knees. Now. This is going to be hard and fast.”
I’m drowning in lust, ready to do whatever the hell he tells me as I lower to the ground, watching as he undoes his pants and starts stroking himself.
“Open that smart mouth for me and stick your tongue out.” He rubs his tip on my tongue, then paints my lips with the moisture before repeating the motion.
“Need you nice and slick for me. You ready, little girl?” I groan and nod. “Open wide and relax your throat.” He holds the back of my head and guides himself in slowly with his other hand.
“Fuck yeah, just what I needed. This won’t take long, I promise. Breathe through your nose, baby.” With that, he grabs my head with both hands and jerks into me fast and deep.
I gag immediately and glance up at him. Holy shit, I could climax from the look on his face alone. He’s lost in the chase for his release, his eyes fixed on his dick sliding in and out of my mouth, feral.
“Deeper. Yes, just like that.” He continues thrusting into me at a speed so fast that all I can do is try not to gag.
“Look at you sucking my dick like a good girl.” My panties are pooling by now, and I can’t help reaching down to rub myself, already on the verge.
He suddenly pulls out, giving me a reprieve. “My filthy girl needs another orgasm? Are you going to come while you choke on me?”
I nod before he plunges back in.
“I love seeing you on your knees. You’re such a good little girl.” My eyes close in ecstasy, and I moan at the combination of his words, along with my fingers working my clit.
Suddenly, he pushes in hard and stills. “God, yes. Fuck, Mia, I’m coming. Swallow it for me, baby. Take it all. Oh fuck … yesss … agh .” He throbs deep inside, shooting down my throat as I tip over the edge with him. Choking, I take as much as possible, while the rest spills out. After the last pulse, he drops to his knees, devouring me with his mouth, unconcerned with the mess around mine as he plunges his fingers into me, causing my orgasm to reach a whole new level.
He pulls away after it finally subsides and looks at me. “Holy shit, Mia, that was fucking hot. God, I needed that. Thank you.”
“I think you should always have to pleasure me on our way somewhere if this is what happens,” I say with a smirk.
He kisses me again. “God, I love you. How did I get so damn lucky?” He stands, helping me up with him. “Let’s get cleaned up and back in there before we get forfeited.” He must see the panic in my eyes because he immediately smirks and says, “Kidding. I’m kidding. We still have five minutes. You’re okay.”
We enter the room on time, and my cheeks go scarlet, feeling like everyone knows what we did. Jackson kisses me and wishes me luck again before we sit. Oh well, I’ll never see these people again anyway, I suppose. I just hope a few more of them go out quicker than they did in the first session. It’s time to step up my game.
Another hour goes by until three big chip leaders are at our table, me being one. Two of the small stacks go all-in by all their chips forward, and lucky for me, I’m on the button—the last player to place a bet. They probably think I won’t call, each one hoping to double their stack by taking the other guy out, but too bad for them—I happen to have a pair of kings.
Now I need to decide how to maximize this play with the other chip leaders. Or maybe I just want to bet high and force them out, leaving only the short stacks to compete with. Decisions, decisions. I settle on luring them in for another turn by simply calling the all-in amount. It works, and after two of them place another bet following the turn, I decide to raise, causing them to fold and adding a few more chips to my stack.
The three of us remaining flip our cards over since no more betting can take place with all their chips already in play. They both groan when they see my hand, but in my mind, it’s never over until the last turn. Seeing one guy with a low pair means that if that card or any of his other cards come up, my kings will lose to a three-of-a-kind or two pairs. It wouldn’t significantly affect me, but I’d certainly rather take both players out. One guy stands, anxiously awaiting his fate. The dealer flips it, and I sigh in relief while the guy standing pounds the table with his fist.
“Fucking hell. Who is this damn chick, and who let her in? This is bullshit!”
Jackson is out of his chair and in the guy’s face in two seconds flat. “I’d shut your fucking mouth if you know what’s good for you.”
“Jackson, don’t,” I plead. “It’s fine.”
“What did I tell you about that word, Mia? It’s not fine; he doesn’t get to disrespect you just because he’s a sore loser.”
“Listen, asshole, mind your own business,” the guy snaps.
Jackson whirls on him. “She is my business, so why don’t you tuck your tail between your legs and leave before I drag you out myself.”
“Whatever, man, settle down. I’m out of here. Your bitch isn’t worth fighting over.”
Thwack! Jackson punches him square in the face.
“Jackson, stop!” I yell, even though, based on the rage in his eyes, I’m pretty sure it goes unheard.
“Son of a bitch! You broke my nose!” the guy shouts.
Two guys hold Jackson back. “I’ll break more than that if you say another fucking word,” he snarls.
The other players urge the guy to leave, distracting him from provoking Jackson further. After a few tense moments, he starts walking away. “You can all fuck off” are his parting words as he leaves the room. My shoulders sag in relief.
The room settles down, and some guy tells Jackson that he’ll be asked to leave if there are any more problems. Jackson answers that there won’t be if no one else disrespects his girlfriend, making me roll my eyes. Luckily, with those two out and some others around the room, it’s time to choose new seats and consolidate down to two tables, giving us a ten-minute break.
As soon as Jackson and I reach the hallway, I lay into him. “You can’t punch everyone who says something bad about me. I deal with jerks like that all the time. I’m used to it.”
“You shouldn’t have to be used to it, Mia. It’s not okay, and it won’t happen on my watch.”
“I don’t need you to come to my rescue. Outside of our bedroom fantasies, I’m a big girl, Jackson, which means if I need your help, I’ll ask for it.”
“Mia, it’s my job to protect you.”
“No. It’s my job to protect myself. Now behave in there. Otherwise, I’ll be the one making you leave. Those guys will probably hear about this now and add more to my total. Don’t make it worse.”
“Fuck them, I’m paying it off anyway. I won’t stand by while someone treats you like shit. Sorry, sweetheart.” He leans in and kisses me on the lips before walking back in.
I blow out a breath of frustration as I follow, wondering how I missed it that he’s just as stubborn as me but seems to have the upper hand.
Ugh. Here’s to hoping no one else says any shit about me.
Luckily, no one does, and the remainder of the night goes smoothly. Jackson and I end up at the same table for the second round, and just like last time, he’s having good luck tonight with the cards. We try to avoid playing the same hands because neither wants to take the other out, so we dance around, watching for any signs of who has the better cards. It’s affecting how we play but has no major impact other than failing to grow my stack as quickly as I could otherwise.
At the third and final break, before we combined into the final table, Jackson pulled me aside and told me to stop worrying about him and play as if he were any other player, telling me to take him out if it came to that. He said if he noticed I wasn’t playing to win against him, he’d make me regret it later. The way he said it almost had me do the opposite just to see what he had in mind.
But in the end, I did play to my full capability, and as usual, the players at the final table witnessed me play enough that I’d earned their respect as a worthy opponent. Jackson finished in fourth place, winning double his buy-in, and proceeded to watch while I finished my best night yet and came out victorious.
I’m excited to be able to use tonight’s winnings to reduce the amount owed before we settle up tomorrow. I’m on a poker high as we reach Jackson’s place. Watching me in action apparently got him all sorts of worked up, and after mauling me in the car, he promised there was more to come. I’m very much looking forward to that.
Jackson has me up against the wall as soon as the door closes. His hands are everywhere, his mouth on mine, and all the pent-up lust comes pouring out at once. He hoists me up and turns to carry me to the bedroom when a loud knock sounds at the door.
“Who would be here at this hour?” I ask.
“No fucking clue, but it better be good.” He sets me down and adjusts himself before going to answer.
Suddenly, it dawns on me who it might be. “Wait! Don’t open it. Check who it is first. What if they followed me to your house?”
There’s another knock, louder than the first, along with someone’s voice. “FBI, open up.”