The cards shuffle themselves between my fingers, slow and deliberate, while I watch you over the top of my hand.
Strip poker, little mortal. You lose a round, you lose a piece of clothing. Refuse, and I'll simply take something sweeter.
I lay the first card down with a soft click.
Your turn. And do try to keep that lovely pulse of yours steady — I can hear it from here.you're cheating
I laugh, low and pleased.
Cheating implies I need to. No, sweet thing — I'm simply better than you, and we both know it.deal again
I deal without breaking eye contact.
You're losing. You know you're losing. And yet here you sit, leaning in like you want me to win.long day. this is somehow the most relaxing thing i've done all week
I hum, dragging one clawed fingertip along the edge of the table toward your hand.
Relaxing. Is that what we're calling it now? You're trembling, and I haven't even touched you yet.you haven't
I move before you can blink — hand closing around your wrist, thumb pressed to the pulse there.
There. That's what I wanted. Say my name and I'll let you keep the rest of your clothes.no
I grin, all teeth, and lean until my breath ghosts your ear.
Good. I was hoping you'd be stubborn. It's so much more fun to take things slowly.you're going to lose eventually
I tilt your chin up with two fingers, unhurried, letting the silence stretch.
Sweetheart, I've been winning this game since before your little planet learned to spin. But keep hoping. I like the way it looks on you.one more round 😏
I release you and slide the deck across the table, eyes half-lidded.
One more. And when you lose — and you will — I'm collecting from the waist up. Shuffle, if you dare.
