Page 92 of Hidden Empire

A mischievous grin splits his lips. “You want to cheat?”

“Isn’t he cheating?” I shrug. No one wins constantly without counting cards or rigging the deck. I think. “Seems only fair.”

“Alright,” Matteo replies, sounding happier. “Let’s check it out.”

When we get to the table, it’s down to Ares and one other player. The rest of the players have gone silent to watch how the round plays out.

“They’re playing Lie,” Matteo whispers. “You try to get rid of your cards the fastest, and sometimes you lie about the cards you’re putting down. If someone calls out your lie, you lose.”

“It’s a bluffing game,” I say quietly. “I’ve seen it in a movie before.”

“Lie!” someone calls out.

It’s the last player with cards at the table, attempting to stop Ares from his win. He’s wrong though, I can tell by the sparkle in the man’s eyes. He’s won, and proves as much by flipping his discarded cards over, revealing the truth in his claim.

“Better luck next time,” Ares coos, causing the losing man to growl.

He shoves back from the table, tossing his cards down and storming off.

“You next, new girl?” Ares asks, his eyes narrowed right on me.

Calling me ‘new girl’ is a bit rude considering we’ve met.

“Don’t be a dick,” Matteo warns, crossing his arms.

“Okay,” Ares says, smirking. “Do you want to go next, Jade?”

The suggestive way he purrs my name has Matteo stiffening.

“What the fuck?” my brother snarls, face screwed up in disgust. “Don’t talk to her like that, it’s way worse.”

“That’s why he did it,” I tell him, rolling my eyes. “Have you lost yet today?”

“No,” he states plainly. “Why? Want to be the first to beat me?”

“I just think it’s interesting. The probability of winning a game of luck and guessing with no losses is hard to believe.”

His eyes narrow. “I’m a good liar.”

“So am I.”

He chuckles. “Yeah? You learn how in class this semester?”

“No, actually,” I say, lifting my chin slightly. “My brother taught me.”

“This one?” Ares asks curiously.

My head shakes. “Apollo,” I reply, loving the surprise in Ares’ reaction.

Not what he was expecting, clearly. I won’t pretend Apollo has had nearly enough time to coach me into being the stellar liar that he is, but he’s shown me a lot. And yes, deception class has given me some great practice.

Arching a brow, I ask, “Still want to risk your winning streak?”

I don’t expect him to smirk. “I like a challeng?—”

A cackling laugh and my brother’s name steals my attention, my head whipping to the side to find the source. When I set my sights on the offender, my blood begins to boil. Oh, I’m going to kill her.

“Did you hear that?” I seethe, grabbing Matteo’s arm. I need to know that he just heard what I just heard because surely I must be mistaken.