The game continues with Lilah calling out numbers in quick succession. This would not afford me much time to enjoy watching her if I had to check my card. Fortunately, none of the numbers she calls correspond to my game board.
“You missed another one,” Lexi says. “Two, actually. I-29 and G-54.”
I force my eyes from Lilah when Lexi taps her purple fingernail against my game board. But I am unable to protest because the numbers are right in front of me on the card. “Those numbers were not there before.”
“Whatever you say.” Lexi motions at the implement in my hand. “Dab.”
I apply the pink sponge tip to the designated spaces, then return my gaze to Lilah as she withdraws the next ball from the tumbling cage.
“N-32!”
“Hey,” Lexi says, nudging my arm. “That’s you.”
A downward glance proves she is correct, though she should not be. “You are doing this. You are using magic to change the numbers on my card.”
One arched black eyebrow raised, she holds my gaze while dabbing the number that was not on my card prior to Lilah calling it.
“O-69,” Lilah calls.
“Well, isn’tthatthe perfect number for you to win the game? A big O and some 69,” Lexi says, once again tapping my card. “Dab and call bingo.”
“I am not declaring victory as I did not win. You cheated and manipulated the outcome, though I do not know why.”
“So you could win the prize, of course.” Lexi tilts her head toward the gazebo. Toward Lilah. “And so she could. Now stand up and call bingo. With some enthusiasm would be nice, but we’ll take what we can get. Right, ladies?”
The other females at the table are leaning forward and looking at me. Smiling. Nodding.
“Trust the process,” Dauphine says.
I do not know what process she is referring to, but I trust the elf who has become more than a valued employee.
Everyone within the scope of my vision stares as I rise, the buzz of conversation and laughter dissolving into silence. They are unaccustomed to my presence at gatherings.
In the gazebo, Lilah stops spinning the cage mechanism. Her gaze, like all the others, rests on me.
A slight breeze lifts the ends of her long, dark hair. The temptation to inhale deeply and pull her scent into me burns hot and demanding, but I resist. Instead, I focus. Listen to her heartbeat gain speed. Observe the rapid rise and fall of her soft, full breasts.
“Amazra?” My name falling from her lips is what pushes me to distraction.
I cannot stop myself from imagining my name on her breath as I pleasure her in all the ways that consume my nightly thoughts.
But it is Dauphine whispering my name under her breath at a volume only species with very sensitive hearing might detect that pulls me from my trancelike state.“Maz. Say bingo.”
“Bingo.”
“You have bingo?” Lilah asks, her eyes opening wide. Her lips curve into a high smile as she motions me to come forward. “Bring your card.”
Much giggling rises from my tablemates. Low conversation among the small crowd resumes as I walk toward the gazebo, climb the wide steps, and stand in front of Lilah with the card outstretched.
Her gaze follows the line of dabbed numbers. “Wow, this is incredible.”
Tightness grips my midsection. A physical sensation I should not experience, yet is undeniably present. I remain still, waiting for the witchcraft to unravel and reveal the fabricated victory.
“In all the years I’ve played bingo, I’ve never seen anyone win so quickly. I’m glad it was you,” she says, lifting her gaze to meet mine. “I didn’t think you were coming tonight.”
“I did not realize that asking if you would see me here was an invitation because you desired my attendance. After you left, Dauphine explained my failure in communication.”
“Then I’ll make sure to thank her for setting you straight. And of course, I want you here. I would’ve thought that was pretty obvious by now.” The muted lighting does not hide the color rising in her cheeks. Clearing her throat, she turns her attention to the assembled group. “Congratulations to our first winner of the evening! Let’s give Amazra a round of applause while he draws his prize!”
