Destiny nodded. The prince dropped the ball into the cup. It rolled down the track and dropped onto the table. Alexander served. Destiny took control of the ball, passed it between several players, then knocked it through the prince’s goal, before smirking and giving herself another point.
Prince Alexander’s grin faded completely. Greyson and Hunter put their phones away. They leaned forward, watching as the prince adjusted his players, and gathered the ball again.
This time, he didn’t ask if she was ready. He dropped the ball into the cup, then quickly gripped the rods with a look of determination on his face. The ball dropped onto the table, and Prince Alexander moved quickly to serve. But Destiny was ready. She stole the ball and knocked it immediately through the prince’s goal.
Hunter whooped and stood up, hand extended toward Greyson. Sighing, Greyson reached into his pocket, took out his wallet, and slapped a bill into Hunter’s palm. This time, Hunter moved to the score counter to add Destiny’s point. He smirked at the prince, who didn’t look at all amused.
“This kitten has claws, Xander,” Hunter said.
“You played me,” Prince Alexander growled accusingly.
“You played yourself,” Destiny shot back. “That’s what happens when you make assumptions. Something you have a terrible habit of doing.”
Greyson and Hunter were laughing openly now, even as the prince’s face reddened. He glared at her, his eyes icy. He clearly wasn’t a man who was used to losing.
Destiny smiled a sugary smile. “You don’t look like you’re going to let me win like you promised.”
Prince Alexander didn’t respond. His face was set in grim concentration. He dropped the ball into the cup.
Fifteen minutes later, Hunter and Greyson had laughed themselves to tears and Destiny had won the game with a score of ten to four. Prince Alexander was fuming, pointedly ignoring his packmates while glaring at Destiny as she sipped her second glass of eggnog.
“Let me redeem myself,” the prince demanded once the laughter died down. “How about a game of pool?”
Destiny rolled her eyes. “Only if you promise not to give me another lesson. Ihaveplayed pool before.”
The prince’s eyes gleamed. “Good. I was hoping you had. Why don’t we up the stakes?”
“Xander.” There was a warning note in Greyson’s voice.
Destiny held the prince’s gaze. “What are we wagering?”
“Clothes.” Prince Alexander ran his gaze over her slowly, letting his impish smile spread. “You see, ever since your little innuendo earlier, I’m afraid my mind’s been a bit in the gutter as well. I’d love to add a little spice to the evening.”
Destiny started to respond, but Greyson was suddenly at the prince’s side, glowering at him. Hunter looked just as disapproving. It was incredibly chivalrous, but Destiny didn’t need their protection. She wasn’t easily embarrassed by nudity and sex.
“That sounds fun, actually,” Destiny said, but Greyson cut her off.
“Poor form, Xander,” he growled. “Just because you’re sore about losing, doesn’t mean you get to be a complete tosser.”
“Relax, Grey. No need to pull out the extra British insults. I was going to tell her before she decided.” Prince Alexander shrugged dismissively. “I was the captain of the billiards team at academy. I’m quite good.”
In that case, his friends’ reactions made more sense. Destiny lifted an eyebrow at the prince, wondering if he’d really intended to tell her that little tidbit of personal history before she agreed to his challenge. The mischievous glint in his eye gave her the feeling he probably didn’t know himself. The impulsive prick.
“I’ve never played professionally or been in any clubs or teams, but I’m pretty good myself,” Destiny replied. “You’re on.”
Greyson looked torn between protesting further and giving in, but Hunter narrowed his eyes at her, and put a hand on Greyson’s arm. He shook his head, stepping aside to let the prince lead the way. Destiny gave them both a conspiratorial wink, earning a smirk from Hunter.
“Greyson, do the coin toss,” Prince Alexander commanded as he set out the pool balls.
Destiny chose tails. Greyson winced as the toss came up heads. Alexander’s grin was positively foxlike.
“I hope it’s not too cold in here for you, ice maiden,” the prince murmured, brushing against her unnecessarily as he got into position to break. “One article of clothing for every ball potted. Paired items count as one—no one shoe at a time nonsense. If you run out of clothes, we’ll have to discuss a comparable payment.”
Destiny shivered, her stomach clenching despite her annoyance. She stalked to the edge of a nearby air hockey table to lean beside Hunter. His proximity would do nothing to calm her traitorous hormones, but at least she didn’t want to strangle him.
Hunter looked down at her, expression inscrutable. His hazel eyes were dark, and his posture stiff. Destiny shivered again.
The loud crack of pool balls drew her attention back to the table. The prince had potted a solid ball. He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.
