"Boss has no spine today," Harry comments. I roll my eyes. I should shut this down, report Harry for the cigarettes, confiscate the cards, send everyone back to their bunks. But that would mean seeing disappointment in Liam's eyes, and I'm becoming pathetically averse to that expression.
The betting continues. Cards exchanged. My gaze keeps drifting: Liam's throat as he swallows, his Adam's apple moving, his lips parting in concentration.
"Raise," Harry says, sliding forward his last cigarette and what looks like a hand-drawn coupon. "One smoke and one cleanup duty swap."
"Too rich for me," Jack says, tossing his cards.
Liam hesitates. "I don't have any more cigarettes."
"So bet something else," Harry suggests. "Something Ethan gave you. I'm sure the supreme leader gives great gifts to his little whore."
I freeze. For a second, I think he might know about the radio.
"What do you want, Harry?" I ask, trying to control my temper.
"Just raising the stakes," he says with mock innocence. He probably doesn't know anything. Probably. "Betting makes thegame interesting. So, what'll it be, Liam? Fold like a little bitch or put something real on the table?"
Liam's face flushes. "Fine. I'll bet my desserts for the next week."
I relax a fraction. Proud of him for not falling for it.
Harry laughs. "Weak, but I'll take it." He flips his cards. "Full house."
Liam's expression falls as he reveals his hand. Two pairs. Not enough.
"Tough luck, newbie." Harry reaches across and snatches Liam's pile with unnecessary force. "Maybe stick to activities more your speed. Like being Ethan's slut."
Something snaps in me.
I surge to my feet, sending cards and prizes scattering across the blanket. "Game's over."
"What the fuck, man? You can't…!"
"I said it's over." My hands curl into fists. "This isn't even allowed. Do you want me to confiscate the cards?"
Jack starts gathering items, moving carefully, like he's trying not to spook a wild animal. I hate seeing him like that because of me. Miles hasn't moved. Just shrugs.
Harry looks up at me. That smirk. "Can't handle a little fun, asshole?"
I lean down, getting in his face. "One more word and you'll be eating those cards."
For a second, I think he might challenge me. Something in my expression makes him reconsider. He leans back, hands raised in mock surrender. The smirk stays.
"Whatever you say, boss."
I want to grab him by the throat. But Liam's hand on my arm stops me.
I straighten. Deep breath. "Clean this up," I tell Harry, thenturn to Liam. "Come on."
I lead him to my bed, sit down, pull him beside me so he's lying against my chest. Across the room, Jack rolls his eyes, but he's smiling. Miles has returned to his book.
"You didn't have to do that," Liam murmurs in my ear. Low enough that only I can hear. "I don't care what he says."
I look at him. His jawline. Those blue eyes.
"Yes, I did. He was being an asshole to you," I say, and kiss the top of his head.
I don't even care anymore.
