The Game of heart

 Let's draw lots now. Each pair that draws the same number has

 to switch seals. And no sitting next to each other!"

 Khloe put the paper ba lls on the table and paired up those who drew the same number automatically.

 There were four players in the first round, and the others would line up. Those who got the numbers 1 or 2 played first.

 Unfortunately, I got the number 2.

 I raised my eyes to look at the other side. It turned out that Griffon had gotten the number 1, which meant we were in a hostile situation.

 Khloe, who had also gotten the number 1, raised her eyebrows at me as if to say, "Wait and see."

 "What about the other 2? Who got it?"

 After hesitating momentarily, Preston opened the paper ball in his hand.

 He smiled at me and said, "I'm not good at playing cards. I have to count on you."

 I responded with a smile that was uglier than crying.

 I was a well-behaved girl who always listened to the orphanage director when I was young, listened to my teachers in school, listened to my boss, and listened to my man in relationships. Therefore, I had never played card games until now.

 When Khloe explained the rules earlier, she spoke so fast that I didn't remember them at all. And even Preston, who often played such games, seemed clueless about how to play. Was this intentional? I couldn't help but suspect that Khloe had cheated during the drawing lots.

 Khloe flipped her fingers a few times and handed me the last card. "Ms. Palmer, it's time to start."

 This new charming voice of hers made me feel uneasy.

 My heart raced as I realized that if I lost a game, I would have to take off my dress completely-it was the only thing I wore. It felt like being stripped nak ed in front of everyone like a pros titute. Khloe was using the game to vent her anger on me after Roman had insulted her.

 I knew what was happening, but the cards in my hand were terrible. In addition, coupled with Preston's sloppy play, I was getting anxious and starting to sweat. However, Griffon remained stubborn and refused to back down. Even if I played the smallest card, he would use the much bigger number to beat

 me.

 Frustration boiled inside of me, turning my face blue. Seeing this, Roman quickly put me on his lap and comforted me. "Don't worry, I'll teach you."

 I was so focused on the cards that I didn't notice that I was already sitting on Roman's lap. I turned around and asked Roman, "How can I do this?"

 Roman took the cards in my hand, quickly made up a set of numbers, and put them out.

 When Khloe saw this, she rolled her eyes unhappily. "Beta Starke, you're cheating."

 Roman raised his eyebrows. "Just tell me if you can beat this."

 Khloe snorted, put away her cards, and leaned against the sofa.

 When I saw Khloe like this, I knew the cards she held couldn't defeat me.

 At this moment, her tightly furrowed brows slightly relaxed.

 I was happy and looked back at Roman with a smile.

 Roman grinned and kissed me again.

 The cold touch instantly brought me back to reality. Only then did I realize I was sitting on Roman's lap.

 I struggled to push him away, but Roman was reluctant to let go. "If you move again, I'll have se x with you right here, right now!"

 I was too scared to move anymore. I turned around with a pale face, and my gaze again met Griffon's.

 As I looked back at Griffon, I noticed the corners of his eyes

 were now scarlet, and the bloodthirsty chill of his wolf emanated from him, causing me to tremble.

 Was he…?

 He played a pair of kings and beat me, followed by several bombs, not giving me any chance to fight back.

 So much for that thought.

 My expression darkened as I realized he had finished playing all his cards.

 Khloe said excitedly, "I only have the last set of cards left."

 Afterward, she threw a few cards on the table and raised her eyebrows at Preston and me.

 "You lost. According to the rules, both of you have to take off one piece of clothing."

 Preston smiled helplessly, put down the unfinished cards in his hand, and took off his jacket.

 Only then did Khloe turn to look at me. "Ms. Palmer, Preston has already taken off his clothes. It's your turn now."

 My expression froze.

 Preston was wearing a suit, so he could take off his jacket and still have a whi te shirt on, but if I took off a piece of clothing, I would be left with nothing on.

 I lifted my gaze to the crowd. Everyone's eyes were on me expectantly, and I felt like a rabbit surrounded by wolves.

 Which…I essentially was. Minus Khloe.

 Even Roman stared at me, waiting for me to take off my dress.

 I knew that complying with their demand would mean sacrificing my dignity, but resisting would only make it harder for me to leave this private room. I felt trapped and helpless, my fists clenched with frustration.

 But I was about to d ie in a few months. Why would I still clutch onto my dignity and reputation?

 Just as I was about to give in and start unzipping my dress, Preston's voice interrupted the tense silence.

 "It's because I don't know how to play cards and got Ms. Palmer into trouble. I'll take off anoth er article of clothes for her."

 Preston removed his wh te shirt, revealing his strong, defined

 abs.

 Why did all of these wolf shifters have to be so good-looking?

 Seeing that Preston was protecting me, Khloe became even more dissatisfied.

 She gritted her teeth and shot a glare toward me. I avoided her gaze and looked at Preston gratefully. "Thank you."

 Preston waved his hand lightly.

 Just as everyone thought the game was over, Griffon, leaning against the sofa and looking disinterested, suddenly spoke up. "You have to abide by the rules of the game."

 Preston glanced at Griffon and felt that he was acting a bit strange tonight. He knew Taya was only wearing a dress. If she took it off, she would have to be nak ed. Griffon had never been a lustful wolf, so why did he feel the need to force her to remove her clothes?

 Preston found himself in a state of confusion, but he had already committed to helping Taya.

 "Griffon, I already took off my clothes. Let's change and do

 another punishment. Don't make her do the same one."