Chapter 212: Chapter 212 Love Is a Gamble, All In
Draven’s POV
I couldn’t shake the worry about Caroline and her friends, so I convinced them that while they enjoyed their girls’ night at the Social Club’s brunch room, we’d be playing poker at the casino. Close enough if needed, but not interfering with their evening. They protested loudly, but I didn’t budge. Eventually they agreed with two conditions—we wouldn’t approach their brunch room, and they’d call us when ready to leave.
The poker game was intense, chips stacking and falling as conversation drifted to our women. Nate looked particularly smug, practically glowing about living with Eleanor.
"I’m telling you guys, moving in with Elle was the best decision ever," Nate said, arranging his cards. "After seeing you and Caroline tie the knot, Draven, I’ve been thinking about how to propose. I’ve got some ideas sketched out."
"Already planning the wedding?" Ryan laughed, tossing chips into the pot. "You’re completely whipped, man."
Nate shuffled his cards nervously. "I know she loves me, but she’s so perfect. Sometimes I worry someone else will steal her away."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a certified wife guy," Joseph teased, slapping Nate’s shoulder.
"Like you’re one to talk," Nate shot back. "If anyone’s whipped, it’s Mr. Cold-and-Grumpy Alpha Draven here. He treats Caroline like she’s made of gold."
Alaric growled in approval inside my head. "She is our treasure. We would destroy anyone who threatened her."
"Careful there," I warned, but couldn’t hide my smile. Caroline was absolutely my weakness, and everyone knew it.
"I thought I’d be roommates with this guy longer," Ryan complained, nodding toward Jace. "But no, he moved out yesterday."
"Sorry man," Jace grinned, not looking sorry at all. "Nate’s apartment was too good to pass up. Perfectly furnished, everything new. I couldn’t resist."
"Fine, you’re forgiven," Ryan conceded, dealing a new hand. "Only because it was a killer deal and the place is amazing. Plus Nate even arranged a housekeeper."
"Yeah, and thank god for that," Jace said, his expression turning serious. "With everything that’s happened, I need somewhere safe to take Nina."
"What’s with the face?" Nate laughed. "Has the tiny spitfire already turned you down?"
"Not yet, but I think she will."
"Why’s that?" Joseph asked, studying his cards.
"I think I scared her." Jace frowned, tossing chips into the pot. "After the wedding, I drove her home and kissed her in the car. She was incredibly nervous. I’m not used to inexperienced women, and this girl is very inexperienced. Not just young—inexperienced."
"What do you mean?" Joseph questioned. "Nina is one of the savviest people I know. The girl’s got skills and smarts."
"Maybe in business, but sexually? She’s incredibly inexperienced. I’d bet my badge on it," Jace stated firmly.
"Are you saying she’s a virgin?" Luke asked, eyebrows raised.
"I don’t know, maybe not a virgin. Come on, she’s what—18? Lives alone, far from family. The chances of her being a virgin are tiny, right?" Uncertainty clouded Jace’s usually confident expression.
"Investigator, looks like you’ve got a real case to investigate now," Ryan joked, earning him a middle finger from Jace.
"What exactly happened?" I asked, collecting my cards. "Caroline barely stepped into the office today when Nina requested an emergency gathering of the girls. That’s why their regular Tuesday night out got moved up."
"We’re screwed," Nate groaned, rubbing his face. "Emergency meetings mean trouble. We already have Joseph trying to fix things with Ava after his dick did all his thinking, and now our investigator friend has fucked up too?"
"Maybe we should stop hanging out with you losers," Luke suggested seriously while Nate nodded. "Draven, you should join us in the light."
Everyone burst out laughing.
Joseph tossed chips into the pot. "Guys, I’m serious. I’m trying to make things right with Ava. Having her stay at my place will give me a chance to prove I’m truly sorry."
"In my case," Jace added, "I’m not sure if bringing Nina to my apartment is smart, but keeping her safe is my priority right now."
"But why do you think Nina will dump you?" Joseph pressed.
"Young inexperienced women like her want romantic, gentle guys," Jace explained, looking uncomfortable in his admission. "Let’s just say I’m more... rustic. I don’t do sweet and gentle."
"From experience," Nate began, leaning forward confidentially, "I’ve been with Eleanor since she was sixteen, and I’m her only serious boyfriend. She loves romantic gestures, sure. But one night early in our relationship, I’d had a few drinks after a rough day. I took Elle back to my place when my parents were gone. I was not gentle. At first she was surprised, but three minutes later? She couldn’t get enough. My point is, inexperienced doesn’t mean she won’t enjoy what you’re offering."
"You, rustic?" Ryan scoffed. "Dude, you’re practically Prince Charming. Everyone knows it."
"Do you think a woman like Eleanor—headstrong, bossy, knows exactly what she wants—would stay with a guy who acts like a prince in the bedroom for this long?" Nate challenged.
"Fair point. Elle’s definitely a force of nature," Ryan conceded with a grin.
"Jace, you’re the one who seems inexperienced here," I added my thoughts. "Women enjoy sex as much as we do. The key is giving pleasure. If you make her come and feel adored, most women will surrender completely to whatever you propose."
"I’m not sure Nina’s like that," Jace argued, concern evident in his eyes. "I like talking dirty during sex. I like it rough. Nina got scared when I barely touched her breasts."
"Did you know research shows the majority of women actually prefer dirty talk in bed?" Luke interjected. "I was shocked too. Kyle showed me the study. Says it increases pleasure by stimulating another sense entirely."
"You need to have an honest conversation with her," I advised. "Communication is everything."
"I already told her that night how I am," Jace explained. "Laid it all out, told her what I like."
"And what did she say?" I prodded.
"Nothing," Jace admitted. "I told her to think about what she wants, and then I left."
"Gentlemen, we’ve found the problem," Ryan announced dramatically. "You talked AT her, not WITH her. Women need to be heard."
"But what if she rejects me?" Jace looked genuinely worried. "I don’t know what it is about this tiny woman, but she’s got me completely fixated."
"You said you kissed her," Nate pressed, suddenly the relationship expert. "Did she enjoy it? The kiss tells you everything."
"She liked it," Jace’s expression brightened instantly. "Fuck yes, she definitely liked it."
"Then your chances are good," Luke assured him. "And whatever you told her, the girls are probably dissecting it right now. Women tell each other everything."
"I’ll talk to her tonight when we get home," Jace decided, checking his watch. "Shit, now I’m anxious like a teenager with his first crush."
We all laughed, understanding completely. These women had bewitched us, turned powerful wolves into lovesick puppies.
"All in," I announced, pushing my chips forward with confidence. Just like with Caroline, sometimes you had to go all in to win what mattered most.