Unlucky by Jana DeLeon Read Free Book Online Page B

didn't want to look him straight in the eye. Not yet. Not until she had reached a calmer place. If Silas even suspected for a moment the fix was on, there would be hell to pay, even if he couldn't prove a thing.
    "Good morning, gentlemen." Jake's voice sounded next to her and she rose up a bit surprised that she hadn't heard him approach.
    Jake looked around the table and nodded to the men, then glanced at the remaining empty stool. "I'm told our fifth has been slightly delayed but should be here any moment. Perhaps Ms. Devereaux would like to begin with drink orders."
    Mallory stopped her sideways assessment of Silas when Jake said her name and rose from her stool, irritated that the dealer had to point out her job because she was too busy trying to size up Silas without him noticing. Looking around the table at the men, she gave them a broad smile. "Would anyone like some coffee this morning? The kitchen also has a nice selection of fruit and Danish if that interests anyone."
    She pulled out her pad and pen, ready to write, but not a single player said a word. In fact, they weren't even looking at her. They were all staring at Jake.
    "You a Yankee?" the banker asked.
    Jake looked at the man in dismay, then scanned the other players, but it was obvious the banker had asked the one thing on everyone's mind.
    "I'm from Atlantic City," he said finally.
    "A Yankee," the mobster confirmed. "What the hell kind of insult is St. Claire going for here?"
    Jake blinked once and stared at the man, obviously unsure how to proceed. He glanced over at Mallory and she shrugged. She'd tried to warn him.
    "I assure you, gentlemen," Jake offered, "that I am well versed in poker and you will find nothing lacking in my dealing capabilities."
    The mobster glared at him. "Ain't nobody worried about your 'capabilities,' stiff shirt. The fact is, this tournament is full of important men. We got our reputations to protect."
    "I was born in Oklahoma City," Jake offered. "Does that help?"
    The mobster shook his head. "If it's north of Interstate 10, you're still a Yankee."
    Mallory bit her lip to hold in a laugh. Although she was enjoying Jake's discomfort more than she should, it was time to reel the situation back in or Reginald would let her have it. "C'mon, guys," she said. "His chips play like everyone else's. Besides, Reginald's the only one who needs to worry about looking foolish here. He's the one who put up his own money for a Yankee to play with. Why should you care who you take it from?"
    There was dead silence for a moment, and all the men continued to stare. Finally, the banker shrugged. "Whatever."
    The mobster studied Jake a minute longer. "I guess I'll live with it." He pointed one finger at Jake. "But you're not allowed to start any topic of conversation, understand? I know what y'all do up in those big cities--ballet, theater--bunch of girly stuff. If it doesn't involve a racing engine or killing something, I don't want to hear a word out of you except cards."
    The beginning of a flush started at the base of Jake's neck, and Mallory could tell he was losing patience fast. His jaw set in a hard line and she couldn't stop herself from thinking that he looked sexy when he was mad.
    Unfortunately, a fight, verbal or physical, was not going to move either of them toward their goals. It was time to wrap this up and get on to the business of playing cards. "Mr. Hebert," she finished roll call, "you in or out?"
    She tensed a bit, waiting for his response, but Silas surprised her by giving Jake an amused look and waving one hand for him to proceed. "See," Mallory said. "That wasn't so hard. Now if you'd like to give me your drink orders, I'll get those started for you."
    There was a momentary pause, apparently none of the buffoons wanting to be the first to speak, but finally the banker barked out his order and the rest followed suit. All coffee, all black. Mallory shoved her pad back into her jacket pocket. Didn't take a genius to remember