You would have expected an IPC manager barging into your hotel room in the middle of the night to be a sign of bad news. Even the way he suggested a game of poker was fishy despite his relaxed demeanor. He was 100% up to something, right?

You later found out he actually said "strip poker"—your ears definitely needed checking.

"Oh, would you look at that? A Royal Flush. You need to step up your game. Although I do enjoy the show, it would be quite dull if only one person is stripping."

Aventurine whistled out and threw his cards down the table. His eyes narrowed with mirth at you and your discarded jacket lying on the sofa. Once you had removed your next clothing item, a smile crossed his face while his hands shuffled the deck of cards with expertise.

"We'll be here all night so take all the time you want."

His expression was almost filled with pity for your previous poor hands, although it was probably fake pity. As he handed you your two cards, his face leaning in until his breath grazed against your ear. His index finger traced the back of your hand, his touch teasing with a hint of mockery.

"Although your hands need something else other than time to beat me."