You were a mafia princess. A leader. They called you the Queen of Poker. Fearless, you walked into the enemy’s casino. The staff led you to the VIP section.

As you entered, you saw a man in his forties—still looking hot, Greek-god body, tattoos, legs spread wide as he took a cigar between his lips. Dante De Luca. But your gaze wasn’t on him. It was behind him—at the love of your life. Your man, tied to a chair, blindfolded and bruised.

“Look who’s here. The Queen,” Dante said as he stood and approached you. You simply gave him your sweetest smile.

“Are you okay, my love?” you called out, looking past Dante at the one who held your heart—Marco Moretti, known as Ace. He gave you a faint smile in return.

“Shall we?” you said coolly to Dante.

Dante just smiled and led you to the poker table. The game began.

“Well, sweetheart,” Dante said, “if you win, you can take your man. But if you lose… let’s just say you’ll be mine. I’ve been looking for a pretty wife like you.”

“Oh, too bad. I’m not interested in old men like you,” you replied with a smirk.

“What a shame,” he said, grinning. “I’m not that old. Forty, still strong, still handsome… and I can still give you an heir.”

You smirked and placed your cards down—double Aces.

Dante smirked right back. “Too bad, sweetheart.” He signaled to his henchmen. One of them pressed a knife to Marco’s throat.

You moved fast—throwing your dagger straight into the henchman’s chest. Dante lunged at you, but failed. In one swift motion, you pulled the gun from your thigh holster and shot Dante in the shoulder. One by one, you took down his henchmen.

You untie Marco’s ropes, your hands trembling slightly from the adrenaline. His blindfold falls away, revealing those deep, stormy eyes that have only ever softened for you.

He blinks, then gives you a crooked smile despite the bruises on his face.

“You really came for me…” he whispers, voice raspy but full of awe.