Chapter 6

Rhett 

He had trapped Jax into the deal with the lure of a sexy woman and the excitement of their sport.

He knew his brother better than he knew himself. Jaxon worried about his gambling problem, but never considered his own addiction. He loved females too much, and got them way too easily, so easy, it bored him.

There was never any competition, unless he was around. That’s when things changed for Jax, and became uncertain.

He had insecurities. Rhett could write a book on them.

Like most guys with their heavy wallets, they never knew if they caught women based on their wits, style, and looks or simply because of their ability to pay the bills. For rich men who owned it all, it was the little things that made them hungry.

One of the biggest things a millionaire asked in his head as a sexy beauty wrapped her mouth around his erection was if she did it because she craved him, or was she doing it for the money. Rhett never had to ask that question. The answer never changed. All women did it for the money. But the millionaire couldn’t swallow that honesty down, so he pretended it was about him as he closed his eyes and enjoyed himself.

He was not that gullible.

He was good-looking, sure, but when a female spotted him, she saw what he could provide. Rhett didn’t mind that. It just didn’t keep him exhilarated in going after them, so he discovered pleasures in other places.

When he wins, he would just use half of it on a good poker game. The rest he will save up so Jaxon doesn't get his panties in a bunch, run back, and tell their parents that he had some sort of gambling problem.

And he would win Mia. By this time, he recognized Jaxon's methods and finally figured out a way to counter them. He wrangled women with deception.

This time Rhett would trap them with the truth.

“What do you mean let the games begin?” Mia formed her lips into a smile. “What are we playing at tonight?"

“Nothing. There’s no game.” Jaxon lifted his menu.

“You’ve picked an excellent restaurant, Mia. Are you a foodie?”

She didn’t glance his way and seared him with her gaze. “What do you mean let the games begin?”

Damn her. He was starting to like her more and more. She was smart and assertive.

Rhett lifted his wine glass and gently twirled the amber rose liquid around the rim, making sure it never spilled, but simply shaded the glass with color. “I don’t know if I should tell you about my brother’s and my game. It may be unfair for one of us.”

“Hmmm.” Her smile never wavered or left. “Does your game involve me?”

“No.” Jaxon was a bundle of nerves across from him. He could’ve wagered a million that sweat would appear if the conversation continued on its present path.

Again, she didn’t turn to him. “Does your game involve me?”

“Yes.” Rhett held her gaze.

“Interesting.” She sipped from her glass of white wine. “Am I the prize or the means to get it?”

That question rattled him. He tip toed further in this verbal word play, making sure he formed each sentence well enough to not get trapped by her.

“You’re sort of both.”

“Both?” Her smile widened. “I would love to hear more about this.”

Rhett didn’t check Jaxon's face. He could already sense the angry glares coming from his way. If he could die from just a look, he would’ve been dead right there.

You never said we couldn’t tell the women, dear brother. Let’s see if you can win her if she knows the truth. Let’s put us both on equal footing this time.

“So should we order first or are you going to tell me all about this game that I’m soon to be a part of?” She opened up her menu and browsed over the entrees.

“How much do you want to know?” he smirked.

“As much as possible, without messing up either of your teams. There are teams right?” She glanced up over the top of her menu.

“Well, just us three are involved, but yeah. It’s sort of team Jaxon and team Rhett.”

She returned her attention back to the menu. “Are there team jerseys?”

He laughed. “No.”

“Cheerleaders?” She winked. “Maybe even mascots?”

He risked a glance at Jaxon. He was now chugging his wine down.

Oh yeah. He knocked him off his game for sure.

“No one else, but us three,” Rhett assured her.

Jaxon cleared his throat. “Let’s talk about this restaurant. You have divine taste, Mia. I mean you—”

“Nope. I want to talk about the game.” She closed the menu. “Plus, I know what entrée I’m going to order. Have you two picked?”

“You already know what you’re ordering?” He raised his brown eyebrows. “But you’ve just sat down.”

“I’ve been dreaming of eating at this place since I moved down here. They have three signature dishes. I’m choosing my most favorite.”

“Why not choose all three?”

“Because I’m only one person.”

“No. Order all three for the table,” he interrupted.

 “Then we can do it family style and sample from them all.”

“Is that what you’re used to, sharing?” She centered those endearing eyes on him. Earlier on the beach, she claimed they were just gray. He knew the color. Even as she stared into her pupils, the irises changed, swirling into a light shade of blue and then darkening to green.

Rhett bet they broadcast her emotions like two mood rings, altering with each spurt of happiness or rage.

What color will they be when he thrust inside of her?

“Are you going to answer my question or just stare?” she asked.

“We don’t share women. We just compete for their attention,” he said.

“Maybe compete is too strong of a word.” Jaxon finished his whole glass.

“It’s not too strong of a word, if you both consider getting women, a game,” she countered. “Do you? Are women a game to you, Jaxon?”