Chapter 1

On the night of our engagement, my best friend was perched on my fiancé's lap, playing the knife game. One flick of the dagger in Killian's hand would sever the strap.

A humorless laugh escaped me as I drew my custom pistol. If we were going to play, we might as well go all in.

The entire casino fell silent. Every eye was locked on me.

Killian gave me a lazy smile.

"Be a good girl. This game isn't for you. Go back to your cabin and rest."

It was the kind of placating, patronizing tone he always used, the kind that came with a prize. Something like, "The new West End territory is yours when we dock tomorrow."

In the past, I would have surrendered instantly.

I would have foolishly obeyed, taken the trophy he offered, and called it love.

But today, I just curled my lip and didn't move an inch.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Clara blinked her wide, innocent eyes. "Seraphina, if you don't like this, we can just play another game."

But as she spoke, she pressed herself even tighter against Killian, showing no intention of getting up.

The smile on Killian's face faded, a flicker of impatience in his eyes.

"Seraphina, the engagement party isn't over. Don't embarrass me in front of everyone."

Everyone said the Falcone heir was a notorious womanizer, and I was the only fiancée he had ever acknowledged.

I had once believed my decade of obedience had finally tamed this beast, that it had earned me this official engagement party.

But he was humiliating me like this, in public, in front of everyone.

A wave of bitterness washed over me, but I met his gaze calmly. "Since you said it's a game," I said lightly, "I'm not one to back down."

Clara immediately leaned in affectionately, as if we were still the best of friends.

"See? That's the spirit. It's just that you're usually so well-behaved, Seraphina. Killian always says you're the purest lily in the family, and he's afraid we'll be a bad influence on you."

I scoffed internally. She was nothing more than the daughter of a minor boss who rode our family's coattails.

But she was shameless, a sweet talker skilled at reading people, and she had slowly worked her way into the circle of high society debutantes.

A moment of weakness on my part was all it took for her to squeeze into my world.

She had played the part of the meek, devoted friend for years, and I had treated her well.

I never imagined her appetite was this big. That she would dare to make a move on Killian.

I gave her a soft smile, using our usual fake friendly tone. "Of course not, darling. You're overthinking it."

The family members who had been watching the drama finally snapped out of it, rushing to smooth things over.

"Exactly. It's late. What's the point if we don't have a little fun?"

The speaker was Leo, Killian's right-hand man. He shot a quick glance at me. "Honestly, Seraphina, we've never seen you touch any of this. But it's okay. Killian's an expert."

"You don't need to be afraid."

He spoke while frantically signaling to Killian with his eyes.

"Tonight, you two are a team. Don't go winning all our money."

But Killian completely ignored him.

He remained seated with Clara, his gaze landing on me with a playful glint.

"Sera, this isn't some ordinary game."

"Once you're at the table, you follow the rules. You still have a chance to go back and rest. Otherwise, don't come crying to me when you lose."

His words stabbed me. I forced a smile.

Clara seemed greatly encouraged. She and Killian exchanged a look. "Why don't we raise the stakes? Let's play Russian Roulette. The winner of each round gets to order anyone here to do anything they want."

She paused, then added with false sincerity.

"But let's be clear. Seraphina has never handled a gun, so you all have to go easy on her. Don't bully my best friend."

The men in the casino erupted in laughter and crude remarks.

"I like this! If I win, I'll make Killian give me that smuggling route in the harbor!"

"In your dreams. The man who can beat the Falcone heir hasn't been born yet!"

"So if I win, does that mean I get the Russo princess to have a drink with me? Hahaha!"

Amidst the noisy chatter, I slowly straightened my spine.

I picked up the heavy revolver from the table.

Under everyone's stunned gaze, I expertly flipped open the cylinder and loaded a single bullet.

With a soft click, I snapped the cylinder shut and gave it a quick spin.

"Let's begin."