Scopa and Sin

ZAYLA

The men exchanged serious glances like they didn't expect me to be really serious about playing with them.

Zarek's dark gaze snapped to me, sharp and unreadable. Then Ziven's, he watched me, clearly displeased, but didn't stop me.

"Jeez, I really like her!" I hear Rafaella's say, her tone laced with interest as all their attention shifted to me.

I swear, I'd be lying if I said I was panicking inwardly. I was genuinely freaked out, but I reined it in with a confident and sharp smile.

The tattooed man laughed under his breath, mocking. "Do you even know the rules, Bella?"

"No," I said, smiling. "But I'm a fast learner."

"I see," he grunted, and shuffled the worn deck with loud sloppy confidence.

"Alright, Bella. Let's play. Four cards each. Table gets four. Match numbers to take cards. Simple enough? Try not to cry when you lose."

My smile turned sharper, "I won't cry," I said and sat forward."

I turned sharply, just long enough to meet the brothers burning gaze. Neither