Chapter 33

Sophia Bennett hesitated, biting her lip. "But..."

Evelyn Whitmore studied her face and instantly understood. "There's something important on your phone, isn't there?"

Sophia nodded, cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Evelyn pinched the bridge of her nose and turned to the smug man lounging nearby. "What kind of ridiculous game is this?"

The man smirked, eyeing Evelyn's defiant stance. "Winning or losing doesn't matter here. We spin the wheel. If you play, I return her phone. Simple as that."

Evelyn glanced at the gaudy wheel on the table, unimpressed. "Fine. Let's get this over with."

His grin widened. "Rules are simple—close your eyes, press the button. Whatever option you land on is my punishment. Whatever I land on is yours."

Evelyn's brows furrowed. "Why are we choosing punishments for each other instead of ourselves?"

He shrugged. "Because where's the fun in that?"

She exhaled sharply. "Whatever. Just do it."

He gestured for her to go first.

The wheel spun in a blur of colors. Evelyn shut her eyes and slammed her palm down on the button. When it stopped, the result glared back at her: Kneel and spank yourself 20 times.

Sophia burst into laughter. "Oh, this is perfect! No backing out now!"

The man rolled his eyes but dropped to his knees without protest. With exaggerated theatrics, he delivered twenty sharp smacks to his own backside, earning a few amused glances from nearby patrons.

Now it was his turn.

The wheel whirled again. He watched it for a beat before squeezing his eyes shut and jabbing the button.

Sophia darted forward to read the result—then froze.

French kiss someone you know of the opposite gender for one minute.

Evelyn's jaw tightened.

The man spread his arms, grinning. "My turn to collect. Pay up, sweetheart."

Sophia stepped between them, furious. "Do you have any idea who she is? She's not kissing you! She's my uncle's—"

Evelyn cut her off. "It's fine. I'll handle it."

Sophia grabbed her arm. "Evelyn, he rigged this! Don't let him win! I don't care about the stupid phone!"

Evelyn ignored her, scanning the room. The rule specified someone she knew.

Then Sophia gasped, pointing. "Look! Uncle Nathaniel's right there! Just kiss him!"

Evelyn's gaze landed on Nathaniel Grayson—tall, immaculate, and currently deep in conversation with a stunning woman in a plunging neckline.

Her stomach twisted.

The last time she'd kissed him, she'd ended up trapped in a three-month marriage. Doing it again would only invite more complications.

Her eyes flicked to the charming stranger from earlier, leaning against the bar with an easy smile. His expression practically dared her: Go on. I don’t mind.

Evelyn exhaled.

Better him than Nathaniel.

She took a step forward—toward the stranger.