Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

295. Olivia - Taking control I

My eyes narrow as I quietly observe Mose, Jasper, and Ansel. My face is a mask of neutrality. After years of practice, not showing any feelings became like second nature to me.

A bead of sweat rolls along Jasper's temple. I pretend not to notice. Mose looks relaxed while Ansel winks at me.

From the sofa, Tyson keeps an eye on us. His fingers move fast over the screen of his phone. He's been hanging around us the entire day while typing. I've been ignoring him the entire time, as I have for the past few days. I know that I've hurt him deeply with what I told him the last time we spoke. I was too emotional and too tired, and I said things that I don't believe.

I don't blame Tyson for what happened with Spencer. It was my father who wanted my son dead. I took all my pain on Tyson because I was tired of being the only one suffering.

I want to take back the heartache that I caused him, but I don't know how. I don't even know if he wants to talk to me. So, I keep quiet.

Mose puts his cards face down on the table. "Everything," he says, pushing all his money into the middle of the table.

"Mose is the best at poker; prepare to lose," Tyson says without taking his eyes off his phone.

I know he's talking to me. When we decided to play poker, Ansel and Jasper warned me about Mose, but I never played poker with someone, just on my phone, when I was younger. To be honest, I barely remember a thing about rules and how to play it, but I wanted to have some fun since the past few days have been quiet, and I decided to fake it till I make it. Since I returned to the farm, I mostly spent the time in bed, cuddling with my guys-Ansel, Jasper, and Mose, as I now think of them and watching movies. It got boring fast.

"I'll win," I decide. "The loser gets to wash the dishes."

face cards on the

are you betting? You have

I don't have a job,"

my muse. It's time to make it official. We can negotiate your salary when you want." I'm Tyson's

Why do I always

like it? I'll pass," I say coldly. I don't want to be a bitch to him, but I can't seem to get my guard down and

care of business and preparing the food at home. I offered to help, but they put a bowl of popcorn in my arms and sent me to watch TV. Being in charge of dinner sounds

order pizza," Ansel says. "How about you finger yourself for

finish. Enjoying myself while being fucked is still something new, and

my cards on the table.

us the cards,"

slowly turn my cards face up. "Flush,"

says, "but I have a

because I thought Flush was better than Full House. I would have checked on the internet, but I still don't have a phone or a computer of my own. Tyson still hasn't

"I have Four of a

I might have bitten more than I