Hearts Afire. Deborah Fletcher Mello
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going to take some serious skill.
Although she had never played poker before, Maitlyn understood the mechanics of the game enough to quickly catch on. Unlike other card games, Texas Hold’em was a game of risk that forced players to rely on strategy, skill and patience.
She was impressed with Zakaria’s acumen. The man’s nonchalant demeanor made for the perfect game face. He never once broke a sweat, even when Maitlyn sensed that the play wasn’t going in his favor. With the impressive amounts of money being waged, Maitlyn knew that if she were playing she would have broken a sweat and then some.
Occasionally Zak lifted his eyes to look in her direction, but his facial expression never changed. He always seemed fully focused on the cards in his hand and very little else. A few of his opponents were far less reserved; one even jumped up and down and screamed like a banshee when he lost his hand and, apparently, his life savings.
It was shortly after midnight when the first round of play was done, and twenty-four of the original players had advanced to the next round. Zak bypassed the congratulatory handshaking and made his way back to her side. He eased into the seat across from her and reached for the fresh drink Lourdes has deposited on the table seconds earlier. Without realizing it, Maitlyn had kept track, noting that he’d actually only had one drink the entire evening, having sipped it slowly while he played. The one in his hand was his second, and he downed it quickly. Lourdes was there with a refill before either of them could blink. She winked at Maitlyn before she moved away.
“I overheard someone talking, and they said you won this tournament last year,” Maitlyn said, breaking the silence between them.
Zak nodded, his gaze skating around the room. “I did.”
“Wow! I just can’t imagine risking that kind of money on a card game.”
He cut a quick eye in her direction. “You take a risk when you get up in the morning and walk out your door. Life is a risk. I choose to live well and have been fortunate to be able to pick and choose my challenges. This card game is about much more than the money for me. And I only gamble what I can easily afford to just give away.”
Maitlyn sensed that she had struck a nerve. His tone indicated that her comment might have offended him, and she immediately apologized.
“I’ve always been very prudent about everything in my life, particularly my money. I could never be that daring. I admire your boldness.”
Zak turned to stare at her. “To be honest, I didn’t take you for being an overly cautious woman. You’re traveling alone. I think it takes a very daring spirit to do something like that, especially outside the United States. Other countries are not so approving of such a thing.”
Maitlyn laughed. “I didn’t have much say in the matter,” she said, telling him about her divorce and explaining how she’d come to be on the ship by her lonesome.
When she was done telling her story, Zak nodded. “Well hopefully,” he said as he leaned in toward her, lifting his glass in salute, “this trip will be everything you want it to be.”
Maitlyn lifted her coffee cup. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” she said.
The two sat together in deep conversation for another hour. The ease of it surprised Maitlyn. She was surprised that she was enjoying his company as much as she was and also that Zak seemed genuinely interested in getting to know her.
Suddenly, they were interrupted by a woman calling Zak’s name. Both turned at the same time to see who was quickly moving toward them. The young woman was stunning, tall and sleek with skin the color of dark mahogany, eyes like saucers and a full, red-lipped pout. Moving to his feet, Zak smiled brightly as he pulled her into a deep hug.
“Zakaria Sayed!” the girl gushed. “What a surprise!”
Zak brilliant smile was as wide as the ocean. “Izabella! It’s good to see you!”
“You’re here to keep your title, I see.”
He chuckled softly, not bothering to answer.
She nodded and then shifted her eye toward Maitlyn. Her smile was curious as she introduced herself. “Hello, my name is Izabella. Zak and I are old friends.”
Maitlyn recognized the world-famous Brazilian supermodel. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Maitlyn Boudreaux. Zak and I are new friends.”
Izabella tilted her head slightly. “Are you by chance related to Kendrick and Guy Boudreaux?”
Maitlyn nodded. “You know my brothers?”
Izabella giggled, her smile widening. “Guy and I did a fashion shoot together for Giorgio Armani last year. His wife and your brother Kendrick were in Naples with him. We all had a wonderful time together!”
“It’s a small world,” Maitlyn said.
Zak gestured for Izabella to take a seat and join them. “So what brings you on this cruise, Izabella?” he asked as she slid into the seat beside him.
Izabella paused as Lourdes suddenly appeared with a refill for Zak and a glass of champagne for her. She continued once the waitress had returned to her station. “I’ve been traveling with my father. He thought this would be a nice break for the two of us. Plus, you know how much he loves the casinos. He keeps hoping he’ll strike it big at the blackjack table.” Izabella rolled her eyes. She took a breath before continuing. “I’ll be getting off in Greece, though. I have a photo shoot there, and right after that I fly to London to prep for Fashion Week.”
Maitlyn sat back as the two old friends caught up with each other. She was amazed at Izabella’s bubbly enthusiasm. The young woman talked nonstop, and her exuberance had a childlike quality. Izabella actually reminded her of her baby sister, Tarah. Maitlyn found herself curious to know more about her and Kendrick because Izabella Barros seemed very smitten with her brother’s friend Zak.
Maitlyn watched as the woman’s hands danced across Zak’s chest and caressed his arms. Her touchy-feely manner shifted Maitlyn out of the quiet ambiance she’d been enjoying with Zak and she suddenly felt like the third wheel. When it became too much for her, she feigned a yawn, drawing a palm to cover her mouth. “Excuse me,” she exclaimed, color rising to her cheeks.
Zak smiled that generous smile of his. “I imagine you’re tired. Maybe you should go get some rest?”
Maitlyn nodded. “I am, and I should,” she said as she came to her feet and extended a hand in Zak’s direction. “Thank you. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
Zak nodded. “I can walk you—”
She shook her head. “That’s not necessary, but I appreciate the offer.” She turned toward Izabella. “It was very nice to meet you.”
“Let’s plan on spending time together,” Izabella said. “I’d love to talk to you more.”
Maitlyn nodded. “Definitely! Well, enjoy the rest of your evening.”
At the entrance to the casino, Maitlyn turned back to take one last look. The room was clouded. Cigarette smoke had formed a veiled screen throughout the space. Across the way Zak and Izabella were huddled comfortably together, lost in conversation. Jealousy suddenly rippled with a vengeance as she turned and headed from the room.
* * *
Minutes later Maitlyn stood in front of her cabin’s door, looking completely lost. She couldn’t begin to remember where she’d left the key card that gained her entry. She looked down the hallway—the corridor was empty. As she pondered her options, she realized that even if she did get into her own room all her personal possessions were still in Zak’s suite. She shook her head at the conundrum.
This can’t be happening to me, Maitlyn thought, feeling completely out of control. Okay, she thought, as she reasoned what to do. It really isn’t a problem, is it? Obviously she was going to have to disturb Zak. If he was still in the casino, she could just