Ante Up: Casino Players Saga, #3

By Annabeth Saryu

It was only a matter of time... before their affair was exposed.

 

When a shocking truth catches Darla and Anton by surprise, her worst fears come to life. But not even the risk of losing her company or her brother's betrayal compare to Anton's abandonment.

 

When Anton realizes his mistake, he vows to make amends anyway he can. But after his brutal accusations, can their love and trust be restored?

 

Ante Up is Book Three and the conclusion of the Casino Players Saga. The entire trilogy is avaiable as a boxset.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Annabeth Saryu
• Release date: Dec 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781732383845

Book preview

Chapter One

Darla

Better Dayz Corporate Office, Texas

---

Ms. Simone, your husband is here to see you. My assistant tells me over the intercom.

Thanks, Monique. I’m ready.

I rise from my desk and move to the small sitting area in front of it. Henri and I haven’t spoken since we discovered I was pregnant with Anton’s child.

When he asked to meet at my office, I interpreted it as a sign he wanted to be reasonable.

Darla. Henri calls to me as the door shuts. Hello.

He looks every inch the composed professional. Tailored pants, button down shirt, polished loafers. A far cry from the angry, shouting, door-slamming distressed man from last week. My hopes are high that Henri wants to be reasonable for all our sakes.

Please sit down. I gesture toward the couch furthest away from me.

He settles down onto the couch, manspreading until it looks like his whole body takes up the entire sectional couch. He crosses his legs and laces his fingers across his top knee. His gaze settles on me, a blank stare void of …anything.

An awkward silence ensues, and I’m the first to speak.

I wanted to say that I was… sorry about last week. It shocked me as much as you to learn about… my condition. But in light of what’s happened and why, it’s time for us to go our separate ways.

I’m not so sure about that. His cheek muscle twitches. From experience, I know he’s trying to keep his temper in check.

You’re not sure? Are you serious?

We have a good life and a child together. We’re not in love clearly. But we … get along well enough. For the most part, we get to do what we want. And we’re comfortable.

We were resigned. At least I was.

Describe it however you wish. But I think we should stay together. I’m willing to forgive you.

Forgive me? I repeat. Stop. Now. I regret you found out the way you did. You’re pissed, I get it. But what else is new?

What?

"You’re always pissed at me. I work too much, make too much money. I’m inflexible with your travel. I’m just not accommodating enough period."

"You’re blaming this on me?" He gestures up and down at my torso.

We haven’t had an intimate relationship in years. I remind him in a gentle voice. You’re shocked and humiliated, I understand and that was never my intention. I plead. But you’re not wounded by this Henri.

‘What about Charlotte?" he asks.

She’s lived with me for years. You’ve been free to come and go and see her when you please. You travel a lot. Nothing has to change. Except that she’ll have a new baby brother or sister. I think she’ll be fine with that.

His head jerks back. You… intend to keep it?

Yes. I do. I answer.

Being married to Henri, I never expected to have another child. He wasn’t keen on the idea, and our relationship waned a lot after Charlotte was born.

He resented being de-prioritized when she came along, and those first few years were something he endured rather than embraced. It