The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

The game room at Damian's mansion was pure luxury, resembling a high-end Las Vegas establishment. Gleaming lights illuminated professional gaming tables, roulette wheels spun beside vintage slot machines, and everything screamed opulence rather than modesty.

"Welcome to my modest entertainment space," Damian announced with theatrical flair, sweeping his arm dramatically.

"Cut the act, Damian. There's nothing modest about this palace you call home. This setup is ridiculous for a bachelor," Stella shot back, rolling her eyes at his pretense.

"I simply enjoy hosting gatherings for my circle," Damian defended himself smoothly. "The bar is fully stocked, everyone should feel comfortable. I've arranged appetizers for the evening. Let's settle in and make this memorable."

"Should we resume our blackjack tournament?" Vera proposed, receiving unanimous approval from the group.

Damian efficiently arranged poker chips and fresh card decks while setting up the main gaming table. Everyone collected their preferred beverages before taking seats around the felt surface. The atmosphere remained light and entertaining until Scarlett's phone buzzed with an incoming message.

"The real fun is about to start."

"Listen everyone, these standard wagers are becoming tedious. What would you say to making this more interesting?" Scarlett suggested with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"What exactly are you plotting, troublemaker?" Cameron questioned as suspicious glances exchanged around the table.

"I'm completely on board. This is painfully dull, nobody's invested in actually winning," Chloe chimed in supportively.

"This is a card game, Chloe. Investment isn't required. Everything depends on chance," Liam stated matter-of-factly, though his tone suggested he sensed approaching danger.

"Liam, even you're clearly bored out of your mind," I observed, placing my palm against his thigh.

"So what brilliant scheme are you ladies concocting?" Adrian inquired, his eyes narrowing with wariness.

"Something guaranteed to raise your pulse," Thea responded with a wicked smile.

"Please tell me this doesn't involve stripping," Owen groaned, covering his face while everyone erupted in laughter.

"Absolutely not," Scarlett assured them, prompting visible relief. "However, we could implement this rule: each round's victor gets to kiss someone of their choosing."

Every male face registered shock and disbelief, making it nearly impossible to suppress my amusement at their horrified expressions.

"What kind of suggestion is that, Scarlett?" Noah whispered hoarsely.

"I participated in this version once before and it was incredibly entertaining," Scarlett explained enthusiastically. "The winner selects their target, but the kiss intensity corresponds to their card total. Twenty-one points means a passionate, cinematic kiss. Twenty points equals a twenty-second lip contact. Eighteen or nineteen points gets a brief peck. Anything lower allows the winner to choose between cheek, neck, or ear kisses."

"You've lost your mind completely, Scarlett! No other man will be putting his mouth anywhere near my woman!" Liam's face flushed crimson with rage.

"What's wrong, Liam? Worried you might lose Hazel to someone else's lips? Because I'm definitely going to dominate this game," Levi taunted with obvious satisfaction.

"If you recall correctly, I claimed victory last time," Liam reminded him coldly.

"Well, if you're truly confident, then accept this challenge. Let's see what happens," Levi pressed further.

"Just for the record, I don't belong to you," I informed Liam pointedly, reminding him that forgiveness hadn't been granted yet. His expression darkened with clear displeasure.

"I find this idea absolutely thrilling," Stella declared, with all the women voicing agreement while staring down the men challengingly. This was our terms or nothing at all.

"Damn you all!" Logan exclaimed in frustration. "You're like seductive devils playing with our sanity!"

"I have to completely agree with that assessment," Adrian added grimly.

"But are we limited to kissing just one person per win?" Thea asked innocently, causing everyone to stare at her in amazement. "What? If I win and desire to kiss two people simultaneously, why should I be restricted? As the victor, shouldn't I have that freedom?"

We dissolved into hysterical laughter watching the men's faces register pure horror and disbelief.

"Fine, winners can choose to kiss either one or two people," Scarlett amended the rules. "Do you gentlemen accept these terms?"

This would be absolutely entertaining! How far would these proud men stretch their comfort zones?

"You're pushing boundaries way too far," Liam protested through gritted teeth. "But if this is truly what you want... Are you completely certain about this decision, Hazel?" he asked, searching my eyes intensely.

"Simply don't lose then, Liam," I replied, holding his piercing gaze steadily, watching his eyes ignite with competitive fire.

"I'm accepting this challenge!" Liam announced firmly.

One by one, the remaining players voiced their reluctant agreement, sending us women into victorious celebration. Inside my chest, tremendous anxiety began building steadily. What would happen if Levi emerged victorious? Everyone present understood exactly who harbored feelings for whom, transforming this group game into a series of personal battles between coupled pairs.