Max leaned back on the couch with that easy grin of his and clapped his hands once. "Alright, shall we go for the next round then?"
Max scooped up all the cards again, gave them a quick practiced shuffle, and laid out a fresh row face-down on the coffee table. "Let's see who gets lucky this time."
My heart started thumping harder. I reached forward with everyone else, fingers hovering, hoping this time the King would be mine. If I pull it… maybe I could make Chloe tell how she feels about me. My eyes flicked to Bella for a second, or I could make Bella apologize to me for all the times she's tormented me. Kicking me out of bed, stealing my stuff, calling me dickhead every morning.
The thought felt satisfying and dirty at the same time. Revenge on my own hot-tempered sister while she was stuck in that tight shimmering blue mini dress.
But before I could grab my card, Max suddenly flipped his over first and let out a low whistle. "Well damn… looks like I'm the King this turn."
Ethan laughed from his spot on the floor. "Don't go easy on us, rich boy."
Max just grinned wider, scanning the circle slowly like he was enjoying the power.
"Hmm… what should I make you all do? Something fun for the new year, right?" He paused, letting the suspense build while Bella tapped her foot impatiently and Lara shifted closer to her best friend's side.
Mom sat quietly beside Max, her red qipao clinging to her massive F-cups, the diamond cutout showing deep pale cleavage that rose and fell gently with each breath.
Finally Max shrugged like it was no big deal. "Simple one. I command everyone to have a shot. Right now."
Bella's puzzled look deepened, her mouth opening a little. "That's it? Just a shot? I thought you were gonna make someone do something crazy."
Mom smiled softly, not seeming bothered at all. "It's just a game, sweetie."
Ethan stood up right away, stretching his arms so his half-unbuttoned shirt showed more of his chest. "Let me get the drinks then. Don't start without me."
He disappeared into the kitchen and came back a minute later carrying a tray with a bottle of red wine and a bunch of glasses. The bottle looked expensive, the kind Max probably brought from his house.
Ethan filled each glass generously, the dark liquid swirling inside. When he handed one to me, I took it but didn't drink yet. Mom had always been strict about alcohol for me.
Max raised his glass high. "For the new year and new beginnings. Cheers, everyone."
We all clinked glasses. The sound rang through the living room. I watched as everyone gulped theirs down in one go. Lara coughed a little right after, her perky D-cups jiggling inside the strapless white crop top as she brought a hand to her mouth.
"It tastes a little different…" she said, voice soft and unsure.
Max raised an eyebrow. "Really? I think it tastes the same as always."
Lara shook her head, purple-tipped hair swaying. "Maybe it's just me. Nevermind."
Next to me, Chloe finished her glass too and turned toward me, her loose fluffy night shirt shifting so the low neck dipped lower for a second. "What happened, Robbie? Why are you not drinking?"
I still had the full glass in my hand. After the cheer I hadn't taken a sip because of Mom. My face heated up. "Uh… you know… Mom doesn't really like me drinking."
Ethan laughed from across the circle, leaning back on his hands again. "C'mon bro, it's a party. One shot isn't gonna kill you. Live a little, man."
Max nodded, still grinning. "Yeah, it's just for tonight. Your mom won't mind, right?" As he said it, Max casually placed his hand on Mom's smooth thigh, right where the high slit of her red qipao had ridden up, exposing a long stretch of pale, plushy skin that glowed softly under the lights. His fingers rested there like it was the most normal thing in the world.
My heart gave a sharp twist, something poking deep in my chest. Mom didn't even flinch. She just nodded calmly, her voice warm and loving as always. "Of course I won't mind, Robbie. It's New Year's. Have fun."
I swallowed hard, eyes locked on Max's hand slowly stroking the soft flesh of my mom's thigh. The silk of her qipao had bunched up even higher, showing the curve where thigh met hip. Her heavy F-cups rose and fell gently, straining the diamond cutout. Heat rushed to my face and somewhere lower. I brought the glass to my lips and gulped the wine down in one go.
It tasted… different. Sharper, warmer than any wine I'd tried before. Not bad, just… off in a way I couldn't explain. I'd had wine a couple times secretly with friends, but never enough to be sure if this was normal or if my mind was just playing tricks because of everything happening tonight.
The buzz hit me almost immediately, a warm looseness spreading through my shoulders.
Just as the empty glasses were set down, Max collected the cards again, shuffled, and laid out a new row. Everyone reached forward at the same time.
This time Ethan flipped his card last and held it up with a wicked grin. "Well, what can I say… King again."
Bella had cooled down a bit from the wine, her usual bitchy expression softer now, cheeks flushed pink. She didn't look as upset anymore, just sitting there with her shimmering blue mini dress riding high on her toned thighs, the tight fabric hugging her firm round ass and pushing her tits invitingly.
Ethan's eyes slid over to her with that cocky smirk, like he had the best idea in the world. "Bella… I command you to get on your knees and put your hands on the floor… and bark for me. Like a good little dog."
Bella's eyes widened instantly. "What?"
I froze, shocked too. The words hung in the air like a slap.
Bella's face turned redder, her short black hair falling over one eye as she glared at him. "Don't push your luck, asshole."
Ethan laughed, leaning forward, clearly enjoying himself. "Aw, come on, princess, are you too scared to do a little bark? Maybe you're all talk and no bite after all."
He mocked her with a fake pout, tilting his head. "What's wrong? Big bad Bella can't handle a simple dare? Bark once and I'll even say please."
Bella stared at him for a long beat, chest heaving so her cleavage swelled dangerously over the low neckline of her strapless dress. Her nipples were poking harder against the thin shimmering fabric now. Finally she huffed angrily. "Alright… fine. I'll do it. Happy?"
Ethan's grin stretched ear to ear.
I looked over at Mom, hoping she would say something to stop this, but she just sat there smiling gently, one hand resting on her own thigh where Max's fingers were still casually stroking. "It's just a game, sweetie. Go on."
Bella stood up with a dramatic sigh, her short dress riding even higher on her thighs as she moved. She walked to the side of the couch first, but Ethan interrupted with a laugh. "You know what? I think the coffee table is more fun. Right in the middle so everyone can see."
To be continued...
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