Chuck's already-knotted stomach squeezed tighter - all of the uncertainty (and maybe the alcohol) was starting to make him nauseous. The whole point of coming here was that it was supposed to be a safe place, but the fact that even the Palace could be affected by things like blackouts and lack of cell service was almost too terrifying to contemplate. All he wanted was his safe haven, that special place where everything was taken care of for him, as if by magic. Was that too much for a boy billionaire to ask?
Tonight, apparently it was.
Chuck grimaced at Blair's attempt to get under his skin and forced himself to continue playing the part he was born for. If he just acted as if everything was all right and nothing had changed, everything would be normal. Yes.
"You bitch," he said, shaking his head at her, although his tone contained more amusement than venom. He smirked. "I've got a couple of ideas." He held her gaze just long enough to make her squirm a little, then leaned forward, his face slowly approaching hers...
...and then leaning past it so he could reach into a drawer in the coffee table between them, so he could pull out a fresh deck of cards. He gave Blair a sly grin. "Can the lady play poker?"