The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 228

Bernice offered an encouraging smile and returned to Lawrence's side.

Tessa and Sienna had already taken their spots next to Zach and Felix.

Sebastian shifted his body slightly, angling himself so Riley had a clear, unobstructed view of his entire hand. He turned his head to look at her. "Do you know the tiles?"

Riley stared at him.

She wasn't illiterate.

"I can read the characters," she replied dryly.

Catching the slight exasperation in her tone, the faintest ghost of a smile touched Sebastian's lips. He nudged three tiles—a three, four, and five of circles—forward. "This makes a sequence." He then tapped three nines of bamboo. "This is a triplet. Do you understand the difference?"

Riley nodded.

Sebastian continued explaining the basics, using the tiles in his hand to demonstrate the mechanics. His deep, steady voice was incredibly patient.

Though she had never played, she was highly intelligent. When she focused on learning something, she devoted the same intense concentration she applied to medical research.

Lawrence and the guys didn't rush them at all, highly entertained by the spectacle of Sebastian patiently tutoring a woman.

This was a man who aggressively repelled any female contact. Women couldn't get within five feet of him, let alone receive personalized, step-by-step instruction.

It was the eighth wonder of the world.

A once-in-a-lifetime show.

Why wouldn't they sit back and enjoy it?

Once he covered the basic rules, they started playing.

When it was Sebastian's turn, he drew a tile and looked at Riley. "Where does this go?"

Riley analyzed his hand, thought for a second, and pointed to a spot. "Here?"

Zach chimed in, "Seriously, he's basically won the shirt off my back."

Riley blushed, feeling deeply embarrassed.

Sebastian's eyes flicked up, locking onto Zach with a chilling stare. "Watch your mouth."

Zach rolled his eyes internally. You guys talk like sailors all the time! Just because she's here doesn't mean I can't joke. Talk about whipped.

But Zach knew this was her first time hanging out with them, so he couldn't push it too far.

He smiled at Riley. "We're a little rough around the edges, Dr. Vance. Don't mind us."

She shook her head. "It's fine."

She actually preferred it this way—it showed they were treating her like one of the group, not a fragile outsider. She was only blushing because she wasn't used to men making such crude, casual jokes around her. Plus, she had just made Sebastian lose the round.

She looked at him guiltily. "Did I make the wrong move?"