Playing with fire (gxg)

The soiree was in full swing and celebrations for the evening were at the peak. One of the most prominent piblic figures was throwing a private party in her home and it the talk of the town. Everyone who heard about it wished they invited too. Madame Sterling's home was a picture of elegance. The golden lighting, the stylish furnishing, the free flowing champagne, entrees of oysters and cheese, impeccably dressed guests and the upbeat band playing in the background screamed elitism and privilege.

In the middle of the festivities, resigned with a frustrated edge, stood the birthday girl, Cassia Sterling. An impressive 5'8'' beauty, a sight to behold. She had pretty blonde hair that fell on her shoulders curled immaculately at the tips. She had grey eyes that scanned the room with boredom and exhaustion. She wore a knee-length olive green dress. The dress showcased the visible curve of her perfect round breasts and her tempting tight ass. The slit down her thigh showed an intoxicating amount of her sexy legs. She tuned many heads that night. But she couldn't be any less interested in any of those admirers.

It was her twenty-first birthday, a milestone - as she was told repeatedly, but she didn't feel any different. She wondered if anything in her life would ever not be a strategically planned political event. Her mom's allies and friends in high places hung around the living room exchanging pleasantries and enjoying the champagne and cheese. In the middle of her own house or more accurately her mom's home, she felt like a prop suffocated by her mom's control and rules.

Cass was a very lively person that can be a magnet who drew people in effortlessly. But she also knew that many people pretended to be her friend because of the power and connection that she represented. Trying to be seen for who she is, instead of Madame Sterling's daughter was an everyday battle for Cass. Especially with all the control her mom yielded over her life. Her third year of unbelievable achievements at the country's top Business school, her successful startup and her drop dead beauty never seemed enough for her mom. Citing Cass' dependence on her wealth for education and the security concerns that came with power, her mom always kept Cass on a tight leash.

Cassia Sterling couldn't take any more of this whole charade. Her "friends" who were standing around couldn't be any more shallow. She detested all the show and polite correctness. It was her 21st birthday and she wanted to cut loose, letting her adventurous and naughty side show. Her fake friends were chatting with her, buttering her up. She internally rolled her eyes as she pulled out her phone and nodded along to their conversations. She looks through the dozens of birthday wishes uninterestedly.

Just then an ad for a casino pops up. She almost scrolls past it when she pauses realizing she's old enough for a gambling adventure. Curious, she clicks on the ad wanting to learn more. The more she learnt, the more her heart raced. After a good ten minutes of research she was ready to ditch her own party. She briefly wondered if anyone would actually miss her. She immediately brushed off the thought deciding she simply didn't care. Cass slips out the back door and gets into her deep blue convertible. The car roars to a start and she drives to the address following directions on her phone while blasting her favorite mix at full volume.

Once there, she has little trouble getting in and the whole atmosphere was mesmerizing. So many lights and tables and the ambience sounds almost put her in a trance. She tries her luck at different tables, wanting to get a feel for gambling. After an exciting hour, she ended up at the blackjack table. Cass was absolutely on a streak, enjoying the thrill of new adventures, winning at most of the gambles. She felt like Lady Luck was on her side tonight.

As she was riding the high of rebellion and freedom, two men in black suits and a wire on their ear who looked like security or bodyguards, tapped on her shoulder. The moment she turned around and saw them she had a pit in her stomach. It didn't feel right. Nothing great can ever last she internally groans. But she was too proud to let any emotion other than confidence to show in her face. With a stoic expression, she eyes the security guys.

"Can you come with us miss?" one of them asks. "What is this about?" She shoots a defiant look. But she is not given any explanation, just a pointing gesture as an indication to follow them. She reluctantly follows these guys knowing full well she's probably walking into danger. They lead her through a door beside the slot machines, down a fancy looking access-restricted hallway to an impressive looking door. Must be a private office she guesses. "In there miss" the guy says and gestures her to go in as they both take their positions with a professional stance. Seeing that she has to proceed by herself, she panics Congratulations, Cass!! You are going to get yourself killed in there. She takes a moment to collect herself and put on a face of indifference and poise. She pushes the door open.

Great ships are safe in the harbor,

but that's not what they're built for.