Poker Face

POV | JESSICA

"Virgin."

The word tasted sour on my tongue. I repeated this one word all over again trying to make myself sound like it didn't bother me. But it did bother me, a lot. Especially when this word left his mouth last night and made it sound like the funniest joke.

It wasn't that bad, I thought. Now, try it again. "Vir—gin."

Those two syllables left my mouth again making me blush. "For goodness sake! It's just a word, Jessica! A word! A stupid word. It shouldn't affect you!"

But the truth is that it did affect me. Affect very much. And I was as twice affected when he said it to me....

Stop right there! You won't be thinking about this ruthless man! Bad, Jessica, bad!

But I couldn't help it. I thought about him when I stared at myself in the mirror, when I was under the shower, when I laid in bed alone last night, and when that certain word left my mouth! I groaned in irritation. "So what that you're a virgin? Everyone was once a virgin! Madonna was a virgin, the priests and nuns are virgins, even Fred the janitor is a virgin!"

"Damn it!" I heard someone curse behind me. In the mirror— I just let my anger out —I saw our janitor Fred who was passing by with a mop in his hand. "How'd you knew?"

Flustered and startled, I shrugged and gave him the most stupidest answer I could think of at the moment. "Erm... A Chinese cookie told me?"

He frowned. "I knew those cookies were a bad idea," He said referring to last week when all employees went out to grab Chinese food after the shift. He then sighed, slumped his shoulders, and shook his head. "I'm never ordering Chinese food again."

I stared after Fred's frame dressed in a grey janitor's attire until he disappeared inside the staffs room. He was a man in his early 40s, hair already turning grey in some places, and with a belly a size of a watermelon. Probably sexually frustrated as well. I felt bad for Fred. He sacrificed himself working in this Casino.

"Virgin!" I shouted one last time in my reflection the mirror. I'll show him next time that it doesn't affect me anymore. I'll throw it at his face and make him swallow that word.

"Jess?" I jumped around, the second time startled tonight, and plastered an innocent smile on my face, embarrassed that I nearly got caught in this state. I saw Tori— my work mate —making her way over to me. "What did you say to Fred that made him so upset?"

I rolled my eyes. "I might have mentioned that he's still a virgin, which by the way, is true."

She raised her eyebrows and crossed her skinny arms. "And may I ask why are you going around all day shouting the word 'virgin' at the mirror like some crazy maniac?"

"You know why," I pointed an accusing finger at her, even thought it wasn't her that I was angry at. "No one ever in my life embarrassed me like he did."

"You mean, Marco Dallas from last night?" She asked. I saw it in her eyes: even she was attracted to him. "Why are you so mad at him about?"

I started to explain my version of last night. I kept my virginity a secret, effectively, until I met someone who popped my protective bubble. (I don't mean the cherry.) That someone not only sexually embarrassed me with their words, but also had the nerve to point my lack of experience in sex straight to my face in front of witnesses. I didn't sleep last night. I kept asking myself: was it that obvious? Do I have VIRGIN written on my forehead and everyone around me knows? I had questions that I didn't have answers to. But my virginity didn't bother me, what bothered me was that he pointed out that I'm immature and have something wrong with me. I came to a conclusion that being a virgin is inherently a mark against you: that not only is there something that makes you undesirable but that revealing that you're a virgin will ensure that you will be passed up by others because you lack the experience to provide the mind—blowing sex that we all expect from relative strangers.

One thing was for sure though: that person drew a great insecurity within me. The worst thing about that encounter was the person itself that I had the displeasure to discuss my virginity with. The arrogance formed on his smirk, and the amusement showed in his eyes. I felt like a monkey in a circus that everyone came to watch like as if I was the main attraction in the casino.

"So basically, in my opinion he started to flirt with you, then you acted all defensive and he somehow found out that you're a virgin because of the way you told him off?" She repeated the explained version from me in entirely different words. "The question is: the the hell would you do that?"

"Tori, let me get this straight, he did not flirt with me." I said. "He embarrassed me in front of other people stating that I was some little girl who couldn't handle even working at the casino!" Huffing I threw my hands up. "And as I already told you the only reason I started being defensive was because he tried to get too comfortable with me." I explained myself once again.

She looked at me as if I had two heads. "Too comfortable? Baby, it's the 21st century and women like it when men get too comfortable with them." She lectured me as if I was a five year old just starting to learn an alphabet. "Don't blame the poor guy just because he acted most women expect men to act." Tori put her hands on her hips. "If you want other treatment, maybe Fred might help you with that."

"The janitor?" I cringed.

"Yes, our janitor." She nodded. "From what I've heard John and Tyler are looking for someone to hook him up since he never had a girlfriend," Tori grinned widely at me. "You both suit each other perfectly!"

I groaned. "Tori, I had a boyfriend."

Tori smirked. "Imaginary boyfriends don't count."

"He's not imaginary! I dated Michael." I argued back.

By now amusement was all over her face. "You mean the one you went out once in middle school?" She quirked an eyebrow.

I knew it was a bad idea going to that bar with her to get wasted. Tori have found out about my most embarrassing secrets. My adulthood seemed depressing, honestly, it was the first time I ever got drunk.

"Well... Yes," I admitted uncomfortably. "But at least I had a boyfriend and that counts."

"Suit yourself," she paused for a second. "...virgin." Tori bursted out laughing. I rolled my eyes and tried to block her annoying laugh from my ears. "You were actually lucky to serve Marco Dallas last night. I usually have to stare at an fifty—year old sweaty foreheads all night long. Do you know how exhausting is that? Can we swap next time?"

I gave her an annoyed look and shook my head at her sweet smile. Despite her not being on a virgin diet, Tori acted as if she'd never saw a penis on her eyes before. Her sexual related topics and questions aimed at me didn't help my current situation either. Marco Dallas has damaged my brain with his utter cruel suggestions, and I couldn't get him and his dark devilish eyes out of my mind. Every time I replayed last night's incident, I'd flush, and Tori's knowing smirks were driving me insane.

"Jess, why are you making such a big deal about losing your virginity? I'd say you should get rid of the bargain. You're missing out girl!"

This girl was getting on my nerves.

"Don't go there, Tori," I warned her. "The discussion about my virginity is over."

She sighed. "We live in a world where losing your phone is more dramatic than losing your virginity." She pointed out crossing her arms. "No one would even scold you for that, Jess. They'd even encourage you!" Tori gave me a thumbs up and a big wide smile, but her smile faded immediately when her eyes gazed behind me. "Oh shit! James!"

At this one mention of name, my eyes bulged out of their sockets. We quickly went back to doing our chores as if the devil were to appear... well, our boss was definitely the devil. I adjusted the chairs by the poker tables, and Tori cleaned the imaginary dust on the bar. Soon, a dark figure appeared next to us. The demon is disguise as our boss: James Martin.

James stopped and watched us with his narrowed eyes. One look on his face, and I'd rather the devil himself stood there instead of him. "Do your chores faster! We don't pay you for laziness." He ordered.

He started to walk the other way without giving us another glance. Probably to torture his next victim. The only sign of him left were his smelly cologne, and the back of his head that was now in the distance. We both breathed out in relief.

"God, I hate this man!" Tori groaned. "Okay listen, I'm going to say this once, so listen carefully,"

I nodded waiting for her to continue. She crossed her arms again and a serious look crossed her face. I wondered what was so important she had to say. I waited with anticipation as she took her sweet time to open her mouth and finally spill the secret.

"Okay, so..." she dragged the word.

"Yes?" I asked. My heart sped up a bit.

She sighed deeply and stared straight into my eyes. "You're a very lucky bitch!" She nearly screamed and laughed.

I mentally facepalmed myself. This girl can't be serious. "Tori..." I whined. "Can you please just shut the fuck up?" I complained moving onto another table to adjust the chairs. She, of course, followed me. It was hard to concentrate on my task when I knew she was eyeing me from behind, so I turned, and crossed my arms.

"Look that guy was nothing but rude towards me and I've felt uncomfortable in his presence. I don't understand why is it so exciting for you since all he did is offend me, and I'll probably never see him again."

I watched her eyelids close by my long monologue. "He's an ass." I added.

Her face immediately brightened up. "Correction— a sexy ass."

God, give me strength.

Tori clutches her sides and laughed out loud upon seeing my sour expression. And I growled frustrated.

I swore under my breath and started to let out my frustration on my task at hand. It was easier to just do my job. If I had to pick between listening to Tori talking all night or clean the entire casino in one night, I'd chose the latter.

I heard Tori sigh beside me. "Jessica, baby," She started saying, grabbing both my shoulders making me turn to face her. "I can bet my monthly pay check, that barely ever covers off my food and bills, that mysterious Marco Dallas wants to fuck you."

I stared at her in shock. Tori's ridiculous statement left me speechless for a moment and I just stopped functioning. Then I managed to bring myself back to earth and I slapped her hands off of me. Her face showed amusement. Her red hair, (literally. She reminded me of that girl in the Nickelodeon show.) waved on each side, and once again I contemplated if Victoria Mendez takes anything in her life seriously. Her pierce blue eyes and thin lips added to her beauty. No wonder why she had such luck with men. Tori was beautiful, but too stubborn for her own good. But despite her talkative nature and obsession with sex, she's the only person I could bear to interact since starting my employment at the casino. So that, I guess, makes her something.

"Tori, he does not want to fuck me." I said slowly letting it register in her brain. "And the only reason you can't afford to pay your bills is because you party non stop and don't save up." I tried to show her that her previous statement didn't have a slightest affection on me.

She stopped laughing at once and grinned at me. "Well, somebody has to live it up. Now, stop being so stubborn and admit that he wants you."

"He does not!" I denied.

"Do you?" She quirked her eyebrow curiously.

"No!"

She smirked. "You don't have enough balls to admit the truth."

I groaned. "I HAVE BALLS!" I shouted and soon regretted it. The casino fell silent. Tori's mouth fell open ajar and her eyes switched to look behind me. I closed my eyes and slowly turned around, then I opened them to find half of the staff staring at me bizarrely. My face went scarlet. I gave them a sheepish smile and quickly turned back around to murderously glare at my crazy co—worker.

Without thinking, my hand went on my hips and my features turned into anger. "Listen, I don't want to hear another word about Marco Dallas again. I'm being serious right now. I told you my opinion on this man and that's the end of this conversation." I said seriously. "Get back to work, Victoria."

She stared at my face. "Geez. You sound like James." She scoffed and walked away.

Great. Tori gave me yet another unwanted thought to contemplate. She's wrong thinking that Marco Dallas want to. . . deflower. . . me. But then my doubts kicked in and I wasn't sure anymore. I mean, sure, Marco was strong on the mouth but he didn't try any tricks on me to get me in his bed. He only acted impolite and attacked me with his words. But maybe Toris is right and that was his way at seducing me? All I know is that I'm a confused disaster, that what men like him do to a girl like me. A virgin. He's the worst man I've ever met,—not that there were many men— he's on top of my list. I come from a family of classiness and wealth, where men treat women with respect, men that are called gentlemen's, someone that's he's unarguably and certainly not.

And I, Jessica Williams, had the displeasure to meet him.

24 hours ago

I stared at myself in the bathrooms mirror for several minutes trying to cope my nerves. The black and white job attire i wore— white button up shirt, black camisole, and black short skirt— made my skin look more paler than it actually was, or perhaps, it was my current state that made it look that way. I was having a little problem with my skirt as it kept riding up exposing nearly half of my behind. Who even came up with such exposing job attires?

I sighed. All the emotions i was currently experiencing were getting the best of me. I tried to memorise all the tips that James, my boss, gave me before assigning me to my task. Not that he shared them out of good intentions. He wanted me gone from here. He showed his dislike towards me every chance he got. James Martin was a grumpy man, who i had to deal with to get my employment, and it was a living nightmare to convince him that I'm good for this job. He thought differently though. James didn't like me— not that he liked anyone anyway.

It was my first day working at the Casino Viva— followed by a three weeks of training, i got the chance to show my skills that got me this job. But that still didn't ease my nerves. I felt paralysed from the fear that i might screw everything up. This is my first ever job, i guess feeling this way is normal? There also came a massive pressure from the plan to show my father that I am not a complete failure. Brian Williams, the owner of casinos, and co-owner of the international hotel lines. He never had any faith in me—his daughter that now will be working at one of his casinos in Las Vegas. After all, it was my brilliant idea to employ myself in the casino, and luckily, after many attempts to convince him on my plan, he agreed—but that didn't mean he approved of this. In his eyes I was the daughter who would always fail him, someone who wasted their talent and chance on simple jobs when I could be in one of the best universities in US studying business. I knew better though. I knew he was disappointed to not have a son who he could proudly give the ownership when he retires. He assumed many times that I'd be swallowed by the big sharks in institution and ruin his lifetime business. Often, the disappointment showed in his eyes, and it haunted me for many years, but despite his visions of my life and bright future with many business degrees and certificates, I wanted something else. I wanted to free myself from my strict father for good, so he'd never have any control over me anymore.

As you may assume, I never had to worry about income. I always had everything that I wanted due to my fathers wealth, but I felt like a prisoner who my father bought my freedom, that's why I wanted to separate myself from that lifestyle. My goal was to live my life not by someone else's expectations and to learn to chose for myself. So this is all new to me, and for once I'm excited and thrilled by all of this. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can actually breath. Wealth is my father main priority—mine is freedom. I will learn from my own mistakes and celebrate my victory which I'll accomplish by myself. I chosen this, and I'm determinate to show my father that I'm capable to do this; I can earn for myself and live my life the way I want, and I won't let anyone stop me. Not my father, not my strict boss, or anyone that will try to stick their nosey nose into my business. I will fight.

"Jessica Williams, it's time that you show that prick James Martin that you're a hard working woman, and let him shove his rude comments into his stuck up ass." I said encouragingly, smiling widely at myself in the mirror, feeling the courage to go there and break a nail.

I left the bathroom and walked pass the reception in the hotel's lobby. I saw Marta behind the marble reception desk occupied with a phone call, I waved at her and gained a wave back. The woman had one crazy hairstyle; her locks were all over the place, the colour of chestnut that complimented her hazel eyes. I've noticed that her nails were always painted in bright red colour, just as her lips.

The casino was connected with a hotel that my father was the co—owner, considering his bank account that showed multiply zeros, it was a good business. One thing that the employees here didn't know was that I was in disguise. Imagine the gossips that would spread among my work mates if they found out that I'm the daughter of their boss. My disguise is to keep me safe. I don't need people kissing my feet thinking that they'll get promoted, or praise me because I come from the Williams family.

Deep in thoughts, I haven't noticed that I've reached the big hall that held the casino. The place didn't need rich people to shine on its own. It screamed luxury; with its lights illuminated from the crystal chandeliers that hanged from the gold ceiling, sculptured walls that were covered with many paintings from recognised artists, elegant people walking on the red carpet that gave a warm welcoming to the green card tables and roulettes. It was an amazing sight for many eyes. The casino was known as Las Vegas' great sin, while it tempted people to come and play until their wallets became empty. Black or red, devil's colours. It's like your making a deal with the devil and the roulette takes over your mind. It's spinning and you're feelings hypnotised by its power, at the back of your mind you know that it's time to quit, but you just can't stop. It's not just about winning the prize anymore, but simply the game; the adrenaline, rush of the moment, the sound of your heart beating, is what draws you in like a magnet.

As I look around this crowded hell, I know I'm about to commit a sin.

"Hey, Jess!" I saw Tori making her way to me. She frowned when she saw the look on my face. "Are you alright?"

"Oh, my god." I gulped. "The casino is so crowded tonight."

"Haven't you heard?" Tori asked. "One of the best poker players in the states is our guest tonight, that's why the place is so crowded because everyone came here to witness his greatness."

"Is it someone famous?" I asked curiously, falling into step with her as we walked further into the hall.

"Famous?" She laughed. "Honey, he's a poker god!"

"Jessica!" I paused mid—step, turned around already knowing that I've got myself in some deep trouble. That voice calling my name couldn't get passed unknown, everyone knew its owner. The devil himself in disguise as my boss and the manager of the Casino Viva. I watched how he emerged my way with what seemed like an angry expression. He looked like any other day; with his black and white attire neatly ironed to perfection, and dark slicked up hair. On his face settled that frown I'm so accustomed of, and the famous scowl that never seemed to leave his lips under that funny moustache he'd grown. For the past three weeks that contained my training, I've been stuck with this grumpy man for several hours a day. It was the worse experience in my life.

James Martin is the only person that has the knowledge of my identity, considering he's my father's right hand, it seemed reasonable. I was starting to wonder if my father had something to do with him being so rude and strict towards me, but as I see the glare that forms on his face, I understand he was just simply born that way.

"Oh!" Tori jumped. "I'm running before James gets a chance to shout at me again." Before I could stop her, she was already gone.

I braced myself for the upcoming storm. "James." I said flatly when he approached. I could swore I've heard him growl lowly and surprisingly his frown deepened. I had to note that he's very skilled at frowning.

"The nerve of this girl!" He snarled. "How many more times do I have to correct you? You know better than to call me by my name, and it's boss for you. Don't let other employees learn that from you."

"Sorry, boss," I smiled sweetly, sarcasm dripping from every word leaving my mouth. "It won't happen again. I'm just not used to this yet."

He looked me up and down. "Where Have you disappeared? I won't tolerate lateness from you, and don't think you'll get special treatment because you're royalty."

"I was using the bathroom." I explained, stopping myself from rolling my eyes.

"You know the rules, Jessica. Employees can only leave their duty at their break time." He lectured.

"Got it!"

He eyed me suspiciously. His eyes had demons inside them. "You've got table six waiting for you. Now, I hope you memorised everything I've taught you," He raised his thick eyebrow, eyes cruel. "One wrong move and you'll get fired."

"I did memorise everything." I said through gritted teeth. The nerve of this man! Who does he think he is?

"Prove it." He dared me. "It was the worst three weeks of my life teaching you on becoming one of us. You didn't have a drop of talent for this position, so consider yourself lucky that you had your. . . Ways, to get the job."

I will show you....

"Now get to work!" He ordered. "Table six." He reminded before leaving. I heaved a scream as I watched him walking away to torture another employee, horns sticking out from his head. True devil he is. James is the manager, the don, the godfather or whatever his stuck up ass wants to be and it gets on my nerves.

I shook the building frustration inside me and started to make my way to table six in the poker tables area. Before I could get any further, I felt a grip on my wrist and I was pulled back behind a column. Victoria stood beside me, eyes widen, smile wide like a Cheshire Cat's, still holding my wrist. I gave her a confused look. "Well, well, well, the newbies are always the luckiest." She stated and I rolled my eyes playfully.

"What are you talking about th is time, Tori?" I asked. A small smile tugged on my lips. Tori and I became friends when I started my training in the casino, we both got along like house on fire and we both instantly agreed that we hated James' guts.

Her red hair were tied in a high ponytail, and she wore the same attire as myself. "Tell me, which table are you about to serve?" She asked.

I narrowed my eyes. "Table six." I told her. "Why am I so lucky may I ask?" Her grin grew. "Because, Jessie," she turned me around with her hands on my shoulders, and pointed in the direction of table six. What I saw there made my cheeks grow hot. My gaze landed on a man sitting by the table six; smoke surrounded him as he put a cigarette in his mouth, and I nearly gasped from the sight. There was no doubt that this stranger was handsome, in matter of fact, the evidence were his wide sculptured arms and shoulders, under the expensive looking suit jacket. He had the kind of face that stopped you in your tracks. He had dark eyes that made me weak at the knees, framed by graceful brows. His hair were midnight black, and his face was obscured by a fuzzy, thin beard. Tanned skin, prominent cheekbones, and well—defined chin and nose. I'd never seen a man with those features, but I knew, that he was the most beautiful man I've ever seen.

"Marco Dallas." I heard Tori whisper in my ear, and I snapped out of my little trance. "Tori," I gasped turning to look at her. "He's gorgeous."

With dreamy eyes, she sighed. "I know." She then looked at me, beaming. "You're a lucky bitch!"

"Who is he?" I asked turning once again to look at him dreamily.

"Remember when I told you about the poker god who came for a visit?" She asked and I nodded. "Well, that's him."

"Great." I said sliding my hands down my face. "My first task and I get some poker genius who looks like a Greek God."

"I know right!" Tori beamed. "You're a lucky bitch!"

I looked at her. "You already said that." I pointed out.

"And I'll say it again and again. Until I'll meet someone hotter than him, then I'll stop."

I rolled my eyes. I couldn't help but look behind me again. God, his beauty was so captivating. "One thing I don't get, though," I said unwillingly returning my gaze on Tori. "If he's such a royalty, why isn't he in the VIP section?"

"Good question." She nodded. "It's basically because the public section gives more audience. Plus, the casino provides clients like him with unlimited dimes and a free countless night of stay in one of the apartments in the hotel, and in return, he gives the casino more clients."

"More clients, huh?"

"Yeah, everyone wants to dare the devil. So it's going to be quite a show tonight."

I raised my eyebrows in thought. "I never thought of that in this way. It's actually a clever idea. But what does he gets from this? The dimes belong to the house, right?"

For a moment, she just stared ahead deep in thought, but then she looked back at me and said. "He gets fame."

I nodded understanding her point. "He must be such a diva."

"I don't doubt that." She giggled. "But be careful," she warned. "I heard rumours that he's always rude toward our work mates. Plus, he's one of our best clients who the casino invited themselves, so make sure to keep your distance otherwise James will fire you without a second thought." She looked at me worryingly. "They call him The Game Master, because he has incredible skills with cards and he's famous for his poker face that would put even Mona Lisa to shame."

"He sounds like an asshole." I frowned.

"More likely, but he still has a nice ass," she winked and I chuckled.

"Well, thanks for the info. I'll keep an eye on him."

"No problem, honey." She winked and sprinted off. I took a deep breath and continued walking to my destination. I felt nervous, all of a sudden. I noticed four other men accompanying Marco Dallas, and I felt a weird sensation forming in my stomach. Every step felt like a lifetime, until I finally approached their table, and his attention landed on me. He stared at me with his dark mesmerising eyes, as if he tried to control my mind, and somehow I actually felt hypnotised by his stare. He sat there in his expensive Armani suit, and I stood there wearing only my job attire looking like a grey mouse. I finally understood how Cinderella felt when she met Prince Charming.

"Good evening," I greeted the men. "My name is Jessica, and I'll be serving your game tonight."

The man that sat opposite Marco probably was in his late 20s, slightly handsome if someone asked me. His light brown hair were neatly brought up and he had small hazel eyes. I turned my gaze to the other man, with blonde hair and green eyes. I could bet my first pay check that he was not older than me, I assumed in his early 20s. He caught my eyes and smirked. I shifted in my spot quickly looking away, and settling my eyes on the older man that was with them. The older man's hair were grey, and to match them, he'd grown a full grey beard. He smoked a cigar and looked like a king sitting on his throne.

Then there was another young man with black raven hair and bushy eyebrows. If I had my tweezer with me right now, I'm not sure if I'll be able to restrain myself from plucking his crazy brows.

"Good evening." They all greeted back politely.

"Let's start with a little warm up." His voice filled my ears, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I discreetly looked his way, to check if his eyes were back on me, but his attention was else where.

Let the game begin. I started to shuffle the deck of cards, using the technique called 'the riffle shuffle'. I've spilt the deck of cards into an approximate half's and put them face down on the table, then I've grabbed the decks with my thumbs on the edges and three remain fingers of each hand wrapped around the far edges, then I positioned the stacks into a slight angle so that the top edges formed a 'V'. I held the edges that form the bottom of the 'V' against each other, I started to use my thumbs to release the cards—two at a time, and watched as they slowly shuffled together.

I thanked the heavens above that the cards didn't fly out from my hands. That would be so embarrassing. I wanted to be seen as a professional, I had to be, especially when he was sitting on my right watching my hands, as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.

When I finished, I've dealt each player five cards. Now it was their time to shine. "Your move gentlemen." I said and watched their faces for some signs that might spill their hand.

The older man tapped the table with his hand signalling that he checks. Now hazel eyes had the chance to bet. "Well, lets start of with five hundred." He said, dropping blue chips worth 50s into the pot.

Blondie, called and had put the dimes into the pot. They all seemed casual, no sign of hesitation. Raven hair, raised his stakes and added another two 50s into the pot. Now, it all comes down to Marco.

My eyes settle on him. His eyes showed nothing. His face blank like a statue figure. I could tell that he was making the others nervous with his tactics, and then his hand raised and put twelve 50s into the pot, closing the bet at six hundred if the older man will fold. The older man fold as predicted and tossed the cards into the centre of the table.

"Aww, old Benjamin doesn't have luck tonight?" Hazel eyes teased the old man. A smirk grew on his face and he replaced two cards for new ones.

"You talk too much." The older man replied with a bored expression.

Hazel eyes snorted. "I'm sorry sir! I thought this was a casino, my bad. Now that I know it's really a retreat in the Himalayas, I won't say another word," He looked deadly into his eyes. "To you." At the end he added a wide smile.

"Good." Old Ben grumbled back.

In mean time, blondie replaced three cards and Raven hair two. Marco two also.

"I think I was born under a lucky star." Hazel eyes said eyeing his cards and added another two 50s into the pot.

"Don't be so sure about it." Blondie shoot calling and added his chips.

"You're both delusional." Raven hair snickered adding his chips too.

Marco said nothing, but he didn't have to, his actions spoke for him, because he raised the stack to three 50s more into the pot making the bet worth eight hundred dollars.

"Little Marco want to shine tonight?" Hazel eyes teased adding two 50s into the pot, calling the bet. "Too bad you'll lose."

"I fold." Blondie quirks and watches raven hair who adds his chips too.

"You know what your problem is?" Marco directed his question to hazel eyes. "Your pretend confidence will only make you a loser."

Marco tossed the cards on the centre of the table for all eyes to see, revealing his hand and we all stared. He got a royal flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 and 9 in hearts.

"Well, Damien?" Marco pushed hazel eyes who's name has been revealed.

Damien grumbled and tossed his cards at the table revealing a full house: K,K,K,2,2.

Raven hair lost with: Q,Q,Q,A,A.

I was amazed by Marco Dallas. By his confidence, and mysterious tactic. "Mr.Dallas is the winner of this round." I announced collecting the dimes from the pot and placed it by his side

"I have a feeling that Marco won't be going easy on us tonight." Blondie commented with a smile at the end. I noticed that he's a kind of person that smiles often—the cheerful one of the group.

Marco raised his eyebrow. "Have I ever?" Look who's being playful, I thought. Marco seemed as the most reasonable one in the group. He was the quiet one, but his actions spoke louder than words, which he demonstrated at the table.

"Marco wouldn't even go easy with a virgin." Damien snickered.

My cheeks grew hot. I stood there paralysed imagining Marco and I kissing. I, laying flat on the table, and he, on top ripping my camisole and shirt off. What was wrong with me?

"You're right," He confirmed, and for some reason, his eyes bored into mine. I was a lava. "I wouldn't."

The deck of cards flew out of my hands. All eyes were now on me. "Oh god, I'm so sorry!" I bend down and started picking up the cards. I cursed myself mentally for being such a fool. How will I look into his eyes now?

When I was done, I got up to find blondies pitying smile. I wanted to slap myself. "Don't worry, it happened to all of us before."

"I disagree." Marco interjected. "If you can't even do such a simple job as shuffle the cards properly," His gaze invaded me. "Then what are you still doing here?"

"My job." I replied confidently. "I'm sorry, it won't happen again." I added afterthought.

"Marco, leave the innocent girl alone." Blondie came to my rescue and I've sent him a great full smile. I saw Marco rolling his eyes and didn't comment anymore. "What is a such a nice girl as yourself doing in a place like this?"

I gave blondie a glance while shuffling the cards again. This time I expertly performed the riffle shuffle, without the table, and with the bridge at the end. Take that Marco!

"Playing hunger games with my stuck up boss." I pulled a joke.

They all chuckled except for Marco and old Benjamin. "What is that hunger game? I've never heard of it." The old man asked frowning.

"Oh, my old pal Benny," Damien patted his back. "You're too old for this to understand."

The man grumbled in annoyance. Those two didn't like each other very much. "By the way, I like the sass." Damien threw me a wink.

"I like the tie." I complimented, even though the tie was ugly—dark green with lighter shade of green dots on it—and it didn't match his shirt and suit.

Again, I dealt each player five cards. I watched curiously and hoped that Marco will lose this time.

Old Benjamin added into the pot. "Five hundred."

"Old Benny finally is giving us some action." Damien joked and also added to the pot, calling the bet.

"When I was your age and some fellow like you would disturb my game," Benjamin snarled. "I'd leave him with a broken nose."

Raven hair and Blondie called the bet too and added their chips into the pot. I saw amusement in their eyes. "Calm down Benjamin! We don't want you to break your bones here trying to give me a black eye." Damien snickered.

Marco raised his stacks and added two more 50s into the pot. "Damien, focus." He lectured. I rolled my eyes because he reminded me of James.

"Is there something wrong with your eyes?" I snapped my head to the side and met diablos eyes. Yes, diablo. I'll call him that from now on.

Yes, they can't stop staring at you. "Not at all!" I assured with a fake smile. By the look on his face I knew he didn't buy my lie. He held my gaze as if it were a staring contest, then looked away and shook his head.

Everyone added to the pot calling the bet. Then, old Ben replaced one card, Damien three, raven hair two and Blondie stayed with his hand. Marco didn't replace any cards too.

Benjamin added four more 50s into the pot. Damien raised the stacks adding three more 50s into the pot. Blondie raised his stakes adding two more 20s, raven hair called the bet. The game was starting to evolve by quick pace, everyone was eager to reveal their hands. Marco did the unpredictable and raised his stacks by twelve more 50s, making the bet at one-thousand-fivehundred-and-ninety, from each player. Makes the total of seventhousand-nine-hundred-and-fifty dollars.

What was happening? Did he really have such a good hand? Everyone looked around trying to read each others faces. Old Ben was tapping his fingers on the cards, a sign of anxiety. Damien's face was neutral but I could see sweat on his forehead. Blondie kept smiling for some reason, and raven hair narrowed his eyes at him. Then there was Marco, his poker face was unreadable. I could never guess what was going on inside his head.

"I fold." Old Ben sighed giving up his hand: a three and a pair.

"Me too." Blondie chuckled. He had a full house.

"I'm not risking either." Mike shrugged. A straight in his hand.

There was only Marco and Damien left. "You guys are fools." Damien shook his head disapproval in his hazel eyes. "You risk in poker or don't play at all."

We all watched how Damien called the bet, then Marco raised the bet by another twelve 50s. "Seriously?" Damien muttered.

"Call or fold." Marco told him.

Damien remained silent for a second contemplating his next action. Finally, he sighed and tossed the cards in the centre of the table, revealing a flush. "I fold."

Out of the corner of my eye, I could have sworn I saw Marco's lips twitch in a slightest smirk, but as quick as it came it was gone.

"Show us!" Old Ben commanded.

Marco put his cards up face at the table shocking everyone with his hand.

"You bluffer!" Damien shrieked.

"You really got me this time." Blondie grinned.

His hand was only a single pair of kings, with a 9, 5, and 4.

I scoffed. "The Devil's at his wonderland." I muttered.

"Usually I am," his voice reached my ears and I snapped my eyes at him. "Clever as the devil and twice as pretty."

For the first time, I looked properly into his eyes, and it was as if I saw a different person in them. He had eyes of an angel—but hard to read. And a smirk of a devil—teasing and wicked. I couldn't hold it in anymore. "You must have the devil in you to succeed in any of these arts."

He chuckled lowly. "Call it as you want. I call it psychology." He looked at my shirt and his eyes lighted up with amusement. I looked down to check if it was dirty, but it wasn't. What was his deal?

"Psychology?" I asked. "So you read people like books? that's the big secret?"

"Maybe you could demonstrate something, Marco." Blondie suggested.

"If you insist." Diablo then looked at me. "Shall I?"

I nodded uncertainly. Then his eyes started to travel from my face all the way down to my feet. I tensed. I felt shivers where his gaze was. That was the most sexual moment that happened in my life.

"Judging by the way you close the last button on your shirt and how you tensed under my stare, I assume you don't feel very comfortable around men, in general. Adding the fact that you're wearing boring flats instead of heels, only verifies my theory about your discomfort with men because you came here with a setup mind to not impress anyone. Your makeup is light, more natural, revealing your sensitive side and that you avoid attention. I don't see any signs of dark circles under your eyes or tired eyes, that means you have good scheduled sleep hours, which might only mean that you don't have a sexual life. . ." I widened my eyes. "And by the look of your eyes right now, and judging your reaction earlier from Damien's comment about me fucking a virgin without mercy. . . I know for a hundred percent that you're still a virgin."

Everyone, and I mean literally everyone. Nearly the entire casino went 'ouch'.

And all I did was just stare because I couldn't utter a word from my mouth. Did he really just say this out loud? I was about to open my mouth and tell him what I thought about him, but then I've heard a voice of someone even more terrifying. Someone that haunted me since day one.

"Good evening, is there something wrong?" He asked the men. "Has she been misbehaving?"

frowned at him. Of course, he'll insist it was my fault. I felt a pang in my stomach.?what if diablo will tell James that I've talked back? Tori's words rang in my head from earlier today: he's one of our best clients. Make sure to keep your distance, or James will fire you without a second thought.

I paled.

"No," to my disbelief I've heard Marco say. "She's definitely a good companion for us. Am I right gentlemen?"

"Yes, of course." Damien spoke up first.

"She's been wonderful." Blondie inputted. Old Ben just nodded and mike shrugged.

"I was just making sure," James gave me a cautious look. "Right. I will leave you to your game. Good luck. Have a wonderful rest of the evening."

A round of thank you's sounded and James was gone. "Shall we continue the game?" Marco asked everyone without sparing me another glance.

The game continued and diablo was adding more digits into his account. It seemed like the others had difficulty with beating him, and he, well, he was having a total blast. Blondie won one round, but the others didn't have much luck tonight.

"Goddamn! Where'd all my chips go ?" Damien spoke aloud in frustration.

Marco held up a stack. "Want to say hello?" I didn't find him amusing, at all. After the incident in which he offended me, I kept my distance. I didn't want James' lecturing later after the game.

Old Benjamin stood up from his chair. "I'll end it here, my friends. If I'll keep playing my wife will definitely plan a murder on me." He gained a couple chuckles from his joke, he'd made up just to get the hell away from here before his money ran any further into diablos pocket. "Have a nice game and Marco don't empty their pockets."

"Don't worry Benjamin, I'll go easy on them." Marco said raising from his chair and shook his hand. The rest did the same and old Ben excused himself then left.

"It seemed like old Ben had it fold since the beginning of the game." Blondie—Sebastian—commented while relaxing in his seat. I envied them. My feet were killing me from standing for so long.

"Poor guy," Damien inputted. "But it's not like he'll need the money after his young, hot wife will take over his fortune after his death."

I noticed Damien was the gossip in the group. He knew everything about everyone. Just like high school girls in the bathroom.

"That reminds me of Sarah Waters," Marco said while lighting up a cigarette. He inhaled watching Damien's flushes face. "How's your widowed wrecked girlfriend, Damien?"

The nerve of this man. He'd gossiped about old Ben but he's doing the same thing to his old girlfriend. What a hypocrite. Marco knew how to push people's buttons, he's smart and irrelevant, I'd give him that.

I looked over at the tomato face of Damien, who gave a slight glare to his offender. "She's just fine. Nearly dying if you want to know, and soon her fortune will belong to me."

Wow. He didn't even try to hide his interest in her money, and the way he said it followed by a nasty smirk, made my stomach turn in a sick way.

"You have a fucking nerve man!" Blondie shook his head. "I'd never fool an old lady for her money like that."

"Well, I'm not you," Damien pointed a finger at Sebastian. "I have dreams and plans, and soon she won't even need the money. So why waste them when I can use them instead?"

"You're sick," Mike gagged. "Did you even fuck her?"

God, save my poor ears from this disgusting conversation.

"Yeah," he nodded snickering. "And she's even wider than I thought."

At that both Sebastian and Mike bursted out laughing. I turned to look at the quiet Marco who just sat there and listened to them. Smoke surrounded him when he inhaled the cigarette and then exhaled, and he looked smoking hot. I gazed away before I got any more stupid thoughts.

"What about you, Marcito?" Damien r aised his thick eyebrow. "Any latest adventures with women?"

"There's nothing to brag about. I fuck hard and leave."

I nearly choked on my saliva. I loudly cleared my throat and gained their attention on me. "Excuse me, but I'd rather not hear about your gentleman's adventures. Can we continue with the game?"

"Adventures," Sebastian chuckled. "Why so distanced? We're young and vulnerable language is in our dictionary 24/7."

"Maybe," I said. "But not with the clients."

"Sebastian," Marco stopped him from speaking any further. "Leave her alone. She's not an experienced girl, she doesn't use our words in her language."

"Maybe instead of insulting me you'd focus on your game?" I shoot back. I couldn't help it, the glare I gave him could kill.

"Jessica, right?" He asked. "I'm not insulting you, I'm just stating the truth."

"Well, save it for yourself!"

Sebastian cleaned his throat. "Excuse me for interrupting, but I'm going to leave now. I have other matter to take care of."

"So soon?" Marco asked focusing his attention now on him.

"Yes, it's important. I'll explain later. Mike, you're leaving with me since your car is at repair."

They both stood up and left.

"So it's not just you and I," Damien's eyes landed on Marco. "Let's have one last round."

I shuffled the cards and dealt each player five cards like I did all those times before. "I call six hundred dollars." Damien called putting his last chips into the pot.

Marco nodded calling his bet. Then Marco won following with a full house, beating Damien to a straight.

"At least I can say that I've tried." Damien sighed and stood up. "Our friend Jessica is right. You surely have a Devil's luck in you."

"And I hope it'll last forever." He also stood up and shook his hand. Damien then left. It was now just Marco and I.

Us. Alone. Marco and I. Let me die!

"Well, despite our arguments tonight," he started. "I must admit you were lovely." To my surprise that was actually a compliment.

His intense eyes bore into mine, and I couldn't look away. He was an asshole alright, but his beauty outgrown everything else. For a second I forgot that he was who he was, and just stared. And he stared back. "I can't say the same about you unfortunately." I sassed. He just shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "But tell me, how'd you do it? How did you win?" The question left my mouth before I could stop myself. I didn't want to add any more ego to him.

His eyes met mine again and stared, while he composed his suit jacket on himself. "If I'd told you I'd have to kill you." He said walking past me.

I thought he left, that he was gone, but then I felt his hot breath on the back of my neck. I shivered. "And trust me, it would be a shame to waste a body like yours." His whisper lingered in my ear even after many hours when he left.