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We arrive on time, and My-Linh and I decide to forego out invitation to walk the red carpet for the VIP guests and go in a private door with my players instead. Ananya gives them their assignments and shoos My-Linh and I away to join our counterpart, telling us we’d only be in the way.
My-Linh gives Ananya a hug that subdues the woman and tells her that when she grows up she wants to be just like her. In the corner of my eye, I see Ananya blush and decide that’s as good a time as any to run. She would not want us to see her like that.
I tug on my Dolce dress, wondering if Kylian will like it but as we descend the stairs into the main game room where all the Baxter brothers are standing, there is no doubt in my mind that he likes what he sees. And I can’t help but feel the same way about him. A week ago we’d gone to get a tailored suit made for this very occasion. Unsurprisingly, he’d picked a midnight blue suit that made him look like it was fitted to his body by God himself.
He meets me half way up the staircase, taking my hand and leading me down to the floor.
“You look so hot I might take you right here on this Big Wheel table,” he growls into my ear.
“I’m pretty sure I did not sign up to be the star attraction, I’m just a guest here tonight,” I whisper back. “But maybe, if you’re feeling friendly…and not in pain, I heard there’s a little salon upstairs. Maybe you can take me up there, while still being able to keep an eye on your big opening night.”
“Take you, is exactly what I intend to do,” he responds, before leading me over to introduce me one of his VIP guests.
“Mr. and Mrs Cheswick, this is the love of my life, Kiara Yin.”
I try not to react to being called introduced that way, and have no recollection of anything they said to me or me to them.
The night is so lovely, with everyone in good spirits, and Kylian getting to see his incredible project come to life.
We all walk down the shopper’s lane to see some of the local businesses’ stores and they are filled with customers leaving with armfuls of bags.
Finally we make up up to The Light Room and I’m pleased to see some of my players enjoying themselves even while they work. Some of them with already high stacks of chips in front of them.
Kylian gestures to the pit boss who orders a private table be opened for us.
A dealer sits down and gestures for me to take a seat. “Ma’am,” she says as I settle and pushes a stack of chips toward me.
I have no idea what is happening but I do as she says and then laugh as Kylian sits down across the table for me.
“I’m feeling lucky, how about you?” he says with a grin.
“Oh, Mr Baxter, I hope that the house wins big tonight, because you won’t be winning here.”
He cocks an eye brow. “Big words Miss Yin. But can you back them up?”
I don’t say anything just stare at him as the cards are dealt.
He picks his up, and the tiniest of frowns flashes across his face,a dn then he looks up, a giant smile on his face.
“How many do you need, ma’am?”
Something in his eyes tells me he is going to play this to the end, no matter what cards his has. What does he have to lose? And I have no intention of being topped.
“None for me.” I place the cards on the table.
“None for me either,” he says, laying his cards down as well.
“You don’t have to copy me, you know.” I taunt him as I throw in a handful of cards.
He makes a show of counting them before leaning back in his chair. “Wow, $500, you must have an amazing hand. I will raise you…” He pushes all of his chips into the middle.
I knew it. I just grin and push all of mine in as well. “Call. I hope you know, I fully intend on cashing in all of these chips fo course.”
He picks up his cards and makes to place them down face up, but then he stops.
“I want to raise.”
Everyone watching laughs.
