AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He's so close to me, still I want him to be closer. I glance at the tokens in my hand, considering my options.
"Twenty-three," I decide, placing a token on the corresponding square. Philippe follows suit, selecting a different number with a confident grin. The wheel spins, the ball bounces, and for a moment, we are both suspended in time, waiting for fate to make its decision.
When the ball finally lands, Philippe's grin widens – his number wins.
"Beginner's luck," I tease, congratulating him on his victory. He chuckles, the sound of a rich timbre that resonates within me. "Shall we try another game?"
"Of course," he replies, his eyes gleaming with mirth. We move on to a blackjack table, where he guides me through a tutorial, pointing out the various options on the table. I’m immersed in the thrill of each hand, my heart pounding in time with the flipping cards.
Amidst the excitement, I can’t help but notice his lips that tickle my earlobe when he whispered into my ears and the sweet smell of peppermint on his breath; his strong hands as he holds the cards.
Philippe's presence beside me only adds to the exhilaration, as if we are partners in crime, navigating this world of chance together.
As the night wears on, we try our hand at various games – poker, craps, baccarat – each one offering a new and exciting challenge. Every win and loss is met with laughter and encouragement as we share in the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with gambling.
I lose track of time, my focus solely on the thrill of each game and the electric connection between Philippe and me.
"Thank you for this amazing night," I say, turning to him as we take a break from the tables. His blue eyes are alight with happiness, his smile genuine and contagious.
"Thank you for being here with me, Tatiana," he responds sincerely, his hand gently brushing against mine. The touch sends shivers down my spine, and I know that this night has changed something within me. Even if I never see him again, I'd always have a permanent taste for adventure.
"Let's go back to roulette," I say, a sudden impulsive need calling for my heart to race while the wheel spins. He doesn't say a word; he takes my arm and guides me back to the table.
"Place your bets," the dealer announces, and I hesitantly push a small stack of chips into the center of the roulette table. Philippe stands beside me, his presence steady and reassuring as he watches the wheel with a sort of detached amusement.
"Red 32," I murmur, glancing at him for confirmation. He smiles, nodding in approval. "Red 32 it is."
As the wheel spins and the ball bounces around, my hopes rise along with my heartbeat. It seems the entire room holds its breath, the rich and beautiful people surrounding us all waiting for the outcome. A group of elegantly dressed women watches from the sidelines with interest.
One man, sporting a tailored suit and diamond cufflinks, leans against the table with an air of nonchalance, but I can see the tension in his jaw.
"Thirty-two...red!" the dealer cries out, and for a moment, I'm stunned. The reality sinks in quickly, though, followed by a rush of joy and accomplishment. I've won!
The crowd around the table erupts in cheers and applause, drawing even more attention to our corner of the casino. An old gentleman, impeccably dressed and oozing wealth, cigar in hand, steps forward and presses a chip into my palm.
"Kiss it for luck, my dear," he requests with a wink. I oblige, pressing my lips lightly to the cool surface before handing it back to him.
"Philippe," the old man says, clapping him on the back, "you've got a lucky one here."
Philippe's eyes meet mine, and I blush at the pride I see there. But instead of feeling greedy or possessive over my winnings, I feel compelled to share my good fortune.
"Keep the money, Tatiana," Philippe encourages, his voice low and persuasive. "You've earned it."
"Thank you," I reply, but my gaze has already fallen on a man sitting at the bar. He appears down on his luck, his shoulders slumped as he cradles an empty glass between his hands. Something about him calls to me, stirring a sense of empathy and compassion deep within my heart.
"But I think I'd rather give it to someone who needs it more."
Philippe follows my line of sight and, after a moment's hesitation, nods in agreement. Together, we approach the man, and I place the stack of bills before him. "Here," I say softly, "I hope this helps."
The man looks up, his eyes wide with disbelief and gratitude.
"Shall we continue?" I ask, turning back to Philippe.
"Look at the time," Philippe murmurs, glancing at his watch. "It's almost five a.m. Do you want to go home?"
"Home?" I echo, the word feeling foreign on my tongue. Home seems like an entire universe away. I'm not ready to leave this magical place just yet. I’m not ready to leave him. My whole life has been straight cut out of a classic textbook, but in my heart, I’ve always craved more.
Tonight is the closest I’ve gotten to the exotic unknown, and I’m not willing to end it yet.
