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Chapter 6

HAZEL's POV~

"You snooze? You lose."

The whole casino was buzzing with corners. Sitting at a spot, I observed the whole arena from the dealers to the players. The whole room was buzzing tonight, I could hear cranks of slot machines, clinks of coins, and alarms announcing winners following rejoicing screams from the winners.

Beside me, a group of people was placing orders, some were cashing in. Gambling was something I was never interested in until I stumbled upon a secret or two about it. You would be surprised how much money is being pumped into casinos daily; politicians, businessmen, and celebrities, you name it, spent most of their time in these places taking huge risks with their wealth. Most times they won while sometimes too the case is the reverse. I recall watching a man lose all of his fortunes within five hours, he got to a point where he didn't even have a car to take him home and got to ride the bus.

That's how dangerous gambling can be. The first rule I learned about it is "never gamble more than you are willing to lose." Although most people might have a whole different opinion than that.

I grabbed a glass of wine from a waiter standing beside me, observing people's facial expressions. Some celebrate their wins, others mourn over their losses. For a while, I couldn't help but be reminded of the last time I was here. I met him.

Although, I didn't wish to run into him, not after what I did. But deep down, I hoped to see his face one day even if it had to be from afar. That was the first time I let my personal emotions into a job, and although it turned out well that didn't make the hurt I got from seeing that look of betrayal in his eyes go away.

Just then, my prey found a table in the middle of the room, his guards surrounded his sides stopping strangers from getting close. Smiling to myself, I pulled off my black jacket revealing the skimpy turquoise gown I wore underneath. Strutting towards the guys, I added a little seat to my head making sure I got their attention. By the time I got to the center of the room, I had captured the attention of the majority here.

Now it was time to play my game, I stopped at the table smiling at a big guy in front. "Excuse me!" I called out, effortlessly walking past him.

"And who might this be?" Whistled my prey as he looked at me, losing focus on the game. I smirked as I walked over pretending to be heading to him but paused a few steps from him snapping my fingers.

"Someone who is also here for the game," I replied, smiling at him. I watched as a look of surprise appeared in his voice. Obviously the misogynistic bastard couldn't believe his ears and eyes. I knew just how to deal with the likes of me. I was a closeted feminist anyway.

"You really think you can play this game?" The idiot was saying. "We might as well go easy on you so you won't run home crying to daddy by the end of the night."

I turned to face him, plastering a smile on my face. "Why don't we start the game and see who ends up crying home." I challenged looking directly into his eyes. He looked like the rich spoiled brats that spent all their parent's fortunes on women and casinos.

Observing him one last time before he goes broke, I pitied whoever was going to be on the receiving side of his wrath by the end of the night. The likes of him are always sore losers.

The other players were watching us silently not wanting to get involved in the argument. I secretly snuck a look at the dealer who was in on my move tonight. Sydney was one dealer whom no one ever messed with, she was corrupt but knew how to cover her steps, especially from the owners of the casino. I always marveled at how easy it was for her to play her part in every game without getting caught. She had an innocent look but I knew better than to fall for that.

The game started on a very good note, Sydney shuffled the cards before distributing them to the players. I couldn't sell out my strategy yet so I let him have a few wins. As the game progressed the other players started dropping out of the game leaving only me and the idiot who kept annoying me by throwing degrading comments any time he had a win. Of course, I didn't say a word, I acted like the rich spoilt brats they all thought I was letting fake tears fall down my cheeks.

By the time we got to the climax of the game, he was already over his head, celebrating a victory that had not yet been conceived. I was quiet the whole time, spilling fake tears and sipping my glass of red wine. All the time my eyes were on the doomed cameras, I was the ace in the hole and though no one knew it yet that didn't mean I was going to let my guard down just as I expected at the last turn, he went all in, betting off his entire fortune to win the game.

Guess what? I was in that game. He just didn't realize it yet but was about to find out. The next few minutes were spent effortlessly winning. The idiot wasn't done yet, I waited silently as he made some calls betting even more than I had expected. By then, the whole room was focused on our table. I watched as Sydney smiled at my stake, her hands sweeping over my chips. I didn't have to do much, I had already pulled the right cards and everything was going as planned. I smirked over the rim of my glass, laughing at his expense.

"Well, well!" I finally said. "Looks like we all know the cry baby," the audience broke into laughter enjoying my humor. My rainbow-colored nails glisten as I make the final move.

The game ended with me going home with loads of cash while he watched me with a vengeful look on his face. My job here was done so I decided to leave to avoid altercations.

Still not over the excitement of the evening, I walked out of the casino building waiting in the lobby for Jimmy to come to pick me up. The idiot who I discovered was named Rocco walked out spitting out curses to his guards.

As I predicted earlier he was indeed a sore loser. I pretended to be using my phone to avoid any confirmation from him.

From the corner of my, I saw him point me out to his guards with a smirk on his face. I watched as they began walking towards me taking long strides. Quickly I turned crossing the busy streets pretending like I didn't see them.

I heard them following closely behind me as I hurried through the unfamiliar streets. This part of the city was lonely. People were hardly seen on the streets except in cars and taxis.

A hand shot out and grabbed me as I cut into a corner, covering my mouth with their palm. I waited silently as the guards searched around not seeing us before eventually passing by.

"Dolcezza," a familiar voice called out behind me.

Just before I could turn to see the stranger I felt a strong pierce my neck area. Blacking dots immediately formed in my eyes.

"Take her to the car." was the last thing I heard before I blacked out.

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