Page 36 of Wild Ace

I’m not going to lie, this is fun.

I’ve always put a limit on myself and made sure I wasn’t noticed. But wanting to be caught is thrilling.

My chips keep stacking up and stacking up, and eventually, the pit boss comes up to me.

“It looks like you’re having a good night, Miss.”

I smile up at him. “I’d say a great night.”

“Yes, and I think it’s best you call it a night. I’m going to escort you over to the cashier’s window so you can cash out.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize I was finished playing,” I say innocently.

“You are.” His face remains stone cold.

Turning in my chair, I cross my legs and sip my drink. “Are you kicking me out” – I look at his nametag – “Gerardo?”

“I’m strongly suggesting you’re done for the night.”

“That sounds like a polite way of kicking me out.”

“It is.”

“What if I refuse?”

“Why would you? I’m letting you cash out and leave. That could easily change.”

“Then let’s go cash out.”

Standing, I place my chips in the trays the dealer hands me and stack them.

“I can carry those for you, Miss.”

“I’ll let you carry half.” I wink. “They’re heavy.”

As we’re walking over to the cashier’s window, Gerardo stops and presses his finger to his ear.

“Repeat that,” he says, his brows coming together. “Got it. We’ll wait where we are.”

“Let me guess, Mr. Carfano has someone coming to get me?”

His eyes study me, a million questions in them that he wouldn’t dare ask. “Yes. We’ll wait here.”

“What about my winnings?”

“I’ve been instructed to cash them out for you and deliver them when I’m finished.”

“Can I trust you to do that?” I ask, knowing I’m just being a smartass for the fun of it.

“Yes, Miss. I’m under strict orders.”

“Of course you are.” I smirk, seeing another man dressed in all black approach us.

“Miss Manzato?”

“Yes?”

“Come with me.”

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