Page 9 of Mr. January

"Yeah,"I admit. "There are these unspoken truths lingering like shadows between us, messing with the foundation of what we're trying to build."

"Five bricks up, two back down?"

"Exactly! Then, I'm blown away by her success in the blackjack game. This girl doesn't seem like she'd know a damn thing about blackjack. I even thought she was messing around about entering until she tossed up the 50K and started winning, game after game, after game. Yet, I'm still all tangled up by her presence, like a fool. Thoughts of her in my bed, in my arms, dancing in my head, but doubts about her mysterious winnings cast a murky shadow over it. I'm not even paying attention—me, the guy who usually keeps his eyes wide open. Until other players in the game started griping, and word got back to Forrester media about some supposed scandal in an alleged underground operation, and I had to do something about it."

“Wow, this is insane.”Genesis stops typing and looks up at me."Interesting twist. What happens next?"

"A sinking suspicion creeps in after my talk with Reese about his interview and the unsettling rumors. I get my security team to dig into it." I lean in, my tone more hush-hush. "As we get closer, I can feel Robyn hiding something.”

Genesis nods knowingly."Secrets cranking up the tension. Classic drama."

"Tension, for sure,"I say."It's this dance of vulnerability and hiding. I'm wondering if a relationship built on half-truths can survive. The irony isn't lost on me—I'm spinning my own web of lies. Can I really be mad at her if she has her own things going on behind the scenes? But I can't help feeling like I'm being played, and not in a good way. She's messing with the casino, or so it seems, and stirring up chaos in my underground operation, which is insane for me even to be mad about."I glance at Genesis, and she meets my eyes with a mix of knowing and curiosity, her laptop screen reflecting the unfolding drama.

Chapter Seven

Knox- 15 years ago

Leaving my brother Reese on the casino floor after confessing about the underground operation and my gambling addiction, promising to make things right for the resorts and casinos, I head to the security office, my mind buzzing with questions. Upon entering, I notice various screens surveying the main casino floors. Normally, they don't capture the underground game area due to its exclusivity for high rollers, but it's clearly the necessary focus in this situation. But how wouldsheknow that? I instruct my team to review last week's footage, specifically honing in on the tables where Robyn has been playing.

The team zooms in on the blackjack tables, and silence fills the room. After just a few plays, Phan exclaims,"That woman is counting cards, boss. I mean, just look at her?—"

"Watch yourself, Phan,"I say, oddly protective of a woman I'm just getting to know but feel drawn to, especially since she's clearly stealing from my underground operation. I'm so conflicted in my feelings about the situation that I miss this.

Phan turns to look at me, confusion written on his face."No sir, I don't mean look ather per se, though, she is…"He refrains from saying anything further about what the woman‘is’when I send him a death glare and continues talking about the gameplay—as he should."I mean, she appears to be counting cards."

The realization has already hit me—she's cheating, and I felt it. But she's doing it with such finesse, like a professional. I begin to wonder if she's working with someone else.

Emotions swirl within me—betrayal, hurt, anger. I'm at a crossroads. Do I go after her full throttle, or do I handle it discreetly, just as she's been stealing from me?

My team turns to me for guidance. Phan asks,"She's entering the underground operation now, sir, for tonight's games. We can have the Pit crew handle her. Just say the word."

As I watch her on the live feed, a mix of anger and passion stirs within me. She's dressed like one of the high rollers. Her black dress is a total knockout, accentuating her elegance, and her hair is done up for no distractions as if she plans to win it all tonight. The internal struggle intensifies as I grapple with how to confront her—publicly or discreetly. One thing is for certain, no one will behandlingher but me.

My anger and frustration surge as I pace the floor. "No, no, no!" I can't believe what's unfolding before my eyes. It's like a betrayal I never saw coming. All I wanted was to trust her, to let my guard down, and nowthis?

"Fuck!" I exclaim, unable to contain my outburst.

My team watches me, clearly taken aback by my reaction, uncertain about how to respond. I turn to them, my voice calmer but still laced with anger. "I'll handle this. Don't inform anyone downstairs in the Pit about what's happening until I give you the green light, if I do."

I stride over to one of the vaults in the security office, frustration building up. I pull out a lot of cash, breaking my promise to myself and to my brother not to play in this game after last week. Tonight, however, I'm putting down some bets.

You want to count cards in my house, baby? Let's go.

I stroll into the underground high-stakes room, chips clinking, bets flying, Per usual. Tyrone, the Pit Boss on duty, gives me a nod. There are fewer rules here since this is by invitation only, but Tyrone's got my back if things get messy. I don't want to make a scene with her, but I need to figure out what's going on. We will discreetly remove her removed if needed.

Tyrone subtly acknowledges me. Regulars notice my late entrance, throwing out the usual"Kingpin."Tonight, no time for the usual banter; I'm here to unravel Robyn's game.

Taking a seat at Robyn's table, the dealer is surprised."Good evening, Kingpin. Didn't know you'd be joining us."

"Neither did I,"I quip, shooting a look at Robyn. She glances at me, and the dealer remarks,"You're just in time. Miss Ayyagari has been on fire tonight."

"Is that so? Congratulations, Miss Ayyagari,"I say, giving her a pointed glare. Confusion crosses her face as she thanks me, and the others at the table seem annoyed, probably suspecting her card counting. Need to see it for myself before confronting her.

As the dealer calls for bets, Robyn stumbles,"I need to slip away for a minute. Not feeling well,"she says, leaving her chips. I signal Tyrone to collect her stack.

One of the wives of a player at the table asks,"Will she be okay? Should I check on her?"

"I don't think that'll be necessary. Miss Ayyagari and I have some history; I'll go see about her,"I reply, walking away before more questions pop up.

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