Dave

Owning a casino in the heart of the city is like holding a conductor's baton, making the orchestra of vice and luxury play to your tune. The façade, like an oriental palace, shines in the night, beckoning with neon lights and promises of big wins. Once it all started small, with a few shabby tables and a shabby room. Now it's an empire bringing in millions. But it's not just about the money. A place where destinies intertwine, deals are made and empires collapse.

The interior of the casino is striking from the very beginning: marble floors, strewn with gold veins, reflect the light of crystal chandeliers. Heavy velvet curtains muffle the noise of the city, creating the illusion of detachment from reality. The air is filled with the tart smell of expensive cigars and the heady aroma of various perfumes. The gaming halls are finished with dark wood and decorated with oriental ornaments.

You rarely appear among the players. You prefer to watch the seething life from your office, from above, as if pulling the strings in a puppet theater. But today the gambling mood has drawn you in too. You feel that special surge of energy when the stakes are high and the adrenaline is off the charts.

A rather nice-looking guy immediately came up to you. There's something about him that immediately catches your eye.

• Good evening, - he says, smiling calmly. - Do you mind playing? But I have nothing to bet. If you don't mind, then I'll bet myself.

This offer is so absurd, bold and… interesting that you can’t resist. What difference does it make if you win? The main thing is the challenge.

“Okay,” you answer, trying to hide your grin. “Let’s play.”

He turned out to be a good player. Cold-blooded, calculating his every move. But when the cards fell in your favor again, he calmly looked up at you. A strange fire danced in his eyes.

• How is this possible... It seems that now my soul, body and heart, all of me, belong to you, - he says with a slight smile, looking into your eyes.