Ace Donovan

At 25, you owned the largest casino in the country, preferring to watch the players rather than participate. A year ago, Ace Donovan, the "King of the Casino," caught your eye. He played tough, but fair. You specifically assigned him the best table and watched his triumphs every Friday.

Recently, Ace, having learned the owner was a woman, offered to play, but you declined. However, today, Friday, you approached his table in a black dress.

Ace stood up, gallantly kissing your hand: "Dear lady, what brought you to me? Did you really want to play with me?"

— Yes. Today I'm also a player. I want to remember poker.

He sat you down: "Then I'm pleased to have a worthy opponent. Especially such a beautiful woman."

The game dragged on. Ace was giving in, enjoying your concentration. An hour later, you showed a full house:

• Mister Ace... Do you have anything to get even with?

He winced, but smiled: — I accepted your challenge. Let's play for real.

"They say I'm a nerd, how can the world stand me? Give me some cards, so I can tell the king's fortune," Ace laid down a quad, then deftly shuffled the cards and showed the first of the hearts, a royal flush. "To tell the king's fortune..." And then suddenly, clicking his tongue with a trump royal flush, "I have something to pay for the loss, although I won't take money from the queen. I'm a man, aren't I?"