Heart of the Cards

[Guest]

" And that gentleman is how you play cards for keeps." It was odd how loosing could effect people, the men that had only minutes before where jovial and full to bursting with energy where now what could only be described a sullen and in some cases angry. It honestly wasn't Dimitris fault that they had underestimated him, just like it wasn't his fault that he used that against them. Any good poker player knew to use what ever advantage he was given and the fact that his competitors seemed to hold that against him only proved that they where not only poor losers, but tiny and insignificant men. The type of men he had built a career on manipulating and abusing. He felt nothing but disdain for them, though that didn't show in his gaze or demeanor. His voice was the only give away, he seemed just a tad to entertained to there bad fortune though for most that would be a hard to pick up on."Though if you want to go for another round well, im always game. Im just not sure if your wallets could handle it." He tipped his hat some and finally let out a low chuckle as he started stacking his chips."I could spot you some if you needed, im in a generous mood."

He wondered if any of them would take him up on that offer, but he doubted any would. That would take balls and few wanted to owe anyone an I owe you, and fewer still wanted to owe someone who played cards at Club vivid. As he had guessed, they scattered with some mumbled good byes and more then a few pointed looks and Dimitri couldn't blame them. He had just swooped in and took all their hard earned chips so they had taken the safest route. Not the correct route by any means, but hey not all men could handle risks like he could. In fact it was his habit of raising the stakes and taking risks that had lead him to be one of the more powerful men in his country of birth, it was also responsible for his success in and out of court. "Maybe another time gentleman! Ill be around for a few more days if any of you want a rematch" He stood then and looked at the pile of chips he had on the table and pocketed only those chips he had brought. It was bad luck to keep money won so easily after all.

He looked around him and smiled, this club/casino was something else for sure. It blended two worlds that you where hard pressed to find anywhere else. He could see everyday ordinary people mingling with criminals, he could see the rich talking to the poor, all in all it was a world of sharp contrasts and the artist in him could not help but like what he saw. He moved off towards the bar, his eyes darting back and forth smiling with what could have been mistaken for blood lust and to say his every movement was predatory may have been an understatement."Ill take a seven seven. In fact make that two." He was a thirsty man, and he had to stay lubed, because the night had only just started. He adjusted his suit and tie and took his hat off and set it on the bar beside him before turning around and leaning against it. "Now...What do i do next?" he reached behind him and picked up one of his drinks and took a swig as he gazed around, looking for his next set of playmates. The elf grinned and in the dim light his teeth almost seemed pointed.

[Guest]

The door to her proper "office" closed softly as the lights immediately flickered on to her presence, flooding the space to reveal that her office was apparently worthy of being called a penthouse considering how big it was. Though, she certainly wouldn't take up one of the penthouses for herself, that was a potential loss of business! No, this was just one of the hotel rooms that was reserved for her, and it was decorated accordingly. She removed the black coat from her shoulders, carefully pulling her mask out from one of the inner pockets. She stared at the face of it for a moment, her lips tightening as she slid a finger over a droplet of blood that remained upon its surface. The job was done, that Cerisian from before should be happy now. And she was a lot richer for it. Shaking her head, she took a deep breath, calming to the smell of roses that came from her entire room. She strode forward to the beautiful antique-esque table with its glass surface, an ornate vase filled with red roses upon its surface in the center. She leaned forward to check on them and smiled softly before turning to stride into her room and close the doors. It was time for a shower and prepare for her real home.

It was about fifteen to twenty minutes later that she strode out of her room clothed in a sleeveless red dress that hugged against her lovely body quite delightfully, forming points as if there should be something holding it up on the section that covered her breasts. Black fingerless gloves extended all the way up her arm to the middle of her bicep, a golden armband hugging it to her flesh on each arm. You could just see a hint of the straps to her garter belt below the bottom of her dress where you could see some of the flesh of her legs before it was clothed in black stockings with a golden band around the top, mirroring and accenting what was on her arms. A simple pink ribbon was tied around her neck like a choker, red low heels upon her feet which thudded softly against the carpet as she strode to peer at herself in the mirror that was located in the entry way. Holding her hair piece, she wrapped up the long strands that hung in front of her eyes, those two metal points sticking out amidst her hair even as two long strands hung on either side of her pale face to frame it. She lifted her hand and clasped her green stone necklace around her neck which promptly took its place at the top of her cleavage. For tonight, she decided to wear little gold earrings with a matching green stones that peeked out amidst her red hair. Ah! Wait... She snapped her fingers in realization and hurried to the vase of roses, one of the beautiful flowers suddenly falling in her hand, the knife already back in its place even as she fixed it into her red strands. There, perfection.

She was ready now.

Out the door she went with her back straight and tall, taking the elevator down to her domain; the casino. The various sounds of money being made greeting her which brought a smirk to her lips. She could hear the clacking of the roulette table, the soft clittering of chips being sent back and forth, the slot machines chiming, and, of course, cards being shuffled. One of her girls strode past and smiled to her, the two nodding to each other as Selina walked out to view how things were going this particular evening. Voices shouted and chattered all about her which only made her smile grow as she continued onwards towards the bar. Many found such a din too much, too tumultuous, but Selina? She found it quite calming. Then again, a lot of things that she found calming wasn't exactly the "normal," though what did it matter hm? Not a damn thing to one of the most powerful women in the criminal underworld. "Asian hooker please." She ordered, winking to the bartender as he stiffened in surprise to see his boss there. "Of course mum." He served a man a stool away from her before moving to make her drink, the Dresden twin sighing lightly as she sat down facing the casino. She liked to watch people stretch and strain against chance for they all seemed so very... small.

"Now...What do i do next?" Her ears perked up to the sound of that language, so out of place and yet expected in this place. Her red eyes slid over to that dark haired man sipping at one of the glasses. The bartender placed hers beside her which she picked up and sipped at, smiling sweetly to him as he continued onward to serve her customers. But now, this man... Ah yes, Dimitri Amato of the esteemed familia up north. "I must say I was not expecting to see you here Mr. Amato. Club Vivid welcomes you back." She spoke out to him, a small little smirk on her lips as she stared out at the vices of greed, not looking at him even as she spoke to him. If he was unannounced, then this meant he probably wasn't here for business. Well then, maybe she should have a little fun hm?

[Guest]

"I must say I was not expecting to see you here Mr. Amato. Club Vivid welcomes you back." The elf blinks before taking another drink, he recognized the voice of the woman who spoke but did that make him hurry his drink along? No. No man or woman born in the mortal world could cause him to not savor his vice of choice. In fact it would take a power of almost divine proportions to make him hurry a nice seven seven along, and while the woman who was talking to him was impressive, she was in fact not a being of unlimited cosmic power. That being the case he took the next thirty seconds to finish, then with a sigh of contentment he set the glass down and turned his head to smile at the younger of the Dresden siblings. "Well you can consider my surprise visit something of a treat then Miss Dresden." He chuckles some and shakes his head." Or a threat, if you hold your Casinos money close to your heart that is. I am after all here to clean you out." The little man offered Salina a roguish wink and what could only be described as a wolfish grin.

"Then again, its not your money that im taking in all actuality is it?So i guess its no big deal ether way." He reaches back and takes his scond drink in hand then takes a long sip, savoring the burn of the alcohol as it went down his throat. Some would say he had a problem, and he might have to agree but at least he controlled his drinking and his drinking didn't control him... Most days at least. "But to answer your unspoken question, i am here for pleasure and not business for once and my i must say, i love what you have got going here"

((Sorry its short >.> Once we get going my posts will be longer^^))

[Guest]

Did Selina really mind that the man was nursing his drink? Not at all. It was her belief that it was healthy to truly enjoy ones vices, after all she relished and thrived in her own. They sat in it at this very moment. So she waited patiently for his response as she sipped at her own drink, her smirk growing slightly as she considered her associate one more time. Mmm... La Cerise truly had some delicious eye candy to be sure. And why shouldn't they? After all, the Dresden twins could be considered amongst them in the slightest considering their heritage. "Well you can consider my surprise visit something of a treat then Miss Dresden." She chuckled softly as she turned her crimson gaze out towards a party that let out a whoop of jubilation from the dice throwing area, that smirk growing a little bit more again. Ah.... excellent.... Now would that make the party bold? Or would they be smart and call it quits then? " Or a threat, if you hold your Casinos money close to your heart that is. I am after all here to clean you out." Glancing over to him again, the wink made her giggle as that smirk softened out to a smile, tilting her head back in her amusement at him. Delightful.

"Then again, its not your money that im taking in all actuality is it?So i guess its no big deal ether way." No. No it certainly was not. It was the money of all these witless fools that fell into this trap that the twins had laid out, sucking away their funds for their families, their lives, their.... futures. Let them. She did not care if she was called an enabler, they did not have to partake in her goods if they didn't choose to. But they did. She took another sip, "But to answer your unspoken question, i am here for pleasure and not business for once and my i must say, i love what you have got going here" Her glass thudded softly against the counter as she swiveled on her stool to face him, leaning one elbow against the bar as she propped up her head with the back of her hand, watching him now. She flashed him a sweet smile that made her look so very innocent, as if she were just your average woman enjoying a drink at the bar. Hardly the threat that she truly was. "Thank you, I am very proud of it I must admit."

With a light sigh she let her other arm hang over her stomach just below her breasts as she crossed her legs, inadvertently pressing them up and together a bit more as she cast her watchful eyes now towards her girls that were scattered about. "Indeed, I do not mind giving the familia their portion of our profits for we do have such a delightful arrangement at the moment. Please do give my regards to the Madrina and Don when you get back." Her eyes briefly flickered over to him before focusing upon the lounge area where there were business suits laughing with Elaine and Persephone. Good. They were her newest girls, and they seemed to be treated quite well over there. Selina truly hated it when she had to get involved in a customer being a greedy fuck. "But, as you said, you are not here for business so lets focus on the pleasure then hm?" Now those crimson pools bore into him as she tilted her head ever so slightly into her palm. "What have you sampled so far this eve? I would guess cards, but its never good to assume. Any pleasurable company?" She smirked once more as she knew he would understand what she meant, though she had her doubts that he had.

[Guest]

For some reason, Selinas reactions amused Dimitri. It was as if she was trying to be a normal girl, when in fact she was a goddess of sex and money who chose to walk among the mortals. This... Act was probably something the woman did to throw her prey off guard, using her pretty face to get by even the hardest of shells. Dimitri would know, he had seen many a witness and many a criminal use their looks to their advantage. People WANTED to trust a pretty face, it was an odd fact that you could use to your advantage if you knew how, and if Dimitri did he could be sure that this sweet faced devil did. "Thank you, I am very proud of it I must admit." He just laughed at that. Of course she was, it took some sort of mastermind to set up a thriving criminal empire, and that was exactly what the Dresden twins where. Masterminds of one sort or another. Hence why he enjoyed doing work with them, professionals had their shit together. Though he had never spent any sort of leasure time with her, so he wondered how exactly this was going to go.

"Indeed, I do not mind giving the familia their portion of our profits for we do have such a delightful arrangement at the moment. Please do give my regards to the Madrina and Don when you get back." He felt her eyes flicker over him, the weight of her gaze almost something tangible. Though he knew that was only in his mind, but ever since he had been a child he could just tell when someone was looking at him. Sizing him up, he wondered what she saw, he wondered if she thought him something small and insignificant like most people did. Most people would curse and rave at that, but not the wolf ohh no. He loved it when people under estimated him based entirely on his size. It gave him another weapon to use, and that was never bad thing when you kept the company that he did. "But, as you said, you are not here for business so lets focus on the pleasure then hm?" He felt her eyes come back to him, this time more intense the passing flicker he had felt before. Was she trying to intimidate him? the vary thought made him smile. The Elf nodded to her question and his smile turned into an impish grin. Yes pleasure was always something one should focus on, it took ohh so much concentration. "What have you sampled so far this eve? I would guess cards, but its never good to assume. Any pleasurable company?"

"Heh you could call it cards maybe, but i gotta say it was more akin to taking candy from a baby, so i just couldn't bring my self to keep their money so i left it on the table. I hope the poor little things managed to pick it back up, they looked like they where about to break out into tears!" He looked back at her, his calm icy eyes meeting fiery crimson orbs."As for company well, i doubt you like your girls handing out free samples so i did them a favor and stayed away. Tis the least i could do." The fact that he was not the biggest fan of escorts of any sort didn't need to be talked about right then and there, so he didn't, and well that was a story best left unsaid. " But if your offering to keep this lonely man company for a little while why i just couldn't turn you down now could i?" He smirks then and shifts in his seat, his pockets full of chips jingling ever so slightly."In fact i know just what we could do..." He leans in some, eyes grinning his voice just above a whisper."I hear you like to play cards... Care for a game? And if your a betting girl, well ill even let you set the stakes. Cause im just such a nice guy."

[Guest]

"Heh you could call it cards maybe, but i gotta say it was more akin to taking candy from a baby, so i just couldn't bring my self to keep their money so i left it on the table. I hope the poor little things managed to pick it back up, they looked like they where about to break out into tears!" Cards.... Excellent. It made her happy when she was correct in whenever she read someone right. She couldn't be that surprised, however, that he was so successful at the tables. There were plenty of idiots who visited her establishment. Laughing lightly, she shook her head slightly, sipping at her drink with a sigh. "Poor things indeed. They had no idea who they were playing against at all." She found herself smirking at the image in her mind since it was something she was quite familiar with. Few could keep up with her whenever she played cards. It truly wasn't fair in the least bit. Fire met ice, her eyebrow slowly lowering so she appeared more calm and content, finding herself feeling exactly that as she sat here longer with him. "As for company well, i doubt you like your girls handing out free samples so i did them a favor and stayed away. Tis the least i could do."

Now that was something she burst out laughing at, drawing a few gazes at the almost scratchy caramel that was her voice. She shook her head since they would like that about as much as she would. Which was none at all. In fact, they liked the idea about as much as they liked goody-two-shoes. They all were not fans of that in the least bit. "No, we appreciate it. I wouldn't want to have to have you excused after all. That would just be a damned shame." Especially to remove such a pretty face. Heh. " But if your offering to keep this lonely man company for a little while why i just couldn't turn you down now could i?" Her ears perked up at the sound of chips, her smile only growing as she sipped at her drink once more. "I think that could be arranged." Her voice grew quieter then as she leaned back onto the counter on her elbow, those crimson orbs remaining upon those sapphire pools. "In fact i know just what we could do..." Oh? Now her eyebrow raised a bit in intrigue to what in the world he may suggest.

He leaned in, Selina resting more upon her arm so she could be sure to hear him. That grin of his only made her smile spread to a glint in her eye. You could say she had an inkling to what he was thinking, and she did enjoy the thought indeed. "I hear you like to play cards... Care for a game? And if your a betting girl, well ill even let you set the stakes. Cause im just such a nice guy." Did she like to play cards? Did she like to bet? Well, now that grin that spread was almost... mischievous. Maybe even somehow cruel. But that foxy sly twinkle in her eye was certainly identifiable. Placing her drink down, her hand reached out to his and took it in her own as she slid off the stool, carefully sliding her skirt down a bit. He had no idea. "You could say I enjoy filling my time with such things. I appreciate the generous offer my dear Mr. Amato." Her arm swept out towards the vast room behind her that writhed with the greed at life, her hand still enclosing his. "What is your game of choice?" It did not matter to her. She was quite curious to see how he would fare against her in all honesty.

One of her girls swept towards her to hand her a red silk purse that she slipped over her shoulder, the clink of chips inside signaling what exactly was in there. "Thank you Layla." "My pleasure Madame." So with a little giggle, she let her hand slide from his as she took a couple of steps backwards towards the smells and sounds of vice that filled her life.

[Reila Tsukino]

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[Guest]

"IT seems you've never played cards with a gentleman before Miss Dresden, because if you had you would know the lady always chooses the game, the stakes and most importantly the drinks." His eyes twinkled with impish delight as he spoke, his every word almost seeming to bounce with energy and what could only be described a delight. "If that wasn't enough, this is after all your house and that would also make you my most gracious and beautiful of hosts, so what kind of guest would i be if i forced you to play a game that you would not enjoy? The answer of course is a dead on." He let out a tiny laugh that made him look even more elf like then he normally did. "Though i wont tell anyone else that if you wont, otherwise you might loose some customers, and then were would i be?" He winked and let his playful demeanor continue to grow. "We of course already know the answer to that now don't we?"His tone and voice was something almost exuberant in nature, but this was tempered somewhat, and thankfully so, by the set of his face and the way his eyes locked on the woman before him.

"Of course if you choose a game i do not know, you are required to teach me, but i don't see that being any sort of hardship for a woman of your obvious talent, though i could be proven wrong of course... But that is a rare occurrence, and one i don't see happening this evening." Excited as he was, Dimitri was still more cautious then he seemed. The wolf knew that the woman before him had risen to power by eliminating any and all threats to her power, most before they knew they where even threats, and he wasn't bragging when he thought she could rightfully consider him and his enterprise a threat to her operations given the right light. The fact that he had no intention(At least at this point in time) to try and muscle in on her was besides the point. He leans forward, a roguish grin splitting his face "Regardless, i can't wait to see what poisons you've picked out for me tonight... Im just dying to know."

[Guest]

"IT seems you've never played cards with a gentleman before Miss Dresden, because if you had you would know the lady always chooses the game, the stakes and most importantly the drinks." She raised her eyebrow at that. What in the world could he be trying to imply with that? She always chose the game regardless unless it was a guest. Then she was willing to put aside her preferences in order to be a better host. For someone to so boldly tell her that she should choose herself (though that certainly wasn't his intention) was both refreshing, and almost... rude. "If that wasn't enough, this is after all your house and that would also make you my most gracious and beautiful of hosts, so what kind of guest would i be if i forced you to play a game that you would not enjoy? The answer of course is a dead on." Hmmm... He did make a rather valid point now. This was indeed her home, her domain where she was Queen and Mistress so logic would dictate that she should choose the game. Very well. She would choose. He was quite the bold man though, wasn't he? That was rather... desireable. Too many lost their boldness when they stood before her, or exhibited it too much. He had found a happy medium it appeared to her. "Very well. Then I shall just have to choose." She murmured quietly with a soft little smirk, a twinkle flashing across her eyes as she began to wander aimlessly through the tables.

"Though i wont tell anyone else that if you wont, otherwise you might loose some customers, and then were would i be? We of course already know the answer to that now don't we?" She had to laugh at this now, for the very thought of her ever losing customers was so laughable, that it may as well be unthinkable. There would always be a need to quench ones thirst for booze, money, wrath, and lust. Selina Dresden possessed solutions to all four of these base desires that existed within the world today. No... The world would always need her and her brother. "Of course if you choose a game i do not know, you are required to teach me, but i don't see that being any sort of hardship for a woman of your obvious talent, though i could be proven wrong of course... But that is a rare occurrence, and one i don't see happening this evening." "Oh you should have no worries my dear Mr. Amato. I only choose common games that my guests will know unless they request otherwise."

She smiled sweetly as she slowed beside the poker tables, tilting her head slightly as she looked at the one mans hand before her. Now was he actually not expecting anything? She couldn't help but feel some suspicion towards her mafia friend even as he grinned goofily at her with those playful winks. A groan grew from the table before them, "Regardless, i can't wait to see what poisons you've picked out for me tonight... Im just dying to know." Oh, she was sure he was. The dealer straightened up as he saw that she was there, blinking before glancing between her and her guest. "May we join Anthony?" "Of course ma'am. A fresh hand was about to be dealt." She smiled sweetly and sat down in one of the free chairs, one of the men leaving while looking fearedly towards her and Dimitri. Any person that was Selina Dresden's guest for the night was clearly someone of either power, worth, or interest to her.

Sliding her hand into the purse dangling from her wrist, she placed it down gently and pulled a couple of chips out, folding her hands over her lap as the dealer shuffled. Another one of her girls swung by with a tray in hand, a Scarlet O'Hara resting upon its surface which was placed down beside her. She nodded and thanked the girl quietly, crossing her legs as she leaned back in her chair, looking around with that little sly smirk of hers. The cards were dealt, they raised the cards to examine their hands, quietly judging what it was that they would do first. Now what would people do hm?

[Shula Brighton]

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