#monkey demon

I sit up with a large inhale. I scrub at my face, ignoring the ache of the cuts and bruises. "Nope, I'm going." I push off the table, hop off the stool, and wobble to the bar. For futility's sake, I search my pockets for anything. I pull out my keys and a bundle of cards tied together with a rubber band. Maxed out credit cards and an ID. I sigh.

The bartender barely acknowledges me as I sit at the table. I rest on my arms and put on my best 'poor me' face.

The bartender huffs," How much did you lose this time?

"Five hundred," I grumble. He rolls his eyes, slamming the glass on the wood top with a disappointed thunk.

"And where did you get that from?"

"From work," I scowl," What are you insinuating anyway?" I sit up to glare more appropriately. He glances at me as he polishes the next glass.

"I don't need to hint at anything. It looks like Travis gave you all the hints you need," He taps at his cheek with a knowing smirk. The cuts sting for extra spite. I bury my face into my arms. A sourness builds in my stomach, and an ache begins to form. I groan in my poor me act to attempt more sympathy from my favorite bartender.

"How much do you owe anyway?" he asks. I look over my arm.

"15k," I answer. He fiddles with something under the bar as he barks out a laugh.

"Well then, you really need this," He slid me a clear drink," It's on the house." I perk up and snatch the drink. With a cheer, I down the entirety. The familiar burn doesn't tease me; instead, a very unimportant taste replaces it.

"Water?"

He shrugs," The only thing you can afford. Thought I'd treat ya since you're so down tonight. I'm a gentleman like that."

"Ha-ha," I deadpan," I think I'll call it a night."

"Probably for the best."

I saunter off away from the smarmy bastard. My feet can't help but stumble towards the exit as if tied to the place. I trip over nothing but the weight of the poker table's chains, which dig into my ankle. The front door feels like a trap. I can picture Travis's goons waiting outside just to see if I won anything they can take. They don't double-dip on the same day, though. I sigh and push out to the parking lot.

My car is parked out the side. A shitty little Camry with more dents and dings than a kicked can. I can't bring myself to finish the walk of shame. The wall seems like a cooler place to hang out. My back digs into the brick.

"Another shit night it seems," I look up at the stars. The ambient sounds of the casino can still be heard through the wall. I close my eyes and picture myself sitting at the slots. The three wheels are spinning and spinning until one at a time they hit those beautiful 7s. All the lights would dance as the music rings throughout the building. I sigh.

A door opens beside me as the cacophony plays even louder. I lazily roll my head over to look. A deep red door has pealed open. A rainbow of circulating lights blinks from inside.

"What?" I push off the wall. I don't think this door was here before. I've been in here a hundred times, I know the blueprints like the back of my hand. I step closer, grabbing the door as I peek inside. Steps lead downward into some sort of basement. Lights continue to dance and music plays. I take a step down as curiosity leads me by the throat.

I find myself at the bottom of the steps looking into a decent-sized room. There are a few people besides the table workers here. The vibes are decently relaxed. No slots or gimmick games, just the green felt booths with classic card and chance games.

"May I help you, miss?" A man startles me from my musing. I snap toward the chip counter.

"Oh, sorry. I was just-," I squint at the man. He looks funny, sorta like a pig. His nose is upturned, and he even has little ears. "Uhh, I was just looking."

"So you are new here," He asks," Then would you mind taking a moment for me to explain our newcomers package?" I barely register his words as I stare at his pink skin.

"Uh, no. I don't have any money to spend tonight."

"Then you are at the right place. New guests get a complimentary chips package. We offer house funds of a thousand dollars. You can play for real cash and trade in at the end of the night." That snaps me from my investigation.

"Free money?"

"It's house funds, only available for use here. But the amount you win is real cash. We like to give our guests a taste of the facility before investing their own money in it."

I close the gap to the counter, leaning on my elbow. The familiar tingle claws up my spine into my skull.

"How do I sign up?"

The night is a blast. I play rounds at all the go-to spots. Poker, Roulette, Black Jack, Craps. I win some, lose more. But the way they keep the drinks going, I can't be damned to care. The workers all seem to be dressed as animals of some kind. Dogs, monkeys, horses, cheetahs, lizards, you name it. I've been privy to the monkey fellow for the night. Even show off some of my card magic skills as I play poker.

But like most night binge gambling, it must come to an end.

"Ace high, table wins," The monkey dealer calls. I glare up at his smug smile with disdain. He cocks a brow as if to ask my next move. I look at my measly pile of chips. "Another round, Ms. Flits?" The challenge sits before me like a packaged gift. I've never been one to turn down a present.

I throw a chip in, "Just deal the cards."

"As you wish," he shrugs. I sneer at the damned ape in his stupid red and black suit. His dumb little bowtie is kind of adorable. He deals out the card between us and sets up the line face down. I peek at my cards, jack and two. Well, this isn't going to go well.

He runs through the charade of betting and raising. I follow along, a little overly confident in my poker face. The last card is yet to be flipped, and things aren't looking good. A smart woman would have folded already, but sadly, I'm three drinks in and still bitter about getting beaten up this morning.

"All in," I push the sad, pathetic stack forward. He laughs.

"Are you sure about that?"

I glare," Just flip the card, monkey boy."

He grins, the last card flicked to reveal its face like it could ever save me. I have nothing, not even a pair. I still wait for him to show his cards. He rolls his eyes and throws his set onto the table. A pair of queens.

"You don't need to flip yours, save you the embarrassment," he goads. I watch him slide the last chips away. The stupidity boils in me as the only chance I had at taking home some cash leaves my possession without a goodbye. I bang my head on the table.

"For someone who gambles so often, I would assume you were at least decent at it. This was really sad, Sam," he flicks a chip between his fingers. Lying on my cheek, I watch him, feeling sorry for myself.

"Win some, lose some," I try to save face. He throws his head back and laughs.

"That would require you to win at some point for that to be true."

"Fuck you," I stand up, ready to finish this nightmare.

"Hold on, Hold on," He flips the chip onto the table. I watch it bounce around until it lands in front of me. "How about a deal?"

I try to fight it, I swear I do. My brain tells me to turn away, go home, and go to sleep. Try to find a second job and work out a payment plan with Travis. Quit this gambling and actually be a decent human for a second. My heart though...

"What deal?"

He grins big and wide," didn't take you too much persuading, it seems."

"I didn't agree to anything yet," I counter.

"I think we both know you will agree to anything I offer you right now," he says, giving me a once-over. I squirm at the attention, feeling a bit hot to be regarded when I'm so 'underdressed'. My face aches for more than one reason.

"Now, sir, I ain't that type of girl," I blush.

"No, I don't think you fit the bill. Either way, it's not that type of deal."

"When will we get to it already. I don't have all day," I huff.

He hums," Alright. One more game, the winner takes all. If you win, I will reward you with a substantial amount of money. Enough to pay off your debts and still have much more leftover."

"And if I lose?"

He sits down and gestures for me to do the same. Skeptic but engaged, I sat.

"Be honest, Sam, would it really matter if I told you?"

Deep down, I know the answer to be no. Any amount of money would be enough for me to attempt this; his offer of more than I need is too tempting.

"I would say it does."

He thinks for a moment, watching me with an amused glint. The attention is too much. I grab the cards on the table and fiddle with them as I wait for him. He watches as I shuffle the deck. I smile to myself as I show off some acrobatic tricks. I bend the top card and launch it in the air. It performs a small arc as I catch it on top. He chuckles.

"Know a lot of tricks," he asks. I answer with another card throw. The deck is split between my knuckles, and my thumb slides out a single piece. With another bend, I flick it and catch it on top. I juggle the deck around in various flares with practiced ease. He seemed to be enjoying himself enough, leaned back in his chair, admiring.

"What's the rest of the deal?" I ask, flicking a card at his chest. He watches it fall into his lap before snatching it to flick it to me. I add it to the deck and fan out the set. Using the top card, I flick the bottom corner and flip the whole line face up. I peek at him as the silence drags on.

He swats the air," Nothing too serious. Just a little ask, almost like a favor, really. If you win, you get all the money you desire. If I win..." He leans over the table," I get your soul."

I startle away as his eyes flash from black to red like a roulette table," What?" I look around the room at the other animal dealers and notice all the poor souls sitting at the games. Each looks so lost and empty, husks of their former selves. The dealers all look so excited and giddy as they win again and again.

I snap my eyes towards to him," This is a trap."

He smiles as if looking at a child," For them, yes. For you, a normal game of poker. What do you say?"

The clear answer is No. I don't know how, but this is a clear trap. There is no way this will be a fair game. These cards are probably tricked or marked. Certain cards cut down slightly, so when you fan them, it's clear which one to stop on.

A plan forms in my mind.

"I have some ground rules first," I juggle the deck around in my hand, making sure to distract him with the constant movement.

"As you wish."

"I want a brand new deck of cards, to make sure this deck isn't a trick set."

He scoffs," You think I'd need a trick set to beat you? You haven't won anything substantial all night."

I shuffle the deck, accidentally dropping a few cards as I do. " I just want to make sure." I reach under the table for the fallen cards, pocketing two before I clear the edge.

"As you wish," He reaches out a hand," Do we have a deal?"

I carefully observe his outstretched palm, noting how damn hairy he is. The pile now neatly together, I set it to the side before shaking his hand.

"Deal."

He grabs a new deck from under him, making a show of peeling off the plastic. I try to fight the smile as he makes sure I'm watching. He takes the fresh pack out and begins shuffling. I watch him do a few tricks of his own, clearly showing off with that adorable smirk.

"Is this satisfactory for you?" he asks.

I reach out my hand," Lemme look at them first."

He drops the deck in my awaiting palm. I feel the familiar glide of fresh cards, a bit of nerves tingling my spine. New cards slide more easily. I played around with them as he did, making a big show to hide myself, stuffing two cards inside. Satisfied, I plop the stack in front of him.

"Let's play."

He lays the line and then deals our two cards. I look at my hand, a pair of queens. That's good. He doesn't even look at his cards. He flips the first three over. Jack, seven, and an ace. Potentially not good, but the worst that happens is a pair of aces from him. I check my cards again, just in case they changed. He flips the next one, another ace. Ok, probably panic. If he has an ace, he beats me with a three of a kind. Though it's not time to panic. He flips the last one.

Queen.

"Tough luck," he says as he flips his cards. It reveals two queens in his hand. I stare a bit flabbergasted at the odds. He must suck at shuffling. He starts to clean up the play, but I throw my hand down, feeling rather smug at the moment. He glances down and then glares down.

"What?" he snatches the card. One is a bit worn compared to the other. He sneers over to me," You cheated."

"Moi?" I play coy," I'd never. It seems we tied."

"We didn't tie, you cheated," He clarifies.

"How should I know you don't have five queens in a deck? Maybe you have a faulty pack? You weren't trying to pull one over on me, were you?"

He can't stop glaring at me, then the cards, then the table. He can't seem to pick where to be mad at. Like a switch, he starts laughing, a true belly laugh. The guests stop and look over at the commotion.

"I didn't even see you do it," He holds his stomach," What a dumb thing to do!"

I shrug," What can I say, I'm optimistic and I figured you were probably card counting. Got to keep the little demon monkey on his toes."

"But it didn't work out for you! That's the funniest part," He smacks the table," Even when you cheat, you can't win."

Unease swells in my belly as he won't stop laughing. Perhaps cheating wasn't my best plan, but it wasn't a fair chance anyway. Maybe stopping would be good right now.

"Well, that was fun and all, but I should be heading out." I slide off the stool and try to inch my way towards the door. As I swing around, I bump into the monkey dealer.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asks, humor gone. I look up at the tall creature, feeling rather small at the moment.

"Home," I wince.

"That's interesting, because I thought we were playing a game."

"We did, we tied. So that's the universe telling me to call it quits, so I'm just going to, "I try to slip past, but he grabs my arm.

"There was no tie, you cheated," he leans down to my ear," I generally punish cheaters, but I have a unique offer for you that may benefit us both."

I gulp.

"Here is your offer. Forfeit your soul or-," he corners me to the table, his hands drop to either side of me as he ducks to meet my eyes," work for me as one of my card dealers." I stumble at the proximity, smelling his brain-fuddling musk.

"Wh-hat," I lean back on my hands to put some space.

"I didn't even see you slip those cards into the deck. I can use someone with-," He looks down at my mouth," quick hands."

My face becomes an inferno as all the attention makes my slightly buzzed brain ring alarms. I hop up on the table and tuck my legs in to get out of his embrace. I drop off the other side of him and take a few steps away.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's start over here," I wave my hands. He rolls his eyes before turning his back to the table, arms crossed. He looks decently annoyed now to be dipped like that.

"It's not that complicated. Work for me as a dealer, help me cheat some poor bastards out of some money. I'll even pay you if that's what you're worried about."

I take a moment to cool my hot face before I consider his offer. At the moment, I work at a shitty diner near my apartment. The customers are generally assholes, and the management isn't any better. I can't keep my cool long enough to deal with flirty bastards or temperamental people to get good tips.

"How much are we talking?" I cross my arms.

He quirks a brow," More than you make at your current job. Quit all the questions and just agree. I have so much to do tonight, and your cheating has set me back on my quota."

"Well, excuse me," I say. Before I can add more sarcasm, he walks over and snatches my hand.

"See you tomorrow, 6pm. Wear a white shirt and black pants," He gives my hand a single shake, "you're cute but not that cute. Let's keep the attitude to a minimum, yes?"

I open my mouth, but with a snap of his fingers, I'm in the parking lot. I stumble on my train of thought as I look around for the room I was just in. The brick wall behind me has no red door, or any door. I scoff and grab my keys.

"He thinks I'm cute," I laugh to myself.

------------------

I show up at the building on the dot in the requested outfit. The door presents magically before my eyes. I can't be bothered to question it and walk inside. Nothing of note has changed, but there are clearly fewer people here- workers or guests. I can't spot the dealer from last night anywhere.

"You're late," a voice makes me jump," And what the hell are you wearing?"

I twist around to the dealer, who is appraising my outfit with disgust. I pull at the ends of my white tee, confused.

"What, you said white shirt and black pants?"

"Yes," he steps over and picks at the shirt," But you aren't working in the back, I thought you would at least have a button up."

"Does it matter? I figure a vest is going over it anyway," I fold my arms, taking a step out of his reach. He frowns.

"It doesn't matter, you need to present yourself in a certain way to display certain," he peeks down at my chest," aspects."

I scoff, turning away. "I am not going to pimp myself out as eye candy."

He laughs," Well, not in that you aren't. Do you even own a nice bra?"

I burn under the scrutiny," I thought I was here to work, not be dressed up."

"You're doing both. Doesn't matter right now, I guess," He walks past towards the back. I follow along into an employee entrance. Lines of lockers sit against the wall. Adjacent is a set of bathrooms. Before I can engage with the room beyond that, which seems to be a break room, I have clothes thrown at my face. I snatch the silky vest away right as another piece blinds me.

"Looks like I have everything you seem to be lacking. Change the shirt, put on the vest."

I watch him as he digs through a locker. He never turns around, so I take the gamble and switch shirts. I pull off the plain T and dress in a white button-up. As I slide on the vest, he turns around. I button the waist and raise my arms to present.

"Better?"

He scoffs as he walks over," Are you a Mormon? Why did you button all the way to the top?" He flicks the buttons with a practiced swish of his hand. Three are undone, enough to show off my cleavage.

"Well, I'm sorry that I'm not used to looking slutty," I seethe. He straightens out the outfit a bit more, tugging me every which way.

"This is hardly slutty, but I see what you mean. When was the last time you tried to seduce someone?"

I don't confirm or deny, instead looking over at the breakroom.

He hums," figured. Don't worry, you look good. Just do your little tricks, and those sad sacks will be eating out of your hand. Ready?"

I blow a strand of hair out of my face," Ready as I'll ever be."

"Great. My name is Vex, and you report only to me. You only have two things to do here. Look pretty and scam suckers. Is that easy enough for you?"

"I know I can do at least half that," I shrug.

"Don't worry, I can teach you how to scam suckers." With that, he twists me away. His hand on my lower back guides me out into the main room. I take a deep breath of the familiar atmosphere that comforts me immediately.

Let's start.

--------

I have been working for Vex for around a month now. I have to say, this job is awesome. It's nice to be on the other side for once, seeing the poor bastards try and try just to succeed at going home empty-handed. Vex helps with some pocketing tricks, but mostly spends his time teaching me card counting. On slow nights, it's not particularly helpful, but when the table is full, I can really get some practice in. Blackjack was the simplest way to learn, as all but one card of each player is revealed. Vex stops by once in a while to watch over my shoulder. He is a little too flirty when he does so, making me lose my concentration when he is near. Hand on my back, hot breath down my neck. I don't know if he is doing it on purpose, but as long as he keeps touching me, I don't really care.

Vex walks up behind me, hand sliding to the small of my back. The chills shoot straight down my legs as I don't recall breathing.

"We have a special guest tomorrow," he whispers," Wear that cute button-up with the top three undone. Then those high-waisted slacks that show off your ass."

I shuffle the deck with a playful smirk," Been paying too much attention to my outfits."

"Not like you don't demand it when you wear those pants," He pets my back," But seriously, my boss is coming tomorrow specifically to meet you. No pressure."

Before I could respond, he was gone. My hands are a little less certain as I pocket a few cards. The boss's boss, how...uncomfortable.

I show up the next day in the appropriate attire. The cold night air makes my nipples ache with how hard they are. I wait by the entrance for the door to show up. My hands seek warmth in my pits as my legs bounce to generate some heat.

"Vex, my nipples can cut glass here. Open the fucking door," I grumble to no one. As if he heard me, the familiar red door clanks into place. "Finally," I praise. I rush in and embrace the almost tropical air. My feet take me down to the nostalgic room where I find Vex rushing around. I pause at the bottom just to watch.

Vex divides out the sets for each table: cards, chips, and chairs. When he finally passes me, he stops, startled to see me. He gives me a once-over as he fully turns to me.

"Are you even wearing a padded bra?" He stares down at my chest. I cross my arms.

"It's 30 outside," I defend. He takes a little too long to look away. I look down at the abundant cleavage and cross my arms a little higher. "Do you need help with anything?"

"Huh," he meets my eyes," No. Go get warm and- I don't know- be not in here." He zips off before I can argue. His tail flicks in quick streaks near his feet. I don't bother trying to talk with him; it is impossible when he is like this.

I walk off to the back and play on my phone. Online poker in a casino would make me laugh at the irony if I weren't too busy losing. You would think a month here learning to count cards would help with something, but I guess not.

"Why are you sitting? Go set up your station," Vex snaps. I glare up at him as he passes towards the lockers. When I don't move, he looks over his shoulder," Today would be great."

"Don't be an ass, it's not cute," I shut off my phone. I get the hell out of dodge before he can start his bitch fit. My station is already set up, thanks to Vex, so I settled for grabbing a cup of water to keep nearby.

The chip station is empty of the typical pig gentleman who works it- Wilbur. I take stock of the room and then the time. Shouldn't everyone be funneling in by now? I grab a plastic cup and fill it with the cooler. Vex bangs on the employee door loud enough to make me jump. I snapped at him, speeding around some more.

"Where is everyone?" I risk asking. He bends down behind a table, then pops his head up.

"The place is rented out tonight. It's just you and me," He answers before dipping away. Since I've started here, I've never seen this place even so much as go short-staffed, let alone be rented out.

"Your boss rented out the place except for us? That seems a bit excessive."

"He owns the place. That's his prerogative. Though he just wanted to meet you," He has to shout when he heads to the back. I watch him, confused. Meet me? Why on earth would his boss want to do that?

"Why?"

He kicks the door open with hands full of cocktail mixes. "You are the only human to work here. He wants to make sure you aren't just a pretty face."

I squint," So he is going to do a review on me? You didn't think to warn me of that?"

He sets the bottles on the bar and begins sorting them into their holders. "Would it matter? You tend to bend under pressure. I figured it gives you less time to overthink it."

He's right, of course. Though I'd never say it. Instead, I finish off the cup and refill, wishing it were a different clear liquid. Getting tested by a demon, no pressure. I finish the drink off again.

I don't notice when Vex walks by. He pushes my spaced-out self to my station. I fit into the cut-out space and watch his hands grip the table on either side. His chin digs into my shoulder.

"You are going to do fine. Now stop being so human and focus on me right now. I have ten minutes to make sure this place looks amazing, or I'm going to the lava pits," He bumps his head to mine before taking off.

I have to impress the boss? How the hell am I going to do that? I'm lucky I impressed Vex that night, and I got to admit, it was pure luck. I grab a pack and begin fidgeting with the deck. The cards glide over my fingers like a lover's touch. My fingers play around with each sheet in a mesmerizing display. I divide, slide, throw, and catch. The familiar beats ease the tension, but only a bit. A word from him alerts me.

"Lava pits," I ask.

The tension is almost palpable as steps are heard from the front door. We both freeze as a very large beast comes into the light. He is an animal hybrid just like everyone I've met here. He clearly struggles to walk, even with his cane doing nothing but enabling him. His head is that of a boar- large tusks and a pig nose. The suit hugs him a bit too snugly, the buttons threatening to pop with a misplaced breath.

"Don Holden," Vex claps," Welcome." His tone is all customer service; it's actually gross to hear it from him.

"Ambivex, always a pleasure," Don removes his coat and hands it to Vex. The sight is humorous, the term 'monkey butler' making me smile. Also, Ambivex? Thank god he goes by Vex, I would never call him that.

"Shall I show you to our table tonight?"

"What game are we playing?" Don waddles in my direction as he chats it up with Vex. I straighten, finding myself looking over my attire. My cleavage is out more than I'm comfortable with, but I understand the need. If I'm going to impress him, I think I can take what I can get.

"I was thinking of a classic game of poker. Did you have something else in mind?"

Don makes it to the table in a huff. He looks at me, forgetting about Vex. His eyes feel greasy as they wander over my body. My skin pebbles as the urge to shower comes over me. I keep on my smile and continue to fiddle with the deck.

"Samantha Flits, I've heard very little of you," Don greets. Vex pulls out his chair. He struggles to lift himself into the high seat but never looks away from me, to my dismay. The pig seems rather excited to be here tonight.

"Well, I hope what you have heard is all good things," I lay it on as thick as syrup. Let the old bastard drown in it.

Once he is firmly seated, Vex cuts around the table to stand behind me. I expect him to crowd me into the table, but he stands politely off to the right.

"I've heard some interesting things that I wish to see for myself tonight," Don smiles," Would you mind a little game of poker?"

"Poker? Why, that's my favorite," I butter him up. I make a show of shuffling the cards, trying to forget about the eyes on me. With dramatic flares and over-the-top tricks, I begin dealing. Two cards each and the deck by my side. The pig doesn't look at his cards, though his eyes dip more than once to my chest. I want to sneer, but instead take a peek at my set.

"How about we make this game more interesting?" He gleamed. I look up from the table to stare off into space. A tingle goes through my head as his words muddle around. A hand is splayed on my back, but I don't pay it mind. My body feels like it's betraying me as I ponder the offer. Surely it wouldn't hurt to up the stakes for our esteemed guest? Though I was specifically told NOT to.

"What are you offering-," I can't finish as my hair is yanked. I see silently," If you wish to make a deal, feel free to talk with Vex. I am not allowed to barter during work." Vex pets his knuckles down my spine, and I shiver.

"Very well," Don frowns," Then just a friendly game will do. And don't go easy on me, dear."

We play the first round with minor meddling. The line does little to help my hand, and I can't seem to focus enough to figure out the odds. With all the cards flipped, he reveals his, a pair with an ace high. I flip mine, a pair, jack high. Don frowns as he throws the cards to me. The knuckles at my spine dig into my skin. A clear message is being sent.

Do better.

I shuffle the deck and take a breath. I ignore the reprimand at my back. I ignore the slimy eyes staring down my shirt. I ignore that I'm even in a casino. Deep inhale, slow exhale. I got this.

I deal the next set while sneaking select cards into my sleeves. We play the next round and end in a tie. Don huffs, annoyed and bored. Vex's finger tugs a little on my vest. I nudged his foot with mine with a little message, I got this.

I shuffle once more and show off some dramatics. As I toss a card into the air, I slide my card on top. I catch the other and slide it in the middle. Another deal, and this one is going in my favor. I grab the 4th card in line and, with a flick of my fingers, trade it for the last card hidden away. Before I can reach for the next card, Don stops me.

"Dear, this has been a failed endeavor, but I believe it's best to call it a night," He tosses his cards face up towards me as he struggles out of the chair. "You are a sexy young thing, but I believe Vex has made a mistake with your other talents." I want to roll my eyes at all this. Vex's hand claws at my vest, gripping it tight enough to strain on my stomach. I nudged his foot again.

"Leaving before the game has ended. Seems rather impolite," I bait, though I haven't a clue if it would work. What would a demon care about being 'polite'?

Don huffs," If only to humor you." He turns back and prompts me to flip the last card. I do as such, and no one is surprised by the reveal. "As expected, three of a kind for me. You have either a pair or a sad attempt at a straight." I quirk a brow, he furrows his. Vex tugs me accidentally, and I falter a step. I scold him over my shoulder, but just see how nervous he looks. I ignored him for a moment longer.

"So certain, Mr. Holden?"

He glares," I'm almost certain."

I flip my set to reveal a full house. He scoffs.

"Now, how did you come about that?" He looks over the cards, seeing a repeat of a seven of clubs," Did you add extra cards?"

I shrug," Are you accusing me of cheating?"

He looks up at me with an amused quirk of his brow," Now, how did you throw in some more when I was looking?"

I grab one of the cards off the table. With a flick of my fingers, I switch it for one hidden behind," Magic."

Don laughs. He laughs a true belly laugh that reminds me of Vex a bit. The hand on my back snakes around to my hips, and I have to fight a blush.

"Now that's some neat trick. I didn't know we hired magicians," He laughs with a slap to the table," No wonder profits have been great!"

Don waddles off while laughing towards the door. Vex jumps out from behind me to walk him out. With Don's coat in hand, he meets him at the steps.

"You did well, Ambivex," he reaches up and slaps him kindly on the cheek. Vex bows and helps him adorn his jacket. With a final wave and another laugh at me, Don is gone.

Vex straightens his tie and walks over. He has a smirk on his cheek as he stops half an arm's length away.

"That went well, I think," I smile. He hums before grabbing my face and laying a big kiss on me. I stumble from it, catching myself on the table.

"You just helped me get a raise." He switches his hold to my back and neck as he dips me, laying another kiss on me. I'm slow to trot, a bit drunk on him as I try to compute an ounce of what's happening. He leans away to look at me, annoyed," If you don't kiss me back, I'm going to feel a certain way about it."

"Oh," my hand shakes as I grab his collar, "sorry." He meets me in a more interactive dance of lips. I tug him close, though I'm incredibly out of my element here. He leads, groping at my side and threading his fingers through my hair. I feel light and dizzy. He crowds me until the wood digs into my waist. Without preamble, he hugs me close to lift me onto the table. I gasp, my hand flies out to catch myself as he presses me to my back.

"Whoa," I break away to catch my breath. He diverts to my neck for open-mouth kisses. I can't breathe or think. My insides feel like jumping beans as a vibration rolls in waves. I tilt my head, and he fills the space, sucking on my skin towards my breast. I'm shaking by the time he presses his face in.

"Oh my god," I pant. He drags my hips towards him. My hand slips off the table, and I collapse onto the felt top. He crawls up with me, hands fiddling with the buttons leading up to my bust. I stop him when I have a second to think.

"What," he growls. I can't answer yet, too busy trying to remember how to exhale. He looked down at me, and I could combust. His face looks so needy.

"Hold on a second," I bang my head back," What is going on?"

He laughs," I feel it's pretty obvious what's happening. If you want me to spell it out, I can." He bends to kiss my hands on his. He grabs a finger with his teeth and guides it away from my stomach. I'd find it funny if I weren't so overwhelmed. The ache in my crotch tells me to let him keep going. He slowly unbuttons, kissing the skin as it's revealed. My eyes flutter shut, a groan getting caught in my throat.

"It's been a while," I warn.

"I can tell," he teases. The final button undone, he splits the fabric apart. He sits up to admire his reward. I peek at his face, so excited. My hips flex as a spark of want curls around my pussy. "It's been a while for me, too."

Before I can ask, he drags me back into an intoxicating kiss. Between us, he undoes his bowtie and shirt. I pet his face, then sneak a hand down his chest to help separate the piece. He is incredibly hairy, so much so that I turn away to look at him. He doesn't mind, instead licking and sucking on my neck. I pet over his chest and admire how heavy he is breathing. I feel a bit smug, but it's drowned out by this raging need I haven't felt in months.

"I need you," he grunts in my ear. My heart stutters. He sits up and grabs at my pants' hem. With the card dealer's hands, he undoes the button and zipper. I help him get rid of my pants. As I kick it off my ankle, he works on his pants. I watch as he pulls his cock out and jerks himself.

"Oh," I gasp. My clit nearly stings from neglect. He looks down at my slit as he pumps himself. A decent-sized cock, very human-looking to no one's surprise. His large hands thumb over his tip as he reaches out and slides a finger against me. Slick coats his fingers, but I barely notice as I fall onto my back. My hips move on their own to meet his hand.

"You're so wet," he moans. A finger squelches as he presses in. I clench around him, hands reaching down as if to help, but pausing over my stomach. I grope at the skin and roll into him. Though it's not enough.

"Please," I whimper without consent. I know I'll be embarrassed by that later, but that look on his face makes me not give a damn.

"Please, what?" He smiles. Another finger gets engulfed by my heat. I can't think.

"Please," I say again as I ride his hand. He curls the pads to my walls and plays me like a fiddle. I pant and writhe, my clit burning with need.

"I'm going to die," he removes his hand," I have to be in you. Sorry."

He grabs my hips in a flash and presses his cock to my entrance. I only have enough time to look up as his face pinches in pleasure. I'm stuffed as he nudges further and further in. My hips bounce to meet him until he bottoms out.

"Fuck," he spits," Don't say a word, I'll explode."

"What?" I wrap my legs around him, nudging him in more. He swallows hard, a death grip on my hips.

"I said don't talk," he says, panicked. I can't help it, I truly can't. I dig my heels into his hips and squeeze tight. My walls flutter as a spark tries to burn us both alive. His hips stutter as if he tried to run away but was snatched back. He pants quickly, looking up at the ceiling. "F-fuck," he tries to bark, but it loses most of its bite. He fucks into me in unpracticed thrusts, like he is fighting himself.

I choke on moans, rather happy to be stuffed and watch him lose his cool. He peeks down through his lashes with bared teeth. I grin a bit smugly.

"Screw it," he says. His fingers dig into my thighs as he pulls out. He slams in hard enough to compress my lungs. Teasing might have been a bad idea.

Vex fucks me like his life depends on it. He pistons in with deep growls that have me in awe. I writhe and squirm under him as my pleasure is being ripped from me without a care. I give up on subtlety and cry out into the empty casino. My hands search around for purchase. Cards are splayed around, chips kicked over. I feel so free at this moment. In my element with this beastly man.

"Vex," I groan. His hips stumble, I say it again. He lets out a quick breath before holding it again. Watching him so wound tight, tettering closer and closer to the precipice does things to me. I embrace the feeling of his cock, his hands, his breath. It is a comforting fire that shreds through me as if I'm on a winning streak that can't be beat. I don't see it coming, but neither does he.

I arch off the table as I squeeze around him. I grit my teeth and bear it to the ceiling. My hands clench around a handful of cards, bending them every which way in my grip. Vex cries out, but stamps it down quickly. I milk him, almost demanding his cum. He finishes with his head back, sputtering into the room. His hips jerk in short bursts as warmth floods my inside.

"Ah," he pants," Fucking hell." He freezes. I watch him, his fingers still digging into my skin. Before I can ask him to let go, he pulls out and collapses beside me. His arm goes around my middle as he hums. I look him over, a content smile on his face. His generally well-groomed hair is a mess. His bowtie hangs off his neck, stuck in the collar of his shirt. I grab it and toss it aside.

"So what was that about?" I ask. I curl to my side, wincing at the wetness between my legs. He opens a single eye.

"What do you mean? What was that about?"

"Well, you kinda jumped me there."

He huffs," I think I was romantic enough. Don't paint me as some beast who attacked you."

"Uh-huh." He scolds me with a bite to my shoulder. I jerk away and playfully swat his back.

We cuddle on the uncomfortable table, perhaps falling asleep at some point. I wake up with a crick in my neck.

"I think I should head home, it's a bit late." I grab his arm to toss to the side. He grumbles a bit but puts up no fight. I don my pants and redo my shirt. Vex continues to be lost to the land of the living, having fallen asleep on the table. I wait for him to wake, to say something. A light snore comes from him.

"Well, I'll be going," I take a few steps away towards the door. It stings a little, I won't deny it. To be fair, he is a demon.

I head up the steps and out into the cold parking lot. The cars are mostly gone, though mine is left alone on the far side. With a click, the door shuts behind me. As I turn around, it fades from view. The chilly air feels a bit colder.

"Hey," A familiar voice greets. I look down towards the edge of the building. Someone I would potentially call a friend is smoking at the end.

"Hey," I call out to the bartender.

"Haven't seen you in a few weeks," He says, pulling a drag frm his cigarette. I walk over.

"Been busy."

"Cheating on this casino with another," he teases.

"Something like that. I got a new job," I tuck my hands into my pits as the chill starts to get to me. The bartender looks me over, perhaps noticing the disheveled vest and clothes.

"I can't tell if you work as a magician or as a role-playing prostitute."

I roll my eyes," Ha-Ha, I work as a dealer."

"Of drugs?"

"Ok," I start to walk off," I'm having a weird night, I don't need this from you."

"Wait," He calls after," I'm sorry. How's your new job?"

I pause," It's fine."

"Been keeping the money you are making?"

I prepare to counter with a defensive jab, but it strikes me, I actually have money. My bank account actually has something in it, enough something. I've been gambling, but it's chump change online. Vex frowns against betting at work, but still playing the game with the company's chips has fulfilled the rush for some. Though not completely, enough to take the edge off.

"Yeah," I say with a true smile," I have been saving some."

"Enough to pay off Travis," He laughs. I remember why I don't really talk to him.

"Ok, I'm going home now. Goodnight."

The bartender tosses the bud as I walk to my car. I drive home, and the sense of pride I felt wears off as the soreness between my legs jabs at my chest. I guess some vices just switch.

It feels like a walk of shame as I ascend to my apartment. The keys clink against one another before I shove one into the door. I think about work tomorrow night and how I'm going to face Vex. The sex was good, but his lying there like that made me feel so used. I press onward like a zombie.

"I think the reason you suck at poker is because you are impatient," Vex stumbles me from my stupor. I snap around the room that isn't my own. A bedroom with red and black decor. Very clearly not mine. Vex walks out of a bathroom near a large bed. He is in boxers and nothing else.

"W-what," I try to get my bearings. He stands with arms folded, rather annoyed.

"I felt like a dame waking up alone like that. I would even say I felt violated," he fakes offense with a hand to his chest before he glares. My hackles raised, the switching room concern is tossed aside. I cross my arms.

"Excuse me. I wasn't the one who passed out two seconds after finishing."

"I said it's been a while," he throws his hands in the air," Also, my night was very stressful, sue me for napping."

"Whatever, can I go home now? I need a shower and my bed."

He scoffs," No. You are staying with me tonight."

"The hell I am. You don't get to do whatever just because we had sex. I am about- what are you doing?" Vex saunters over during my rant. I take a step back, but he snatches me around the waist. Hoisting me up, flush against his chest, he twirls me towards the bed. I lamely try to fight him off, but the attention is making me swoon. He drops me into the softest cushion I have ever felt. I sink into the mattress.

"I think I need to teach you patience," he says as he rests on his forearms over me. His breath mingles with mine, a content smile gleaming on his face.

"I think I need to teach you stamina," I tease.

"I said it's been a while. Give me another chance and I'll show you the true power of a demon," He growls, a puff of energy blowing his hair up. I wrap my arms around his neck.

"Wanna bet on it?"

"Damn addict," he kisses my cheek," I think I should play you for it. We both know I always win."

"Not so sure, maybe if I wait long enough, you will just fall asleep."

He bites my cheek," You aren't going to let me live that down, huh? At least I don't have to cheat to win a game of poker."

I wrap my legs around his waist and whisper in his ear," What are you going to do about it?"

He sits up to look me in the eyes, that playful smile slapped on his face. "I think I'm going to keep you."

"Like me that much?"

"Not in this Mormon shit, but I think I can get over it," he pops the top three buttons again. The air is thick between us, a tasty, rich thrum starting to grow. Throwing caution to the wind, I pull him down for a kiss. He plays eagerly, hands roaming down my sides. My hips curl into his with need.

He hums," You definitely aren't leaving my side again."

----------------------------

Was this potentially inspired by Husk from Hazbin Hotel? You have to talk to my lawyer because I ain't saying shit without a court order.

And no, it was actually Vox for some reason. I dont get it either.