Chapter 3

Both girls rushed into the giant, mirror-lined bathroom, adjusting their hair and makeup, adding a more dramatic edge to match their outfits. Lauren wore a silk red dress, simple but striking, hugging her slim frame. A pair of red heels with delicate straps finished the look, matching perfectly.

Mia went for a different vibe—her short black mini dress paired with a fitted corset and smoky, heavier makeup. Chunky black heels balanced out the outfit. While Lauren straightened her hair, Mia worked soft curls into her dark waves, carefully framing her face.

Flipping through the hotel guidebook, they found out their penthouse booking came with a gift: one hundred dollars’ worth of free casino chips. Mia tucked that bit of information away, already feeling that rush of anticipation.

Locking up the room, they made their way down to the casino.

Lauren was instantly drawn to the bright colors of the slot machines, sinking into a chair like she was exactly where she belonged. Mia, meanwhile, made her way to the bar, ordering two strawberry daiquiris and flashing a quick smile at the bartender. Everything about the place was crisp, sharp, and expensive. The black and white decor was broken by splashes of color from neon signs and patterned carpet—modern, stylish, and not the least bit tacky.

By the time Mia made it over with the drinks, Lauren was already halfway through the credits of her machine, laughing at her own bad luck. Mia dropped the complementary chips into her bag, saving them for something bigger. Something better.

After a few drinks, a few small wins and minor losses, Mia nudged Lauren with her elbow. “Ready for something with more bite?”

Lauren grinned like she’d been waiting for it. “Let’s go.”

They made their way to the poker table, weaving between polished tables and glimmering machines. That’s when Mia noticed him.

Dark brown eyes locked onto hers, sharp and steady. There was something about them—not soft, not friendly. Dangerous. Amused. Challenging.

He was beautiful. Tall, lean, sharp jaw, skin clean-shaven, not a blemish in sight. Even the arch of his brows looked like they’d been crafted on purpose. He sat at the table like he owned the room, chips piled casually in front of him as though betting thousands was nothing more than spare change. Confidence rolled off him like heat.

Mia felt a flicker of something she hadn’t expected: curiosity mixed with the sharp edge of caution.

They sat, Lauren buzzing with excitement, while Mia focused on the rhythm of the table. She watched. Measured. Learned. Mia wasn’t here to look pretty—she was here to win.

Dividing the complementary chips between them, she finally called into the game.

It moved fast. Too fast. Most of the players knew their moves before the dealer had even turned the cards. But Mia kept her face steady, hiding the flicker of adrenaline sparking behind her ribs. She followed each movement, waiting for her moment.

Then—Royal Flush.

She placed her final bet, heart racing, eyes barely flicking toward him. His lips curled into a grin as he pushed his entire stack of chips into the centre with a casual flick of his wrist, daring her to meet him there.

The dealer called last chance to fold. Mia didn’t budge.

One by one, other players revealed their hands—pairs, a flush or two—but nothing could touch her. Mia laid down her cards slowly, savouring the collective frustration of the others at the table.

Except for him.

His eyes never left hers, dark and burning, the heat of his gaze making her stomach tighten as she gathered her winnings into neat piles.

Lauren helped her carry the chips, both of them stuffing their handbags with the spoils of the round. As they moved to leave, Mia let her eyes flick back to him one last time.

That look again. That smirk. Trouble dressed in expensive clothes with perfect genetics.

Back in their room, they changed into pyjamas and wiped away the night’s makeup, falling into the soft buzz of giddy post-win energy.

“How absolutely insane was today?” Mia said, collapsing onto the plush bed. “What the hell is going on with all these upgrades?”

Lauren nodded, mascara smudged but smiling. “I know, right? Don’t worry—we’ll figure it out. After we order food. I’m starving.”

Mia rolled her eyes but reached for the phone anyway, calling down to room service while Lauren called out her order between giggles. They sat, cross-legged on the bed, sharing fries and fancy overpriced burgers, watching trashy TV until sleep started pulling them down.

Mia took the smaller bedroom, leaving Lauren the master, fair since Lauren had paid the original bill. Wrapped in thick duvets and surrounded by too many pillows, Mia drifted off, her mind still dancing with the sound of shuffling poker chips and slot machines chiming ‘WINNER.’

For the first time in months, she slept deep.

But not for long. For what she didn’t know was that this would be the last night fear wouldn’t wander her dreams like a shadow lingering over her.

Waking up in Vegas was something else entirely.

Sunlight streamed through the long, pale curtains, and the hum of distant traffic was oddly calming. Mia felt better than she had in ages—clear-headed, steady, excited. Tonight, they’d head back to the tables. Tonight, she’d win again. She could feel it in her bones.

They spent most of the day poolside, floating lazily on loungers, sipping mocktails and occasionally laughing about the absurdity of how this trip was unfolding.

By early evening, Mia was in the middle of getting ready when a sharp knock echoed on the door.

“I’ve got a delivery for Mia,” a staff member said politely. “Another should arrive for Lauren in about fifteen minutes. Both for the casino tonight.”

Mia blinked in surprise. “Who’s it from?”

The man just smiled. “Said you’ll find out soon enough.”

He handed over a sleek dress box before turning back down the hall.

Mia sat on the edge of the bed, carefully lifting the lid. Inside, shimmering softly under the light, was a stunning white dress, dotted with tiny sparkling gemstones that caught every flicker of movement.

Fifteen minutes later, right on cue, Lauren’s package arrived. She practically squealed as she opened it, revealing a soft pink dress with delicate lace accents. Elegant, classy, and made to fit perfectly.

“Okay, what is going on?” Mia muttered under her breath.

For a moment she hesitated, holding the dress against her frame, staring at herself in the full-length mirror. She didn’t want to owe anyone anything, least of all a stranger.

But the dress was beautiful.

After a long breath, she gave in, slipping out of her jeans and blouse and into the custom-made dress. It fit like it had been designed with her in mind. She touched up her hair, reapplied a fresh layer of lipstick, and felt the last piece of her hesitation melt away.

Tonight was for fun. Tonight was also for winning.

They started slow—slot machines, an easy warm-up. Gin and tonic for Lauren, vodka and orange juice for Mia. Small wins. Easy laughter.

Then, together, without needing to say a word, they drifted back toward the poker tables.

Several faces were familiar from the night before. One man, wearing a cowboy hat and boots, grinned at them like an old friend.

“Well, howdy there, pretty ladies. Come take a seat. But I gotta warn ya… beginners’ luck doesn’t last two nights in a row.”

Lauren laughed; Mia just smiled coolly. “Guess we’ll find out.”

The cards were dealt. Mia glanced down at her hand.

Two aces.

She didn’t need to see more to know this round was going to be trouble.