21: A Ace Pretending to be Deuce

The sun’s barely up when DeMarco strides into his penthouse office, suit immaculate, espresso in hand. The city sprawls beneath him, all glass and promise. He’s already scrolling through messages, voice humming with meetings, deliveries, and the usual complaints.His phone buzzes. He answers on the first ring. “Carmen. Tell me something good.”His sister’s voice is crisp. “You missed Sunday dinner. Again.”He sighs, leaning back in his leather chair. “Ma’s lasagna can’t compete with Sin City’s Saturday nights.”“Ma says you’re getting too thin. I say you’re getting too cocky.”DeMarco smirks. “Only one of those is true.”A pause. “Pops wants to see you. Today. Boardroom. Noon.”DeMarco’s jaw tightens, but he keeps his tone light. “Tell him I’ll bring cannoli.”“Just bring yourself, DeMarco, the man is talking about sending to another state.” She hangs up.He sets the phone down, gaze shifting to his reflection in the window. The face everyone knows: smooth, unruffled, untouchable. He

22: Secret Owner

The city hums with weekend anticipation. Sin City pulses brighter than ever, the line outside thicker, the crowd inside hungrier. DeMarco surveys his kingdom from the mezzanine, one hand gripping the brass railing, the other adjusting his cufflinks—a ritual as much for comfort as for show.He scans the dance floor, searching for the familiar flash of dark hair and the unmistakable presence of Ava Park. She’s not here yet. He tells himself he’s just watching for VIPs, but his heart betrays him with every quick beat.Nate sidles up, popping a peanut into his mouth. “You gonna stand there all night or actually mingle?”DeMarco shrugs, glancing at Nate. “Someone’s got to make the rounds. Can’t let all these beautiful people down.”Nate grins. “You’re full of it. You’re waiting for her.”DeMarco tries to play it cool, but his mind’s already spinning. What if she doesn’t show? What if last night was just a fluke, a one-off? He hates the idea more than he expected.He forces himself down the

23: When Commitment Becomes a Game

Sin City is at full tilt by midnight. The DJ cranks up a remix, and the crowd moves as one, hands in the air, chasing the next high. DeMarco moves through the club, his presence drawing smiles, waves, and the occasional bold wink. But tonight, every exchange feels like an audition—he can’t shake the sense that Ava is still watching, even when she’s nowhere in sight.He checks the balcony. Empty. Her reserved table? Cleared. He scans the bar, catching only the familiar faces of regulars and hopefuls. She’s gone—or at least out of view. The absence gnaws at him. You’re acting like a rookie, he scolds himself, but the thrill of pursuit is undeniable. He loves the challenge, especially when most women are chasing him.It was a nice change to hunt, instead of being haunted.At the corner booth, Steph and Nate are deep in debate.“I’m telling you, she’s trouble for more reasons than one,” Steph says, swirling her drink with a practiced wrist.Nate grins. “That’s the whole point. DeMarco wou

24: Betting On the Golden Girl

The morning after, Sin City sleeps while DeMarco walks its empty halls. Sunlight streams through stained glass, painting the marble in rainbow hues. He nods to the cleaning crew, tosses a tip to Leo, and checks his phone for messages. He gave her his cell number, and Nothing from Ava.He’s not sure if that’s good or bad."Hey, bar crew, it's Saturday, please, and I do mean please, as your job depends on this, make sure tonight you keep the bottles flowing and the customers overly happy. And that applies to your crews, the head waitress and waiter. He walked down the hall of the VIP rooms, his inquisitive eyes scanning the floors and seating areas to make sure the cleaning crew had been thorough that morning.Satisfied, he headed toward the escalator to travel to the upper floor to the bar and grill. He pours himself an espresso and watches the security feed from last night. Ava on the dance floor, her friends laughing, the way she moves—controlled but not rigid. He saw she was being

All Chapters of A House Of Cards ~ The Marriage Gamble: Chapter 21 - Chapter 24

21: A Ace Pretending to be Deuce

22: Secret Owner

23: When Commitment Becomes a Game

24: Betting On the Golden Girl