[attr="class","beck"]there's resolve in his voice when he answers:

"no."

and with it, a smile.

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma's lip twitches, a subtle note of humor. She signals to show their cards. She's sitting at 19.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]and he's sitting at twenty.

the round goes to him along with her chips, though he cares little for it. tonight is all about having fun.

reaching for his glass, he tilts his head towards her.

"you were close."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma clicks her tongue, fully setting her cards down to reach for her wine.

"I made you squirm, though."

She says this even if she hadn't. Conversation begins to come easier. Evidently, Theo's idea to take her out is working as he had planned.

This was normal. This was what she had never really had but had always wanted.

This was what Gavin had been easing her into before the rug had been pulled out from under her.

She missed him.

"Again?"

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]"just a little."

not really, but it's a rare joke from him.

he sips, then lowers the glass back down with a firm nod.

in goes more chips and out comes cards that are dealt with precision. he lifts his, peeking.

"bad hand."

could she read him?

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma regards him, but this time there is something far more relaxed and normal hidden in her piercing gaze. Something familiar that had felt far away.

"You're lying."

Even if it was a bad hand, Theo would make it work. There was no such thing as a bad hand, merely a bad play or player.

She thumbs the corner of her card over, discreet. Emma inclines her head to Theo this time, waiting to see what he might do.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]rather well, apparently, for the two cards in his possession are a two and a six. together they're useless, but with the addition of just one card, they could turn into a winning hand.

the same could be said for most things.

he gestures for one more card.

"still a bad hand."

but he stays, content with his three cards.

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

When it comes around to her turn, she doesn't ask for another card.

"Is it?"

Two cards and she was satisfied. The woman's sharp golden gaze slides to meet his, piercing in their intensity. But she was.. amused.

And she waits.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]with both of them content, theo flips, revealing his three cards.

two, six, and a jack: eighteen total; not a bad hand in the slightest.

"still could be."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Only after he flips does she, and she takes her time of it.

An ace and a jack.

"Hmm.."

Emma purses her lips.

"I guess I was wrong."

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]at the reveal, theo leans back, accepting defeat with a smile.

"i guess so."

chips are moved, cards are gathered, and a new round begins. and another. and another.

by the end of it, he has nothing left in front of him. she's won it all.

and all he could do is chuckle.

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

The night goes on, and on, and on- but it does not drag.

In fact, on more than one occasion, Emma finds herself laughing. Not just in Theo's presence, but at the environment she's surrounded by. Win after win after win- at some point she has to wonder if he's throwing. But it doesn't seem to matter in the end when her attention wanders and her glass of wine leaves her warm.

"What time is it?"

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]theo knows not to look up or around for a clock because none exist in casinos. it's what allows people to stay for longer than they should.

so he pulls out a flip phone instead, flipping it open.

"just past midnight."

which is late for some.

pocketing his phone, he reaches for his glass and finishes the rest of the wine.

"did you enjoy yourself?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe