Alrighty then, here comes the fourth chapter. And yes to answer a question by kaimi yu ki, this is an AU. Sorry! I guess I didn't think to write that at the summary. Hehe. Well now you know.

DISCLAIMER: I own the story, but not the characters. Heck, and they are the only things that make this story what it is. . haha.

Whelp, here, no further adieu. . . Forlorn Adoration

Reminder: What did he want to talk about?

Vicious had perfect timing it seemed, as he had managed to interrupt my thoughts again. "Aw here it is! Pulling out a sheet of paper from a stack 5 meters high he smirked. His eyes showed no emotion though as he turned to look me straight in the eyes. "Miss Valentine, were you the one who scammed my best Blackjack player out of my casino's money?"

At that moment his words met my ears, I knew I was in deep shit.

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"Not only that Miss Valentine, but according to this piece of paper you are only 18 years old. Are you not?"

It was then confirmed by that statement, I was in deep, deep shit. But Hell if I were to cry about it like a baby! I was a woman, a strong woman, and as such, I would act accordingly. "Yeah, so? You got a problem with it?"

"Miss Valentine, you do know, that as stated by law, I do have the right to prosecute you for gambling at a casino under age? And may I also mention that cheating in a casino is illegal?"

"It isn't my fault you have a dumb ass for a dealer, and guards who would rather receive a good fucking then actually do their job!" I pointed out rather curtly, leaning into the couch to get comfortable, my legs dangling over the edge and arms folded over my chest.

A light chuckle escaped Vicious' lips as he set the paper back on his desk. "Well then, Miss Valentine, it seems I am the one at fault here. What do you propose I do?"

"How the hell should I know? I only gamble. Running a big corporation was never one of my fortes."

"I see—"

I closed my eyes for a second to only reopen them in order to watch Vicious turn his back to me wondering what he was up to. My curiosity faded quickly though, and I again let my vision escape reality and sink into darkness as my mind danced around in a world of my own.

"Maybe I should get to the real reason I escorted you up here."

"Miss Valentine?"

"Faye?"

Popping open one eyelid I peered over at Vicious. "Huh?"

"I have a rather intriguing proposition for you. I want to hire you as a top employee of the Red Dragon Casino."

When the words reached my ears, I just sat there, staring at him bored, then a swift bolt of lightning shook me to my senses, and my eyes widened in shock and my body sat straight up. The words he spoke didn't involve me being in deep shit. I was certain I must have heard him incorrectly. No sane casino owner would let a customer get away with cheating them out of their money. There was no way Vicious would be any different right? "Spill that over me again."

"Miss Faye Valentine, I would like to hire you as a full time employee here at the Red Dragon Casino. Your skill at Blackjack is top level and would be of great good at this casino. However, if you don't comply with my wishes, then I will be forced to resort to other means. I won't let my money slip away so easily."

I should have never thought Vicious to be just another casino owner. But he did say he would be forced to resort to other means. My brain tried to unravel the mystery behind his statement. What would he do? Curiosity got the better of me. So with a sly, seductive yet sweet voice I inquired "And what would a handsome, well endowed man such as your self do to poor little ole' me if I were to decline your proposition?"

Vicious smiled. "I have my ways."

"And what might those ways be?" I got up and let my fingers graze down his arm. He wouldn't be able to resist my touch, for I was good and I knew it. My mother had taught me well. She always said if you really desired something, the best way to obtain it was sex. Mind you, she also taught me that although being a seductress would rarely fail to get you the prize, the real thing was sacred.

My arm was forced to a halt as he gripped it and held it dormant. "Miss Valentine, I am not so easily intrigued as my employees. I asked you a question, do you or do you not except my offer? You would be paid well."

I felt uncomfortable locked in his tight grasp. I could feel my palms grow sweaty and my knees become weak. Just the sight of his eyes veiled me in a thick cloud of weakness, and we had only just a few short moments ago became acquainted.

This man had power over me. He could control me as if I were a puppet, whose movement was determined by a simple string.

The threads that held me up and gave me the upper hand were slowly being cut by his each and every action and I felt myself sink lower and lower into a deep abyss void of life. But I was Faye— Faye, the Poker Alice, the Romani, and the best damn female seductress out there. And there was no fucking way I would let that slip away. So with what few strings I had left holding me up, I planned to light a small fire in this man. "It is a very intriguing proposition, yes indeed. But— how much is paid well—Vicious?" Adding emphasis to his name, I licked my dry lips.

Vicious' smile only grew. "Think big Faye! Think big!"

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And with that, I was hired and making a pretty substantial amount of money I might add. Of course, the majority of the money I earned was because I cheated like a bitch. Hell, I was a bitch. That was what separated me from the rest of the dealers. They represented angels: kind and fair playing. Me, I represented the Devil: callous and sly. I cheated nearly every game, but as long as I came out the victor with the spoils, Vicious didn't care and nor did I. It may seem egotistical of me to swindle all these people out of their money, but in this world— you either cheated or is cheated. Being the runner up isn't good enough. You have to be the best. And I was.

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Well that is it for now. More to come soon, and for a little delight I will leave you with a little something.

Chapter 5 preview: I Love Him— Maybe

What is love but a simple emotion that drives us to do insane things. Well, I don't know, but I think I am love struck. But is it really love? And what about this new dance job?