34

Spade Maverick

I sat back at the argument, the one I've heard so many times about me cheating.

But it was never even directed to me. It's was like I wasn't even here.

I looked at the double doors, captivated by Vanessa.

Her long black hair was curled in the most perfect waves, her lips glossed.

She wore a little white dress, bringing out the beautiful honey shade of her middle eastern skin.

In her hand was a book, a different one she had begun with me yesterday.

She came beside me, her hand touching my shoulder.

"Want anything to drink?" She asked me.

"Whatever you make for yourself." Which I knew would be a virgin piña colada slushie.

I took her book from her as she left to the bar.

The new bartender looked at her funny.

I could see him stop her and she just smiled politely at him while saying something.

He retorted snarky based on his body language.

My guards were clearly on high alert, watching for signs of potential violence.

I stood, "excuse me gentlemen."

I sighed, another man, clueless about my Ace.

I fixed my cuff links as I slowly walked, waiting to hear their voices.

A woman intervened at the bar.

"That's Spades Ace. She makes him drinks." She explained rather respectfully.

I couldn't quite hear him, he was quite low toned.

His eyes shot back to Vanessa, eyeing her, keeping a long stare at her chest which I didn't exactly appreciate him doing while being disrespectful to her.

"Ace, tesoro, excuse us. We'll be right back." I smiled at her, my love, my heart. She was so beautiful.

I looked at the boy.

"Come." I lost my smile, disgusted by the way he looked at my Ace.

I grabbed the back of his neck, squeezing, forcing him to bend down as I walked him out.

I went out the double doors, the guard already having the door to the basement open.

"Let me know if you need anything boss." He said.

"Inform the men to keep an eye on her please." I ordered as I shoved the boy down the stairs, watching him fumble for a way to stand.

"Get up." I ordered, taking the rag from his hands.

"What's your problem?" I asked.

"I took you for a man with more respect for yourself." He stood straight.

"I respect your will to speak without nerves. And why do you believe I lack that?" I smiled, amused.

I knew exactly what he was about to say.

"You let your girl dress like a prostitute. She isn't a traditional woman. You're an alpha man-" I rolled my eyes, snapping the towel, striking his cheek.

"She is traditional. In modern terms. She respects me, values my emotions and thoughts, she reads for entertainment, is wickedly intelligent, and isn't mindless when it comes to her body. However, none of it is for you to decide, church boy. She's my woman after all. Now we have two choices. You... live, but you pay gets cut in half, she gets the other half of the check for her own expenses and you now respect her and pay her no mind, or, I have a gorgeous knife I got." I pulled it from my coat pocket.

It was absolutely incredible. The handle a deep red, on the blade, Ace, was engraved into the beautiful silver, covered with black to accentuate it.

If I used this knife it would forever be in the name of her. After all, there's a Spade on her left, ring finger nail.

"If you can't choose, I'll leave you-"

"Alright! Don't kill me, please. I need his job. She can have the money." He said with the demeanor of a mother asking her gamer son to help her clean.

It was absolutely disgusting. How could someone have no respect?

I grabbed his shirt, fisting it.

"Let's hope there's a heaven, otherwise your life was just a waste." I stabbed the blade into his jugular and deeper than that.

I pulled it out, watching his body fall limp.

I sighed, stepping over him, walking back upstairs.

"Do I have blood on my shoes or anywhere that would cause a mess?" I asked my guard, Logan.

"No, just your hands, you're good." He said and I nodded.

I handed him my knife.

"Get it cleaned good please. It means something."

"Of course." He nodded.

I used the wash rag to clean my hands, walking back into the casino to see my principessa sitting relaxed on the chair I had been in, reading her book, another drink on the game table.

To my surprise all of the men were very aware of the liquid and played with eerie calmness.

She read her book, drowned into the words.

I took the drink off the gaming table before Joe stood and slammed his fists on it.

There we go.

She was oblivious.

"Stand." I said and she looked up at me, listening immediately.

I sat, pulling her onto my lap, making sure her dress was pulled down a good length I was comfortable with.

"What happened?" She asked.

"Nothing sweet girl." I kissed her cheek as she relaxed on me, her head on my shoulder as she read, both of my hands occupied cup holders for both our drinks.

I'd have it no other way.