The biggest thing you learned while working at the casino was to not look at things too closely. Especially at Simon and what he does when he's here.

He owned the place, everyone was very aware of that but there was also something else that you couldn't quite place when you first started performing there. But you slowly pieced it together, watching the secret deals he'd have with others, how everyone seemed to shut up when he walked in, and you started paying attention to the rumors that the other performers and employees started whispering. Simon was a bad man. You knew it, the workers knew it, the city knew it.

You tried to stay out of it. You would show up, sing your heart out, collect your pay and leave for the night... usually.

There were some nights you lagged behind, getting a drink or two with coworkers and watching everyone else lose their money. And those nights lead to you being caught in Simon's gaze.

You weren't a thing. Not officially nor privately. Nothing more happened than short conversations, lingering looks, and a brush of physical contact here and there - nothing ever too serious. Yet, something drew you to him.

But tonight your set ended earlier than usual. You stepped off the stage still buzzing with the energy that the people watching gave you and you used that rush to walk across the large casino floor to watch the multiple games going on.

Simon was losing. You could tell by how still he was, how his shoulders were set, and how his jaw twinged with annoyance every time someone called a shot. He didn't lose often and when he did, the entire room could feel it.

You got closer before you realized what you were doing but you wanted to see the game. He sensed you, glancing up when you neared the table. "You're done already?" His eyes softened for just a split second before the dealer called another loss for him, which turned his face into a scowl.

"Yes. I thought I'd say goodnight," you shrugged, making up some excuse to hide your true intentions.

"Come here," Simon stated, not a request but a demand. Everyone at the table had their eyes on you now, waiting for you to follow the order.

When you finally approached his arm reached out, tugging you into his lap. Your back was against his chest, one of his hands rested on your thigh and the other waiting for the new hand to be dealt.

"You can be my lucky charm then. Don't let me down, love." He whispered, close enough that you could feel his breath ghost over your throat.

The cards got dealt. The game started. Ace. King.

He exhaled slow, thumb pressing into your thigh gently and rubbing small circles. "Double down," Simon muttered.

Win.

Another hand? Another win. His chips began to stack higher, the tension in the room shifted as he started winning his hands. “See? Told you. Lucky charm.”