Marina's POV
I walked into the casino fearlessly with my head held high. This will be my first appearance after a long time.
This black provocative dress, my hair in a classic sleek bun, my lips stained the color of fresh blood, and my milky skin made me feel like the Russian princess that I was for once.
It wasn't hard to understand why all the attention was on me, and honestly, I didn't need it, but I needed to look the part.
I needed to double the last four million dollars I had left, since mom refused to give any more to me. All I did was buy expensive designer pants, exquisite male jackets and T-shirts and a couple of caps, like a dozen times.
I understood that she didn't like that I dressed that way, but I preferred comfort over stupid dresses like this one I had on now. Not only did it invite unwanted attention, it also made me look different, like some prey.
The casino was similar to the ones I've seen in movies, and men in well tailored suits were scattered across like ants gathering fresh candy.
My Aunt is hosting a humanitarian event tomorrow and I needed to be there for her and donate.
Fully bent on doing what I came to do, my heels clicked on the pure white floor, my arms carefully by my side the whole time as I acted like their surprise didn't bother me. Boldly, I slipped into a seat where a group of men were sitting around a poker table.
I watched the way their mouths parted and the way their eyes widened in surprise. It was totally my fault. Everyone thought I was dead. Even now, rumors of me being here had already spread and they couldn't even stop the gossip from floating into my own ears.
I'm princess Marina, the heir to my mother's fortune since my sister decided to disappear out of the blue years ago.
I noticed some of the men checking me out, eyes pinned on my tits but really, anything for this game to work in my favor.
Even if they let me win, I would shamelessly take it after seducing them like this. There was no feminism here when I needed to win and not blow four million dollars.
I learnt how to play casino games just two weeks ago. I studied harder than I ever had to do in my life for this moment, and it was finally here. The dealer began to shuffle cards, and my heart thumped in my chest a little, apprehensiveness and fear clothing me like a second skin. I will win. I must win, no matter what it takes.
It was a table for six, one for the dealer, one for me, and there were three other men. There was just one empty seat beside me. I wondered who had it, but not for long.
A tall, hot, gorgeous devil with a face fit for only high class magazines graced the seat.
Immediately I set my eyes on him, my senses heightened and for some reason, I bit back a fucking appreciative moan. He barely even touched me or noticed me. Heat immediately enveloped the length of me.
He apologized for being late and he settled in, staking his own money. His ebony black thick hair ran with the wind as it scattered across his face, softy. I noticed it from my peripheral vision, and it made my insides jubilate.
After what felt like hours of ogling his features, the dealer spoke.
"Welcome to the first round of this game. May the best player win." The men grinned mischievously as though they all had sly moves up their sleeves.
When he began to share the cards, I guess I somehow caught the attention of the hot devil beside me.
"Hey." My body stiffened, then relaxed. A simple hey was all it took to completely undo me, even though I never cared for men.
All I did was dress like one and annoy my mother but for the first time ever, I was so glad to be a woman, almost naked and glowing in my hotness.
His voice made the hairs at the back of my head stand in excitement, and I practically craned my neck to see him clearly.
I guess, maybe I shouldn't have. He was awfully close, so fucking close. Oh God. His features kissed my face and it made me dizzy.
The dealer cut through the tension immediately and finally, the game commenced.
I fixed my concentration on the cards as I couldn't afford to fail after betting everything I had.
"You're so interested in winning." He said in a teasing tone, as if he admired the way I was focused. His breath slapped my ears sensually, and I melted.
"Stating the obvious?" I asked cockily, my lips curled up in a grin I hoped he didn't notice, or the way my cheeks tinted red.
"I guess." This time, I felt his hard gaze on my face. He took his time to stare at me shamelessly, his eyes dropping down to my outfit after having a good look at my face. I tried to pretend like I didn't notice but my heart was dancing in my chest.
"How cute." He said in a low voice, more to himself than to me, but it still got me all giddy.
"You're that Russian lost princess, aren't you? I've not seen you before. Where have you been? Rumors don't do your beauty Justice."