Heart Thief

0014 Las Vegas

Las Vegas, the world-renowned gambling capital. The casino floor was ablaze with lights, bustling with people of all races, their emotions ranging from despair to elation, from impulsiveness to madness - a perfect encapsulation of the city that never sleeps.

Skye stood by the roulette wheel, watching the ball land just next to her bet. Fuming, she kicked the machine. She'd been playing for a day without a single win. Determined to break her losing streak, she had persisted. Now, looking at the $5,000 remaining from her initial $1 million in chips, she felt like crying.

"Can't you try something else? Aren't you tired of this by now?" An amused voice came from behind.

Skye gritted her teeth. "I'm not giving up." She was about to bet all her remaining chips.

Suddenly, a hand snatched the chips from her. Skye turned to see Jake's charming face, grinning as he held her chips. This infuriating, rakish man was the same one she'd parted ways with just two days ago.

Seeing Skye's raised eyebrow, Jake feigned realization. "Were you planning to destroy the machine? Or maybe dismantle it?"

Skye couldn't help but smile at Jake's relaxed demeanor. Dressed in simple jeans and a white T-shirt, he exuded a casual charm. "I might consider it," she nodded.

Jake laughed heartily, taking Skye's hand and leading her away. "Let's not. Losing one machine isn't a big deal for the casino, but I'd hate to not see you again after tonight. Come on, let's try something else."

Skye glanced at Jake's enthusiasm, a smile tugging at her lips. She allowed him to lead her, remarking, "I don't believe this is a coincidence."

Jake turned back, feigning disappointment. "Can't you pretend it is? Isn't this a romantic encounter? Proof of our destiny?"

Skye laughed at his act. "I don't believe in destiny."

Jake nodded, his gaze both gentle and determined. "Neither do I. That's why I'll do everything in my power to get what I want." He paused, then added, "I won't give up on you, even if you run to the ends of the earth."

Skye smiled faintly. "And what if you catch me? Will you get bored and discard me?"

Jake rubbed his chin, pretending to ponder. "We'd have to experience it to know. What's your preference?"

Skye was speechless. Who said this guy only thought with his lower half? His logical response caught her off guard. She'd clearly underestimated him. He was indeed experienced, and with powerful connections to boot, knowing her whereabouts.

Deciding it was pointless to argue, Skye followed Jake to the gaming tables. She'd left without a word two days ago, partly to return her race car to New York, and partly because she'd crossed the Blue Bang on behalf of the Quincy family. She couldn't afford to make enemies with them, and neither could Lily or Will. Staying with them would only lead to trouble. Although she didn't consider them close friends, they saw her as one. Both emotionally and rationally, Skye didn't want to bring them trouble, so leaving was the wisest decision.

Las Vegas was the Quincy family's stronghold, their birthplace. No one dared to make a move here. For now, it was the safest place. Even the powerful Blue Bang wouldn't dare challenge the Quincy's home turf. So, seeking shelter under the Quincy's wing for a few days wasn't a difficult choice, and she might even make some money on the side.

However, looking at her empty hands, Skye felt a bit embarrassed. She was an expert at theft, but a complete novice at gambling. She'd lost a million dollars on roulette alone. Noticing the mix of envious and mocking glances around her, Skye quickened her pace to keep up with Jake. She hadn't noticed before, but now she felt quite humiliated.

"What games do you know?" Jake asked, surveying the casino floor.

Skye chuckled, "I can learn after a couple of rounds."

Jake burst out laughing. "So you don't know any games, yet you dare to seek thrills here? You must have too much money to spend."

Skye grinned mischievously. "Is that a problem?"

"Not at all. Come on, I'll teach you how to play," Jake said, leading her to a gaming table.

"This is Big and Small. It's straightforward - big or small," Jake explained, seating Skye at a table he'd secured.

Big and Small seemed simple enough. Five and above is big, below is small. Skye's eyes lit up. She understood this. Taking the chips from Jake, she tossed them onto the table. "Fifty thousand on big."

The dealer, about to start the game, looked at Skye in surprise. The other players glanced at her sideways. Skye frowned, wondering if she'd made a mistake. Jake, standing behind her, shook his head with a wry smile. This table was for small bets, and Skye had just wagered $50,000. It was far beyond the table limit and had drawn attention.

"What are you looking at? Never seen such a big bet? Get on with it," Jake said coldly, though his eyes were smiling.

Skye raised an eyebrow at Jake calling it a "big" bet. To her, this was small. She'd been playing with much more.

"Lost," Jake announced as the result came up small. $50,000 down the drain, but Skye's expression didn't change. She shrugged at Jake, indicating she was out of chips and needed to exchange more.

Jake quickly led Skye away, ignoring the excited expressions of the other players dividing their winnings and their hungry looks at Skye. He realized his mistake. Knowing Skye was wealthy and extravagant, bringing her to such a low-stakes table was an error in judgment, drawing unwanted attention.