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“Where you going, doll?” Tony asks ”

The whole table quiets and the dealer waits for Tony’s signal before starting his next deal

“I don’t want to push

“Is that so?” He flips a chip between his fingers “What did you say your last name is, Gia?”

“I didn’t, but it’s Ford”

“Ford” Tony’s brow furrows “I know that name”

“My father was Frank Ford”

“Ah!” He sits back in his seat and sirl?”

“Yes” I put the strap of ame”

“So that’s where you learned the ga me

Inwardly, I cringe Outwardly, I paste on a fake thousand-watt smile

“That’s right,” I say

“Why the sloppy play for the past hour, Gia?” Tony asksan arm around my shoulders “You know better than that”

Goose bumps pop up on my arms as I pass my chips to a woman set up at a table in the corner

“Cashing out?” she asks

“Yes”

“Not yet,” Tony says, and the woman’s hands freeze in place as she looks from him to me

Shit I should have listened to Jerry and found a way out of playing at the same table as Tony Russo

“I don’t feel well I’ out,” I say firmly

Slowly, her eyes on Tony, the woman passes me the money I’m owed

“There you are, babe”

I turn to see Maverick approaching, and relief floods through my entire body

“Who’s this?” Tony demands

“This is—”

“Her boyfriend,” Maverick cuts in, offering his hand in a handshake “Maverick Hagen”

“How did you get in here?” Tony asks

“There was a very nice guy at the door Jackson He let me in”

“Are you on the list?”