[KHALI]

"So, what happened last night?" Jey asked while grinning like an idiot. Another busy day in Casino and yet, she's been pestering me all day about Jane. She’s my girl now, I mean my slave. I just frowned at her for the nth time, sucking air through my teeth before I retorted.

"Nothing happened Jey. How many times I should tell you? NOTHING HAPPENED. OKAY?" I emphasized every syllable, hoping it can get through her stubborn brain.

"I doubt it. I really doubt it. I mean, how can you let that opportunity pass by?! Dude, come on!" She snapped her fingers in front of my face, as if she's waking me up. I rolled my eyes and groaned in annoyance, ruffling my hair as I tried not to go berserk on her, which is by the way, I’m not gonna do no matter how fucking angry I am on her.

"Jey! I'm not like you! I won't take advantage of her just because she's intoxicated. Plus, I'll see her again this week", I told her without sounding excited – excited in a way that I could finally get my revenge. I tried hard not to smirk, because I know how her mind works. Jey is always suspicious of everything, and has a detective thinking skills.

"Wait! Wow! Really!" She asked excitedly, holding both of my shoulders, and shaking them lightly. I shoved her off and walked near the slot machine section

"So, are you dating her now? Holy shit! I never thought someone could capture the untamable, cold-hearted Khali Luciano!” She exclaimed in exaggeration. It sounds like an insult for me, but at some point, she’s right, but mostly wrong. I could be cold and harsh to girls and no one could still capture me. I am not into dating and I will never ever date that stubborn kitten.

"No, we're not dating. It's part of a bet. She humiliated me and as a payment for the damage she made, she's going to be my slave for a week", I flashed out a smug smile, sounding proud of myself for closing that deal.

"What the hell! Khali, you’ve passed my expectations! You're way worse than you already are", she gasped and shook her head as if she's not believing what she had heard.

"I’ve always been like this, Jey"

"You know what? You'll die a virgin if you keep doing that", she said which made me laugh.

"You sure about that?” I asked her sarcastically. Her mouth formed an "O", realizing something afterwards. But I’m not proud of that.

"Oh! Yes sorry, you're not a virgin anymore. Who's that lucky girl? Ooh! Wait. Hold on. I remember that name", she held up her hand and I just furrowed my brows then left her there. She also passed my expectations. I never knew she could annoy me that much. I know she’s just pretending not to remember. She hated that girl so much after what she did to me. My best friend just likes to piss me off.

"Ah! Yes! That’s Carmine!" She pointed a finger on me as if she hits a jackpot. My jaw clenched hearing her name again. Jey cleared her throat, sensing my awkward silence and frown.

"S-sorry I didn't mean to let you remember, but Khali, when are you going to move on? It's been 3 years", she patted my shoulder in a comforting manner. 

"I already moved on Jey. You know that. That's why girls are not my priority right now", I told her, in all honesty. She just pursed her lips inwardly, then exhaled sharply before nodding.

"I understand. But what if this girl—what’s her name again? Jane, right?" She asked and I just forcefully nodded.

"What if she's really the one?"

"She's not going to be the one. I highly doubt it", I retorted and transferred to other tables.

"Look. Jey, I'll be dealing in 15 minutes. So better stop pestering me with your weird questions. I need to focus", I told my best friend, which she didn't argue with.

"Alright. Just think of what I told you. I'll just roam around, wish me luck to find some hot girls", she grinned widely then waved before she walks away. I sighed in relief and focused my attention to the poker game. I also like poker but blackjack has always been my cup of tea and my expertise. Poker is Steven's prowess.

Suddenly, I wondered: what if Jane came into Steven's table instead of mine. What could have happened? Maybe he already banged her because I know Steven very well. He always finds his way under the girls' pants. I shook my head, not liking the idea of Jane and Steven doing those things. It felt weird and I find myself being more irritated than earlier. Shit! This is bad.

I decided to go and get a drink before my game starts. I don't want to lose my focus. Maybe I should text her. Tomorrow should be her first day being my slave. I searched her name on my phonebook, we exchanged our numbers so we can contact each other. It will be just for a week anyways. I pondered the things I’d like to tell her, and smiled as an idea popped into my mind.

>> To Jane: This is Khali. Don't forget, it's your first day being my slave tomorrow. Don’t be late :)

I hit send and waited for her reply. Two minutes have passed, still nothing. After five minutes, there’s still no reply from her. Ten minutes passed and I was already losing my patience. I typed in my phone again.

>> To Jane: Remember our deal or your dad will know ;)

I hit send and after a minute, I received a reply from her. I flashed an evil smile before opening her message, but eventually faded as I read it.

>> From Jane: I don't have time tomorrow, I have lots of meetings. Can you just set it every weekends instead?

I scoffed at her stubbornness. Does it mean that I have to adjust? It’s not my problem. I scorned, then replied to her.

>> To Jane: You are my slave. It's my rules, and you should follow. Take a leave for a week. I already talked to your dad.

"You’re surely a stubborn one", I murmured before I sent the message.

>> From Jane: You sure, you don't want money? Can I just pay for it?

A sarcastic laugh escaped my mouth. Not all things can be bought by money. Some things needs an actual sacrifice. She’s lucky, I didn’t ask for her life. I could do that but I’m not a monster like her.

>> To Jane: No. I don’t need your money. I want something that money can't buy

At this point, the idea of her being my slave makes me more ecstatic than ever. I like to exercise control and it gives me this frenzy, unexplainable feeling to know how badly she never wanted to do this. It’s the challenge that gives me the desire to control her. And she’s definitely the perfect one for this.