Luck must be a lady

In what felt like the longest game of poker on his entire life, Jasper couldn't believe it had come down to this.

A seven. A two. A Jack. A ten. A five.

...A totally wothless hand.

He had to keep it cool...bluff well enough, and she might fold. He maintained an air of confidence until it came time to reveal their hands...one that Jacqueline matched, to his dismay.

"Last chance." Jasper warned.

"Come now, where is the fun in that? Flip 'em over." she replied with a smile.

Jasper's stomachs flopped. Folding now would be simply disgraceful...

Jacqueline began to quietly giggle. Jasper stated at her hand in disbelief.

"And the lady is the winner with the hand of...one pair of eights." the attendant gestured toward Jacqueline.

"Oh my...you nearly gave me a heart attack." she smiled, "Figured you had me dead to rights."

He couldn't believe it. So much for his theory. She definitely hadn't cheated. He was just super unlucky.

"That's that I suppose." Jacqueline scooped her chips into her bag and stood. "Now, young man, have a choice. Come with me or face the casino manager about your debt. Hurry up now, honey..."

Jacqueline smiled that unnerving smile again.

Not seeing a choice, Jasper stood, rounding the table to stand next to her.

"Good call." the lady in red turned on her heel and began walking away from the main gambling floor. "Percy, put his tab on hold."

"Yes ma'am." the older man bowed as she walked away.

Jasper looked back and forth between them for a second before hurrying to catch up with Jacqueline.

"What...who...why did he...?"

"Oh, didn't I mention? I own the casino." the woman smirked, turning down into a hallway.

Jasper's jaw nearly hit the floor.

"Now...I will erase your debt...if you..." Jacqueline unlocked a door to one of the guest rooms and stepped inside.

"Will do a favor for my friend here."

She gestured to the bed, where a woman with dark hair and skin like his was sitting, her head buried in her hands.

She looked up. "Oh! Jackie! Did you figure something out to get me out of this?"

Jacqueline smiled, her eyes flicking over to Jasper. "Yes, Jasmine...I think I did."

"What's going on?" Jasper asked, confused.

Jacqueline turned to him and smiled. "Jasmine got scammed by a con artist and a cheat at my poker tables. He kept winning and winning, and in their last match, he gambled that if he won, Jasmine would have to marry him."

Jasper frowned. He hated cheaters. "So you want me to help get rid of this guy?"

Jacqueline looked at Jasmine and the two women smiled. "You could...say that."