She wants to continue playing

Valerie was taken aback. She didn't know who her target was yet- she needed to find a way to continue playing.

"Would you like to buy more chips, ma'am?", asked the dealer. She looked inside her purse, but it was of no use. She was out.

"I have no money left.", she said, crestfallen.

"That will be it, then. I will have to ask you to leave, ma'am.", said the dealer.

Out of options, Valerie began to rise from her seat. She looked at Hawk pleadingly, as he raised an eyebrow. I need to play, she mouthed silently to him. This was her last roll of the dice. Maybe he could help her in some way.

She could see he gears turning in his head. She finished standing up, turning away from the table when she heard him speak.

"Hold on a moment. Would the lady like to continue playing?"

She turned around and exclaimed "Yes!", almost too eagerly. "Please.", she added, looking at the dealer and remaining players.

One of the other players began to object, but Hawk interrupted him. "I have an idea. The lady can play, but for each ante, she has to put up one thing she's wearing."

Valerie froze. This wasn't what she had in mind. She could see the other men at the table as their eyes lit up. Before she could react, they had voiced their agreement. The dealer looked at her, gesturing at her to sit back in her seat.

While she didn't like it, it was the only way for her to continue. She meekly sat back in her seat.

"It's time for the ante.", he said.

All eyes were upon her.