The cat still wants to play.

You go to stand assuming you're now heading to the Athenaeum, but Kyle interrupts, “No, not yet.”

“Please, sit back down Dr. Anderson.” The gorgeous raven haired beauty gently insists. Picking up the cards your date begins to shuffle with the dexterity of a Las Vegas magician. The clubs, hearts, spades and diamonds flit and fly around her fingers and in between her hands as if gravity and physics do not apply to the curvaceous Ms. Kyle.

“I think there should be consequences for cheating, don't you, Dr. Anderson?” She dryly asks.

“I thought you said you weren't angry?” You ask, still trying to figure out the very elusive Ms. Kyle.

“I'm not angry.” She states. “Cheating is one thing, but stopping the game before the chase is finished is simply not acceptable.” Suddenly clamping down with her fist on the cards Kyle abruptly ends the intimidating display of gambling skill prowess. “Those who disrupt my sport need to be taught a lesson, Dr. Anderson.”

“Since, it's your birthday, however, I'm willing to give you a second chance.” Reaching over to your chips Kyle pushes aside all but twenty dollars worth. “We're going to assume the game is tied and that you have lost as many chips as I have. The first one to run out of money loses the game and the wager.”

Shuffling again your opponent challengingly states, “The old wager, however, was too meager and one-sided considering how desperately you tried to win. The risk of this game, therefore, should be far great. It's rather simple,” she grins, “the winner says and the loser does, for the next twenty-four hours.”

“You're kidding?” You respond with shock both terrified and also a bit aroused at her lured proposal.

Cutting the deck three fast times with but one hand, Kyle adds, “I think I am being more then generous. A day of servitude seems to be the appropriate punishment for your crimes, Dr. Anderson. Besides, who knows you might just win, and that birthday present most men would certainly enjoy unwrapping and playing with.”

Five face down cards slide across the table towards you as Kyle deals. “But rest assured, Dr. Anderson, if I win, you will be taught a lesson you will not sorely forget.