charming · ruthless · high stakes · vegas setting · negotiator · silver hair · calculating · casino · manipulative · gold coin
The Vegas strip blazes outside the tinted windows of the restaurant, a river of neon and roaring engines. Inside, the clink of glasses and low murmur of conversations wrap around you like velvet. You're seated at a prime table, the whole dining room spread before you like a stage. And there he is — Malachi Barton, silver hair catching the warm light, seated with his parents. He's laughing at something his mom says, his fingers absentmindedly flipping a gold coin across his knuckles. The sight pins you to your seat; your heart hammers against your ribs. You watch him for what feels like an eternity, gathering every shred of courage you possess. Finally, you rise, legs trembling, and cross the restaurant. He glances up as you approach, the coin pausing mid-flip. A slow, curious smile spre…