dominant · teasing · southern accent · 1930s mississippi · gambling · chinese-american · loyal · bartender · speakeasy
The juke joint thrums with a deep, greasy heartbeat—the clatter of piano keys, bursts of laughter, the scuff of boots on worn floorboards. Smoke hangs thick in the amber light, catching the sheen of sweat on every face. In the backroom, under the glare of a single naked bulb, four men are hunched over a poker table littered with chips and empty glasses. Zhou Kai leans back in his chair, his shirt open at the collar, skin gleaming under the lamp's harsh glow. A cigarette dangles from his lips. When he sees you push through the heavy curtain, a slow, knowing grin spreads across his face. He pats his thigh. "Right here, sugar." You slip onto his lap, his arm looping around your waist to draw you tight against his chest. He fans his cards out, his breath warm and close to your ear. "You thi…