Charming, cunning, crafty, and captivatingly handsome, Axiom ‘Ace’ Reid is pleased with the cards life has dealt. Using them to his full advantage at every opportunity, he victoriously prevails. Now setting his sights on the loftiest of goals, the highlife of the rich and desirable, he voyages his path uncaring of the lives he alters, or hearts he splinters in his wake. Will his winning hand hold fast when the sharks enter the room and sit down at the table, calling his bluff?

Deal the cards

One last click of the mouse and the message appeared. ‘Your order is complete, print this page for your records.’ Axiom Reid, aka Ace, smiled as he slid the slip of paper into the shredder watching the machine work its magic and obliterate any trace of his last transaction. Glancing at the clock, Ace rose and headed for the shower. His shift at Club Xplosive started in one hour. He worked part-time, bartending. It paid well enough to cover the rent on the moderate one-bedroom apartment located in the city’s working district. Not exactly uptown, but not the gutter either. Walking into the immaculate master bedroom he smiled. The Matisse Dublin king bed, a sleek eighteen hundred dollars, covered in the Hugo Boss, black and smoke grey comforter stood out in the modern bedroom screaming class and sophistication. Ace breezed through coming into the bathroom and stepped into the redesigned shower with the glass and stainless doors, rainfall shower head begging to wash himself. He inhaled the Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger bodywash as it cascaded over his limbs, the suds thick and luxurious. Stepping out moments later he wrapped himself in the thick and absorbent Matouck’s bath towel. He loved the Egyptian cotton zero-twists yarn as it hugged his freshly scrubbed skin.

Ace loved the finer things in life; high end clothing, shoes, ties, underwear, linens and more. His tastes however most times exceeded his budget. That’s where his hobby came into play. Looking at himself in the full length antique mirror he mounted to the bedroom wall, Ace took in his body. He was sleek, muscular and lean, with exotically dark features and brooding brown bedroom eyes. He smiled at himself sporting the barely five o’clock stubble, and took in the perfect white teeth, ten thousand dollars’ worth of veneers grinning back. Ace aspired to be far more than just a part-time bartender at a club. He was going to be the next runway sensation in the male modeling world. If he could find an agent that was willing to take a chance on him that is. He irritably fumed over the idea, the smile leaving as he picked up the black shirt and pants that formed his uniform and dressed. Outfit on, hair combed, cologne added, Ace was ready to head to the club that promised to be jumping on a Thursday night. Club Xplosive was owned and operated by Gabriel Frost, one of the more astute businessmen in the city. He landed the job there almost a year ago, the goldmine it offered given to him with open arms.

*****

Smiling again as he climbed into the late model Acura, Ace began to make plans for the evening. Picking up his cell he noticed several emails. Clicking each and reading them at various stop signs and traffic signals, he managed to answer three before arriving at the club. Parking, Ace continued answering emails loosening a satisfied sigh once he finished. Glancing in his drivers mirror once he flipped down the visor, he practiced his smiles and expressions. Looks were everything in this business and at this club. Cute and sexy got you more customers, better tips, and in Ace’s case, more of the high life. The cell chimed again and he saw another email addressed to 50BucksInPhilly. Chuckling recalling how he arrived at his email name, he opened it, seeing the amount, answered and hit send. While working at the club kept his façade alive, Ace made his money buying and selling high end clothing, accessories, and shoes. The same expensive articles he purchased, worn once or twice before being discarded. Ace also sold watches, cameras, iPads, headphones, video cameras, and more; barely used, sometimes still new. All were placed on eBay, won by the highest bidders, each sale item paid for with the stolen credit card numbers he procured every night he worked at Xplosive.

Remarking again to himself how truly this was the best gig he scored for a while, Ace thought another time about Gabriel Frost and how he couldn’t stand the man. He wasn’t stupid though. He would continue to play the game. Ace supposed he should have felt bad for fleecing the customers and putting the business at risk. He didn’t though. In this world, you were either a wolf or a sheep. Ace was nobody’s sheep. Life wasn’t kind to him, growing up with next to nothing. His mother tried, he would grant her that, but the mediocre office job she held never seemed to stretch far enough. His father, for whom he was named, was a gambler. Unfortunately, he spent most of his time losing and racking up huge debts. The people he owed money too were never slow about sending collectors. Ace recalled more than a few mornings of waking to his father nursing a black eye, busted lip, or bruised ribs. Still, it never seemed to dampen his enthusiasm. He was probably addicted, now that Ace understood the word and looked back on it. It wasn’t all bad though. When his father won, he won big, and he never minded sharing his wealth. Ace recalled the new clothes, shoes, electronics, his father bought one summer after a rather hefty bet paid off on the craps table. They went to a few baseball games and Ace finally felt normal. Too bad it didn’t last, his mind put forth bringing the frown. The losing streak returned and Ace noticed some of his electronics disappearing from the house. The final blow came when one his father’s betting collectors came and took their car.

That was the last the straw for his mother. She packed up the few belongings they owned, and took a bus to her parents’ house, Ace in tow. He grudgingly admitted things were a bit better at his grandparents, but Ace missed the hustle of the streets he came to know through his father. He reached out to the man once or twice, garnering promises of visits that never came to pass. After the communication ceased fully, Ace stumbled on his mother conversing with his grandparents one evening. The topic of conversation was his absent father. “He’s in jail,” his mother spoke aloud. “For what this time,” his grandmother returned evenly. “Theft, extortion, they sentenced him to ten years,” his mother another time spoke. “Good riddance I say,” the older woman returned. “Are you going to tell Ace,” his grandfather questioned. “No, it’s best that Ace just lets it go and simply moves on with his life,” his mother spoke as a final time. Ace was hurt to know his father was locked up like an animal, but helpless to do anything about it. By the time he was old enough, he reached out through the system trying to locate his namesake. The prison returned his query stating he had been released with no forwarding address. Pushing the memories out of his mind, turning into the club parking lot, Ace found a space and pulled into it. He was determined never to end up like his mother; afraid to live life and settle for the meager scraps it gave. Ace also vowed to be better at the game than his father, not ending up behind bars for years with nothing to show for it.

“I’m going to play this hand and hold my cards well,” he murmured, getting out and locking the car.

Taking another cleansing breath, Ace put on his poker face and began walking inside. It was time to play.

Call, bluff, or fold

Lydia saw him get off the elevator and walk toward the reception desk. She was returning from an earlier appointment, entering through her private entrance. Stopping and stepping slightly behind the pillar in front of her, she took him in another time. The other night at Xplosive left her curious about the bartender flirting with her assistant. Was he interested in the woman? Why was he here, Lydia continued to internally query. The man was sexy. There was no doubt about that. It took every ounce of reserve she possessed not to ask Cari about him, or what he said to her that night. He’s young, her mind told her. Lydia dismissed the thoughts. There was nothing wrong with dating younger, besides, she was overdue. Her last boy toy, some thirty years younger, ran off to marry his college sweetheart. Didn’t that hurt enough? You honestly want to set yourself up for the crap again? What kind of damned sadist are you, her mind pushed as Lydia ignored it all and continued to contemplate.

“What about you Mr. Barkeep, do you have a college sweetheart somewhere,” she murmured taking in again the lines of his sculpted frame.

Lydia kept herself in good shape. She didn’t think she looked anywhere near the fifty-six years reflected by her birth certificate. She dressed young. She thought young. She craved young, hot, passionate sex on a daily basis.

Taking a breath and deciding to put the man out of his misery, she began walking toward the receptionist, where he continued to stand. What he didn’t realize was Cari wouldn’t be interested in him one bit. Cari didn’t find men sexually attractive. She on the other hand, well, she found them deliciously decadent. Here goes nothing, her fear spoke just as she stepped up to him.

“Hello,” Lydia greeted as he turned to her.

“Hello,” Ace returned, smiling.

Lydia felt her panties moisten, and her heart skip a beat. Oh yes, this one carried promises of multiple orgasms. She intentionally focused on her breathing. Don’t come off like some desperate old perve, her mind told her.

“Are you here to see Cari,” she questioned, eyes riveted to his own.

“You remember me,” Ace questioned, never lowering his gaze.

“Yes, from Xplosive.”

He smiled again and she felt her thighs involuntarily clench. Down girl, you are going to scare the man off, caution another time warned.

“Does Cari know you’re here?”

“No, but, truthfully I’m glad she doesn’t,” Ace replied, gaining a curious look from Lydia. “I actually wanted the opportunity to see you,” he flirted as Lydia allowed it.

Yes, she was screaming in her head, maintaining the outward façade of calm.

“Really, what about,” she questioned her tone business friendly.

“Is there someplace we could talk maybe,” Ace now inquired.

Lydia was careful not to let her ever mounting excitement show as she shrugged and turned away. Her mind was spinning as she walked. She was praying the signals being sent, were interpreted correctly. She didn’t want to make an entire ass of herself.

“Come with me,” she spoke over her shoulder, seeing him fall into step behind her.

Walking down the private hallway and into the posh office, Lydia offered him a seat. “Would you like something to drink,” she questioned, opening the small mini-fridge.

“Water is fine,” Ace replied, smiling and taking the bottle from her as she handed it to him.

Sitting atop the massive mahogany desk, Lydia opened her diet tea, took a sip, then spoke again.

“So, what did you want to see me about, mister….”

“Axiom Reid, but please, call me Ace,” he replied smoothly, taking a sip of the water and licking his lips subtly afterward.

Mmm, the things I could find for you to do with that tongue, she naughtily perused continuing to engage him in conversation.

“Yes, okay, Ace, what can I do for you,” Lydia another time spoke, crossing her legs hoping to quell the throbbing of her clit, the dirty thoughts constantly screaming through her mind.

“Are you married,” he threw back instead, taking her by surprise.

“Uh, no, I’m divorced,” Lydia replied, regaining her composure. “That was pretty personal don’t you think, Mr., I mean Ace.”

“Boyfriend, lover,” Ace again fired back.

“Mr. Reid, I –,” she got out before he rose and walked over to the desk, standing directly in front of her.

“Ace,” he spoke softly, looking deeply into her eyes.

“Ace, I’m not sure where –,” she murmured as his lips founds hers and the kiss turned deeply passionate.

“Now you know why I wanted to see you,” he whispered huskily, kissing her neck as she moaned noiselessly.

Oh god, he IS interested, please let him be as good as I’m imagining, Lydia prayed behind the closed lids as Ace aroused her.

“I felt such a connection when our eyes met at Xplosive,” Ace continued speaking, his hands snaking their way up her thigh and under the skirt she wore.

“I know it’s crazy to come down here, and probably very mean to ask for Cari, only to use her to get to you, but I had to see you, had to know if you felt what I felt,” he added, kissing her again, tongue in her mouth, fingers connecting with her clit.

Lydia laid her head on his shoulder, the kisses filled with passionate unuttered words, his fingers bringing her closer and closer to nirvana.

“I want you so much Lydia,” Ace whispered urgently.

And you’re about to get me as I enjoy every damned hard inch of you, she spoke internally.

Lydia reached down unzipping his pants, her hands inside withdrawing his magnificent erection. Damn, what a beautiful, beautiful, tool, Lydia spoke stroking it feeling the girth and length it possessed.

Pushing her skirt up around her waist, Ace kissed her deeply again, panties to the side, him sliding deeply inside her.

“Oh goddd, yessss,” Lydia groaned as they enjoyed their animalistic passion.

Ten minutes into their impromptu liaison, she came hard and fast, him right behind her calling her name. Prudence spoke up chastising her for not using a condom, but satisfaction told it to shut the hell up while they enjoyed the orgasms Ace graced upon them.

“Mmm, everything I dreamed,” Ace told her sweetly as they parted and began to dress.

“You never answered my question,” he spoke, holding her again, staring into her eyes yet another time.

“About,” Lydia returned, mind spinning.

“Having a boyfriend or lover,” Ace smoothly put out.

“No,” she said without elaboration.

Ace grunted, leaning in and kissing her deeply all over again.

“You do now,” he told her, watching her blush and smile at the same time. “When can I see you again?”

“When are you free?”

“I’m off tomorrow,” Ace answered honestly.

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow,” she answered, giving him her private cell number.

“Have a great afternoon,” Ace told her with a sly wink, one last kiss, before leaving her office.

“Mmmm, that one is a keeper for sure,” Lydia chortled, grabbing her purse and stepping inside the private bath in her office to freshen up.

“You are gorgeous Mr. Axiom Reid, maybe we can find other uses for you as well,” she laughed, thoughts swirling as she closed the door.

****

Ace’s smile covered his entire face as he drove home. “What are the odds,” he murmured fully pleased with the result of his experiment.

He replayed the rendezvous in his head, frowning a bit.

“Cost of the game,” he told himself as repulsion set in.

Ace was well aware Lydia Symen was in her fifties. She wasn’t unattractive per se, but to him she was old. All the makeup in the world didn’t change that. Sex was good though, he reluctantly admitted. Pushing the other thoughts away Ace concentrated on achieving his goal. He wanted a hefty contract, iron clad, guaranteeing him a secured life without having to scam credit cards anymore. Of course, screwing Lydia would certainly bring along perks he could otherwise only imagine enjoying. So how far are you willing to take this?

“As far as I need too,” he spoke aloud to the internal pondering.

He would wine her, dine her, be her plaything, screw her on demand, hell even walk the dog, if it kept him in her good graces and inside her company. He was already thinking ahead to tomorrow and what Lydia would want to do when they saw each other. Ace decided to let her take the lead. He was there to please her, to make her every desire a reality. That’s how he planned to sell it when he saw her.

Turning into his apartment complex, Ace found a park, turned the car off and got out. He bounded up the stairs and let himself in. He walked into his kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water, sorting through the mail he picked up on the way in.

“Bill, bill, junk, flyer,” he murmured going through each.

Taking the bills, Ace headed over to his computer and sat down. Opening the utility and water bills respectively, he pulled them up online and paid them. These, Ace paid from his personal account. His marks and their cards were for his goodies.

“May not need them soon,” he murmured recalling his new affiliation with Lydia.

Still he needed to beef up his wardrobe and accessories. Being with Lydia meant he would be in the public eye much more often, and of course, must represent on an equal basis. Smiling as he finished up the bill pays, Ace made plans to secure at least three to four cards tonight. They need to be high end, his mind told him knowing the purchases he would make.

“I need another Hamilton Cain to come in again,” he jokingly spoke aloud.

Ace still ached to get his hands on the man’s credit card portfolio, but he wouldn’t be an idiot. Mr. Frost would fire him in a heartbeat, effectively putting him out of business.

“I’ll wait, someone will show up,” Ace another time spoke aloud rising and heading to the shower.

Refreshed, Ace dressed and headed out into the day. He planned to grab some lunch, then return and get a bit of sleep before his shift. Pierre woke him up early and his body was reminding him of its loss. Stopping at House of China, he parked and got out.

“Welcome, just one today,” the hostess questioned.

“Yes, but I would like a booth please,” Ace responded, following her as she turned and led the way.

“This is good,” the woman again asked.

“Yes, fine,” Ace responded.

Handing him the menu, she turned and left him alone to ponder his choices. His cell vibrated and he pulled it out, smiling at the message. Three of his purchases just shipped. Deciding to keep the heat turned up, Ace texted Lydia a spicy message and hit send.

“Hello sir, how are you, what can I get for you,” the waitress questioned all at once.

“I’ll have the duck,” Ace responded. “Let me also get as an appetizer, eel rolls and salmon rolls,” he added of the sushi.

“Yes, very good,” the woman smiled and walked away.

His cell vibrated another time with him glancing the screen, smile elicited. ‘You’re a very naughty boy Ace, I may have to punish you tomorrow’, the message read. Chuckling, he texted her back. ‘I sure hope so,’ he replied, thanking the waitress as she brought his appetizer. Thoroughly enjoying the rolls, she returned ten minutes later with his entrée. Ace tasted the duck which was succulent and well-seasoned, speedily devouring it.

“Man, I must have been hungry,” he chuckled, rising and paying his bill.

Headed home Ace another time thanked the fates for his great luck, a well-deserved nap first on his list of things to do when he arrived home.

****

Lydia put the phone down, small smile still lingering at the corners of her mouth. Cari entered the office moments later, greeting her.

“We still need someone for the Baileys campaign,” Cari told her, getting straight to business.

Baileys was a rising men’s clothing store, and they were starting a large advertising campaign asking for seven male models. They supplied five already, the last two for now eluding them. “Where is Kristoph,” Lydia questioned of the new model they acquired two months ago.

“He’s doing Hugo Boss,” Cari told her, still going through paperwork.

“OK, well who is our newest signee,” Lydia questioned.

This wasn’t a huge deal in her book. A great teeth cutter, if you will.

“Quenton Camry,” Cari responded.

“Good, send him,” Lydia spoke. “I have the last one in mind, but I’ll let you know in a couple of days once I sign him,” she told Cari, garnering a look.

“Who is this,” she questioned making Lydia laugh.

“I am still capable of scouting new talent, you know,” she told her in mock indignation.

Cari chortled, writing more notes on her pad. Lydia let her assistant write a while longer before speaking again.

“I’m thinking of hosting the new signing party at Xplosive,” she spoke wanting to gage Cari’s reaction.

The assistant looked up at her boss, face impassive.

“I guess, I mean it’s a nice enough place,” she spoke the condescension barely masked.

“What’s wrong with it,” Lydia questioned. “Gabriel Frost is certainly an upstanding businessman.”

Cari shrugged but didn’t refute the observations.

“My you have become quite the snob,” Lydia joked.

Cari smiled a bit.

“I’m sorry, you’re right it’s a very nice place,” she told her, keeping her other thoughts to herself.

“Good, contact the club and make arrangements,” Lydia assigned. “I need it to be a private affair.”

Cari again nodded.

“You had a visitor earlier,” Lydia yet another time goaded.

“Really? Who,” Cari questioned genuinely curious.

“The bartender from Xplosive.”

As expected, the frown was instant.

“Glad I wasn’t here,” Cari spoke.

“You think he’s a bad person,” Lydia baited.

“No, I mean, I don’t know the man,” Cari responded, somewhat flustered. “I just hate having to always tell them I’m not interested and then explaining why.”

“Mm, yes I can see where that would get tiresome,” Lydia told her. “I wouldn’t worry about it, I think he’s gotten the message.”

Oh he got the message alright, and one major orgasm too didn’t he, her mind teased as Lydia fought the urge to giggle.

Cari smiled, nodding her understanding.

“Thank you so much Lydia,” she gushed, clueless her boss’ afternoon conquest.

“I’ll get back to you once I talk to the club and arrange everything,” she spoke rising to leave.

“That will be fine Cari,” Lydia told her smiling again.

Sitting back in her chair after the woman left, her mind returned to this afternoon. The sex was exquisite and he was a beautiful armpiece to show off at all her functions. Maybe he would turn out to be a really good guy as well, but for now, it was time to put a leash on her new pet.

“Welcome to the agency Ace,” she murmured already seeing his name on the bottom line and his allegiance cemented to her forever.