The Bondsman (a King Dice x Reader story)

Chapter Eleven: Cut Ties (or Else)

Song: Learnin' the Blues by Frank Sinatra

       Every good gambler knows that there's a time to walk away.

       Unfortunately for Dice, it was the one skill he had never truly seemed to master. He had yet to bet everything and lose it all...but he had come close a couple of times, leading to a firm and fiery scold from the boss.

       This, even though he had been nowhere near a game table, was one of those times.

       He had barely made it through the casino's front door when the Devil let out a screeching, ferocious holler from his office.

       "DICE! HERE! NOW!"

       Though tucked into the back of the building, the shout could be heard from anywhere on the floor, causing all heads to turn and face the manager upon his entry. They knew better than to stare, of course, but it had only been natural for them to stick their noses where they didn't belong. Dice made sure to give any remaining onlookers a nice, hard glare as he approached the back of the casino and started down the hallway. His spirits were already low – the exhaustion being mixed with his own self-condemnation – but this was definitely going to make them plummet.

       He figured he'd get chewed out for taking too long. He did have a job after all...he couldn't just go disappearing into the night on account of fanciful ventures. He understood that, and had come to terms with his consequences hours ago.

       "You shrieked?" He asked, entering the Devil's office with an uninterested expression. Scratch pointed to the seat across from him.

       "Sit."

       Dice did as he was told, taking a seat and crossing one leg over the other with a flourish. He attempted to remain nonchalant with a smooth smile on his face, covering the fact that his heart was pounding out of his chest.

       The Devil could tell, of course.

       He could always tell in situations like this.

       "Something the matter, Dice? You look a bit flushed...that wouldn't be due to the wine, now would it?"

       Dice's stomach dropped.

       "You know?"

       "OF COURSE I KNOW," the Devil hollered, palms hitting the desk as fire engulfed the room. Each flame licked threateningly close to where Dice sat, the smell of ash and cinder overtaking his senses as he remained frozen in place. "Do you think I'm some kind of an idiot? I'm the king of sins, Dice! I know every lie, cuss, and lustful thought to be had, including yours!"

       After a moment, the sudden inferno slowly died down, extinguishing as the boss sat back into his seat. His face twisted into a snarl as he folded his hands beneath his chin.

       "Now be honest here," he spat, "were you really holding out for her to magically fall in love with you? Or were you simply waiting for the chance to take a bite out of her..."

       Dice swiftly rose from his seat, allowing his emotions to get the better of him.

       "I would never-"

       "Like Hell you wouldn't! What, you think I made you my number one because of your friendly bedside manner?" The Devil leaned forward over his desk, jabbing an accusatory claw at the other's chest. "I know you, Dice! I've known you for years, and very seldom do you change-"

       "Well maybe I'd like to start changing!"

       Scratch drew back at that, dazed by his lackey's sudden outburst of...whatever this was. Opposite to him, Dice stood his ground, unwavering as he set his eyes to meet his superior's with a stern glare. The Devil groaned for a moment, dragging a hand down his face before flopping back into his seat.