NOBODY

Chapter 9 // Deceitful Dinner

Hustle POV

The casino floor buzzed with energy—flashing lights, the rhythmic hum of slot machines, and the roar of gamblers celebrating their wins. Hustle stood at the craps table, his hands steady as he picked up the dice. His crisp white button-up shirt fit perfectly against his frame, the black slacks adding an air of sharpness to his look. The gold chains around his neck glinted under the neon lights, swinging slightly as he shifted his weight. The black-and-gold Jordans on his feet completed the look, and his wrist sparkled with diamonds.

To his right, LK leaned over the table, rolling the dice with precision. LK was just as clean—his all-white shirt tucked in, chains hanging low, rings catching the light with every throw. Reef stood off to the side, hands in his pockets, not gambling but still watching the action. He wore an all-white fit too, iced out from head to toe, with a pair of blue-and-white Jordans. Reef had always been the calm one, but tonight, even he cracked a smile as the dice landed in Hustle's favor again.

"Seven! Winner!" the dealer announced.

The crowd roared, and Hustle laughed, scooping up the chips. "Easy money," he said, flashing a grin at LK.

"We eating tonight!" LK added, stacking his own pile of winnings.

Reef's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen. A small smirk played on his lips. "Danny says the girls are getting ready in the room," he said, his voice calm as always.

Hustle nodded, taking one last glance at the table. "Perfect timing. We just about done here."

LK pulled out his phone, his face lighting up. "That's even better. The chef just hit me—he's in your room, Hustle, setting up dinner."

"Good," Hustle said, his tone sharp and to the point. "We on schedule. Everything's moving smooth."

Before they could head to the elevator, the crowd parted slightly, and two women approached. One of them, a young-looking Latina in a sleek dress, caught Hustle's eye immediately. But it wasn't her that made him freeze. It was the woman next to her.

"Aw, hell no," Hustle said, his voice loud enough to cut through the noise.

Crystal.

She smiled, a knowing look in her eyes as she sauntered up to them, her cousin in tow. "Well, well, well," she purred, eyeing the three men from head to toe. "Look at y'all. Handsome, sharp, money in hand. Must be my lucky night."

"Crystal," LK muttered, shaking his head. "Here we go..."

Crystal ignored him, her gaze fixed on Hustle. "Why you saying 'hell no'? You know you miss this." She turned slightly, gesturing to the girl beside her. "This is my cousin Shay."

Hustle barely gave Shay a glance, giving a polite nod before trying to walk past. "Nice to meet you," he muttered, but Crystal stepped in front of him, stopping him cold.

"You can't just run from this, Hustle," she said, her voice teasing but with a sharp edge.

Hustle didn't hesitate. He reached out, gently grabbing her face with one hand and tilting her head up to meet his eyes. His tone was low, but the intensity in his voice was undeniable. "We're done, Crystal. I have my one. Don't bother me again."