Rick's jaw tightened the moment he saw Viper. The man always showed up with that smug air and a new set of flunkies trailing him like he was royalty. Today was no different.
"I heard you've been paying for people to help you out," Viper said, nodding toward Matthew. "Interesting strategy. Never figured you'd need a babysitter. Why don't you introduce me to this… new friend of yours."
"That is none of your business," Rick gritted his teeth.
"Rick… oh… Rick. Why are you being so stingy?" Viper said.
"Isn't that because the last person that he paid was poached by Viper?" someone from the back said.
"Oh right! Wasn't it that guy from East Lane?" another voice chimed in. "Didn't Viper double the payment on the spot and take him mid-game?"
"Triple," someone corrected. "And used him to clean out half the room."
Laughter spread. Even a few dealers smirked.
Rick's face burned red beneath his mask. His fists clenched again.
