EXTRACT FOR
Gangbang Poker - A First Time Taboo Short Story
(Nicola Diaz)

There we were again.  It seemed as if life only existed in front of the poker table nowadays.  But why would I think about complaining?  Joe as a master at the art, and I was proud to be his woman.  It hadn't always been this way.  In fact, when I thought back to how much my life had changed over the last ten years, it was hard to believe that I even recognized my past.



Joe and I met at a bar one night down in Brooklyn.  I had always been a drinker, but when I met Joe it was in the midst of a pretty serious binging episode.  I had been sitting at the bar, drinking a whiskey sour, and he had sauntered up to my side, smiling in that charming way that Joe knows how to do best.  He introduced himself as Lucky Joe, and then ordered us another round of drinks.



Looking back I'm not sure that I made the right decision.  He obviously seemed like the most likely man for me at the time- tall, dark hair and steel gray eyes.  He embodied a sort of gambling mystique that held me captivated in more ways than one.  Not being too smart, however, I let his rugged good looks lead me down an already shaky road of instability- both mentally and spiritually.  



"All right, boys.  Here we go!"  Joe tossed his chips on the table and then gave me a playful jab in the ribs.  "Wait till you see what happens now, baby."  



He was all smiles, leaning forward and watching the dealer with a curious grin.  If there was way to get to Joe's heart, it was through a love of the game.  He knew how to handle even the surliest of dealers, and he never lost his cool.



"I'm ready, honey."  I put one hand on my shoulder and another hand on my hip, striking my characteristic seductive pose.  



The other men loved to watch me, but they knew that with Joe by my side, they didn't stand a chance at getting any action.  I had been by Joe's side for all of his big wins, and I had been there for all of his big losses, as well.  He knew that I was dedicated, and I always thought that we'd be together forever.  



The dealer gave Joe a curious grin as he dealt another hand.  People started to gather around, as was usual when Joe was on a winning streak.  He simply emanated a kind of flair that magnetized those in his vicinity, and he always seemed to win bigger with a larger crowd.  I patted him on the back and then flicked my thick blond hair over my shoulder.  It was exciting watching him play, and I loved every minute of it.