As soon as we leave the building, the shouting begins. They call my name, they call C
al’s. They ask who the women are. One bastard makes a shitty crack about me getting a hummer.
Hajib is efficient as always getting the doors open and closed and leaving the premises without killing anyone. We’re all quiet inside, recovering. I’m infuriated by the blowjob remark in front of our guests, particularly Ava.
“Is that something you deal with a lot?” Zelda’s eyes meet mine, and a touch of compassion is in them. “It must be miserable.”
“It goes with the territory.”
“Escorting beautiful women makes it worse,” Cal adds quietly.
“So it’s Ava’s fault?” Zee laughs.
For a moment I study her. She’s serious, and I confess, her humility softens me. “Don’t be so quick to let yourself off the hook.”
She shakes her head, and we’ve arrived at the casino. We’re as close to the entrance as possible, as several of the photographers have followed us. We’ll be safe enough once we’re inside.
Another brisk run, and we’re pushing through the entrance of the palatial casino, the screaming paparazzi blocked outside. Again, we pause to catch our breath and straighten our clothes.
Zelda runs her hands over her pale blonde hair and lifts her chin to look all around the grand salon. “It’s enormous!” She walks across the Persian carpets to gaze at a larger than life oil painting in an ornate golden frame.
The three of us follow a few steps behind her, and while I’ve been in the building more times than I can remember, it’s like seeing the thick, red-velvet drapes and sparkling gold leaf Corinthian accents anew.
“I love this one,” Ava says.
She’s looking up at a huge portrait of a woman in a field of heather that’s being swept forward by the wind.
“Most of these have been here for centuries,” I say. “I’m not sure who painted that one.”
She looks up at me. “It’s very fine. All of it is so… noble.”
“Have you been to many casinos?” I know I should be with Zee, but I notice Cal is with her. They appear to be having a lively conversation, and I’ll steal my moments with this beautiful lady when I can.
“I-I’ve been inside a few,” she says hesitantly, “but only out of curiosity. I’m not allowed to gamble.”
“Not allowed?” I smile, and she blinks away from my eyes.
“I don’t have a poker face.”
“Ah,” I reach for her hand, pulling it into the crook of my arm. “That is a liability.”
“So I’ve been told.”
We start to walk, and in this position, her luscious body is very close to mine. I feel her heat, and I have to fight my primitive desire to take her. Everything in me aches for her.
“Tell me about growing up in Florida,” I say in an effort to redirect. “Were you close to the coast?”
“Yes! We practically lived in the ocean, sometimes we even slept on the beach at night.” Her enthusiasm is adorable.
“We?” My brow lines, and she looks startled.
“Oh…” She looks away, over her shoulder, before turning back. “My older sister… and me.”
“You have a sister? What is her name?” She laughs in a way that sounds a little strangled. I stop and look at her. “Are you feeling ill?”
“Would it be possible to get a drink?” Her hand tightens on my arm, and I cover it with my hand.
“What would you like? Champagne? A cocktail?”