Before I Die

“My dad and I own a couple different hotels and casinos. Since he’s been busy playing house, I’ve been running things for him.” Now, him mentioning before that his dad stays in a hotel makes sense—he owns the hotel and…

Wait… “Casinos?” This catches my attention. An item on my list is to learn how to play cards and what better way to learn than at a casino!

“Yeah.”

“How many do you guys have?” I’ve always wanted to go to a casino like in the movies. Dress up in a sexy little black dress and a pair of heels and sip on an expensive drink while playing Blackjack at the table.

“We have one in Atlantic City, a couple in Vegas, one in Tennessee, one in New York, and one in Miami.”

“Cool.” I’ve only traveled once to Arizona for a mission trip, but aside from that, I’ve never been anywhere else. Meanwhile, they own hotels all over.

“I need to get going,” he says. “Rosco will be here looking out for you. Apparently my parents will be here as well.” The way he says the word parents breaks my heart. It’s clear Ethan is upset about his mom being back, which means he cares. Because if he didn’t, it wouldn’t bother him the way it is.

“I know you’re upset about your mom being back, but—”

“Not going there,” he barks, stepping toward the door.

He swings it open, at the same time there’s a knock on the door. “Hey, boss,” Rosco says, stepping forward, but still staying in the hallway. “There’s an issue at RH, ” he says, his eyes flitting back and forth between Ethan and me.

“What’s RH?” I ask nosily.

“The hotel,” Ethan explains. “Romero Hotels.” He turns back to Rosco. “I’m heading there now.”

“Can I go?” I blurt out. Ethan and Rosco look at me. “I’ve, uh, I’ve always wanted to see a casino.”

“No,” Ethan states. “You’re safer here.”

“We can bring Rosco,” I argue. I haven’t left this house in over a week, and I’m itching to get out. “Please,” I plead, trying to bat my eyelashes like I’ve seen women do to get their way.

I know it works when Ethan’s shoulders slump slightly. “Fine. I’m leaving in five minutes. If you’re not dressed and downstairs, I’m leaving without you.”

“Yes!” I fist pump in the air before taking off to my closet to get dressed. I don’t own a little black dress or heels, so I just throw on a pair of dark blue skinny jeans and a maroon off-the-shoulder sweater I love but only wore once because my mom said showing my shoulder gave off the wrong vibes. I pair my outfit with fluffy black UGGs Blaire bought for me last year for Christmas.

After quickly putting on deodorant and brushing my teeth and hair, I run downstairs, excited to not only get out of the house but possibly be able to check another item off my list.

Rosco and Ethan are waiting at the door, both dressed in expensive-looking suits. “Ready?” Ethan asks, dragging his eyes down my body. I know the reason he’s been hiding from me is because of what happened between us, but the question is, is he hiding because he regrets it or because he wants more? Based on the way his gaze is burning, I would say the latter, and that has me wanting to push him for more. I promised Stephen I would live my life, and I’m going to do just that.

“Ready.”

Since Rosco is driving his own vehicle to the hotel, it’s just Ethan and me in his sexy sports car. Afraid Ethan will change his mind and make me go back to his dad’s place, I stay quiet during the fifteen-minute drive to the hotel. He doesn’t speak the entire time, but I occasionally catch his gaze darting over to me.

When we arrive, I get a look at the outside of the hotel. It’s slick and modern and screams wealth and opulence. Ethan pulls up and the valet runs out to park his car.

Taking my hand in his, he guides me through the front lobby and down a narrow hallway. When we enter a large room filled with security footage being displayed, Ethan demands everyone leave. They all do as he says, and then he shuts and locks the door.

“Does everyone jump when you speak?” I ask in disbelief at how quickly the room cleared out.

“If they want to keep their jobs, they do,” he says, shocking me by grabbing me by my hips and pulling me into his lap in an office chair.

“Wh-what are you doing?” I stammer, situating myself, but making no move to leave the comfort of his lap.

“Showing you something.” He clicks his mouse and the screen zooms in on a man in a tux dealing cards. He clicks again and the camera focuses on a man sitting on the other side of the table holding playing cards in his hand.