My aching head started to spin as I listened to Ryker’s confession. They saw me the moment I walked into the Bellagio. I thought I remembered Ryker from the lobby, but I only saw him for a second, so I wasn’t sure. Our meeting was far from happenstance. I was a bet. My stomach stopped doing somersaults and just felt sick. I was a fool—nothing more than a toy for their amusement. I should have known two hot guys wouldn’t spend a whole day with me unless they wanted something. It was worse than that—they wanted to share me. I really was the most naive girl in Vegas. My knees felt weak and I sat down on the edge of the bed, trying to process what Ryker had told me. My parents were right. I never should have come to Sin City on my own.
“So, if you just wanted to sleep with me, why didn’t you? Obviously you had your chance last night. If I was trying to sleep with Cole—and trying to sleep with you—why not go through with it?” I looked over at Ryker.
“Cole called off the bet when we stopped at the liquor store.” Ryker exhaled sharply and shook his head. “We realized that you weren’t exactly… experienced.”
“You realized I was a virgin.” I nodded in understanding. “That’s why you wouldn’t touch me.”
“It wouldn’t have been fair. Look, you’re beautiful. Fuck, you don’t even realize how hot you are. I like you. I won’t deny that. I just know that you deserve better than two guys like us.” Ryker reached for his shirt and slid it over his muscular frame as he stood.
I should just let him go—especially after everything he told me. God, why does that make me want him more?
“Wait.” I slowly stood. “You can’t leave yet.”
“Why is that?” He narrowed his eyes and stared at me.
“You were my first kiss and I don’t remember it.” I walked closer to him. “I want to remember the first man I kissed. You owe me that much.”
The pounding in my head was numbed as I stared into Ryker’s eyes. He made me tingle so much I could feel it resonating through my whole body. I should have hated him after what he told me, but I didn’t. It made me like him even more. He was a good man—much better than I deserved. I was a stupid virgin running around Las Vegas and getting drunk with two guys that I barely knew. It very well could have ended with my panties on the floor and my innocence taken. Both of them could have used my body in every dirty way that they wanted. They could have shared me, just like they wanted. I wouldn’t have even remembered it. It would have just been another mistake—another moment of innocence shattered by Sin City.
“I stared at you for at least an hour last night while you slept—remembering these lips—wanting them again.” Ryker brought his hand up to my face and pushed his thumb against my bottom lip. “You’re going to remember this one.”
Ryker slipped his hand behind my neck, pulled me close, and crushed my lips beneath his. Fireworks exploded in my head. I didn’t just see stars—I saw constellations. Ryker forced his tongue into my mouth and I melted into his arms. My body was on fire and I felt my panties getting wet. I might have tasted him the night before, but it was buried beneath the liquor. As far as I was concerned, I was living my first kiss, and it was amazing. Our lips formed a seal and my head continued to spin. It was stronger than the buzz I felt after my first drink. I wanted more. My hands pressed against his muscular body, wishing it was pressed against me—skin on skin. When he finally pulled away, I was breathless.
“Holy crap.” I looked up at him with my mouth still hanging open. “I definitely won’t forget that one.”
“What’s going on in here?” I heard a voice and looked past Ryker to see Cole standing in the doorway. “I thought she was off limits.”
“Maybe I don’t want to be.” I stepped past Ryker and stared at Cole. “Ryker told me about the bet.”
“He—told you everything?” Cole blinked in surprise.
“He told me how bad you wanted me—he told me that you two wanted to share me.” I walked closer to Cole. “I’ve heard him tell me the truth. Why don’t you try it?”
Ryker’s kiss had done som
ething to me. It made me feel more confidence than I had ever felt in my life. I wasn’t sure what was coming over me completely, but I needed to hear the truth from Cole as well. He stared at me for a moment, but then he started to come clean. He admitted to seeing me in the lobby of the Bellagio. He wanted me. Despite his lust, his mortality had won out in the end. He realized I was in over my head and called it off. I couldn’t help but respect him for that.
It was some sort of chivalry that flourished in what was originally nothing but misogyny. I should have hated him or felt disdain, but in the end, it was my loneliness that pushed me forward. I had so much fun with Ryker and Cole. I also knew they would take care of me. They didn’t push for more when I was a drunken mess. I couldn’t imagine seeing the rest of Las Vegas with anyone else.
“So, will the two of you spend another day with me?” I looked back and forth between them.
“I guess my schedule is clear.” Ryker shrugged and smiled. “Cole?”
“Uh—well. Shit.” Cole exhaled sharply. “I actually have something I need to take care of today, but I might be able to catch up with you later tonight.”
“Huh? What’s going on?” Ryker tilted his head in confusion. “Is there a poker game I don’t know about?”
“No, nothing like that.” Cold shook his head back and forth. “It shouldn’t take me too long though, so keep your cell phone on.”
“All right, man.” Ryker still seemed confused, but he let it go. “Call me when you’re done?”
“Definitely.” Cole nodded and walked towards the front door of my hotel room.
“What was that about?” I looked at Ryker with concern on my face. “Do you think he’s upset because he saw our kiss?”
“No, he’d tell me if that was the case. We don’t do jealousy. He might have a lead on a job or something—who knows.” Ryker sighed and turned back towards me. “I guess it’s just the two of us today. Is that okay?”
“Sure.” I shrugged and nodded. “Let me get a shower and then you can show me the rest of Las Vegas.”