Stuffed

“I asked around.” She shrugs like it’s not a big deal, and I feel one corner of my mouth turn up.

“Find out anything good?”

Her knees widen just a bit more, and the way she’s sitting next to the table, it would be hard for a camera to pick up.

“You’re rich.”

“You knew that.”

“You’re single.”

“True.”

She smiles like this is a fun game to her. “You don’t like to gamble.”

“True again.”

“You’re friends with some people high up in this casino.”

I lean forward on my elbows and her knees part even farther this time. “How else do you think I got this room all to myself?” I reach out to touch her but clench my fists to stop myself. If anyone sees me lay a finger on her, I’m out. John made it clear he couldn’t do anything to stop them if that happened. “How else do I know so much about you?”

“You like to look at me,” she counters, and I nod.

“You like to tease.” My voice is low as she spreads her legs, and her skirt inches up so high I can see the pale pink of her panties. “Fuck.”

“True,” she whispers back to me, and I look up to her eyes.

Just then the timer chimes, and she pops out of her seat.

I curse as I lean back in my chair and drink my water just so I can crunch the ice instead of my jaw.

She fans herself like she’s sweating as she takes a few steps away from me. I know the distance is what we need, but damn, do I hate it. I would lay her out on this table and fuck her in front of the whole goddamn casino if I got my hands on her right now, so maybe it’s good that I have to be on my best behavior.

We spend the next six hours playing this game. When she’s on her feet she walks around and tells me about herself. She wants to go to cosmetology school and do hair, and she wants a golden retriever. She tells me all about her favorite movies and music, and I encourage her to keep talking. I roll chips across my knuckles as she tells me all these perfect details I commit to memory, but when the clock chimes, she’s mine.

She takes her seat, spreads her legs, and then it’s her turn to ask the questions. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t tell her while I stare at the wet spot on her panties. It’s gotten wetter and wetter the longer we’ve been doing this.

When the clock chimes for the final time, it means her shift is over. I stand up and push my stack of chips to the dealers, who have thankfully given us as much privacy as possible on the opposite side of the room all night.

“Thanks, guys, that’s all for you. I appreciate it.” They thank me as they exit the poker room and then I look at Ember. “I’ll meet you out front in ten minutes.” I want to lean in and kiss her, but we’re at the finish line now. “Don’t make me wait a second longer.”

“I’ll be as quick as I can.” She smiles as she hurries from the room.

We’re almost there.

Chapter Nine

Ember

I debate swapping my heels off for my flats, but these are four times hotter. And hopefully I won’t be wearing them much longer. My skin feels tight and hot and my whole body is humming. I don’t know what he’s done to me but he’s going to fix it. How could sitting and talking to someone for hours turn you on so much that you think you’re losing your mind?

I grab my purse and my coat out of my locker, but my stomach drops when I hear my name.

“Ember.”

“Shit.” I’d totally forgotten about Neil.

I look over to see him staring at my ass, and irritation hits me. This outfit isn’t for him, but he sure is enjoying it whether I want him to or not.

“I don’t have all day.” He taps his fake Rolex, and I slam my locker closed.

I’m ready to get this over with and be done. I don’t want to keep Rogue waiting. Or maybe I do. What would he do if I took my sweet time? I’m sure he’ll do something that will both piss me off and turn me on.

I walk toward Neil’s office, and he’s standing in the open doorway. He motions for me to enter but doesn’t move, so I’m forced to brush up against him to get by. He grabs a piece of my hair and gives it a small tug. I go to smack his hand away, but he’s already dropped it. He closes the office door, and I take a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

I don’t get how I can be in trouble. I haven’t broken any rules, and I should get a goddamn medal after tonight. Rogue too because I baited him all night. I loved the irritated, pissed-off look he got when he couldn’t touch me. A few times he almost broke when he reached out but somehow managed to stop himself. At times he was so close I could feel his warmth on my skin.