When I got to the second floor, I exited. The nightclub was street level, but I hated walking through the casino. The barrage of sounds would only make me cranky before a financial discussion with Taya that was sure to be irritating. There was another bank of elevators closer to the nightclub.
Half the time, we fucked because we had to release the tension from arguing over finances. I got told what the investors wanted and it was up to me and her to carry out their wishes.
I rolled my shoulders. I should schedule a massage and get these kinks worked out.
I ignored the gawking of tourists. They were used to the tuxes of the casino staff, but I stood out. How, I didn’t know, but it was a reaction I’d accepted over the years.
An older couple loaded into the elevator in front of me.
She grinned, eyeing my suit. “Don’t you look fancy? Plans for tonight?”
“Yes.”
Her brows rose like she was waiting for me to continue. Her shirt matched her husband’s. A picture ofdice with snake eyes on the front. Very Vegas. Very touristy.
She finally nodded and exchanged aget a load of this guyglance with her husband.
I suppressed a sigh. If only I could get a private elevator to the club, then I wouldn’t have to deal with the public. I ran the casino. I wasn’t the PR team.
When the elevator dinged, I hung back to let them out first. I was about to follow when a short bundle of cotton-candy-smelling woman crashed into me. I caught her by the shoulders before she staggered backward and fell.
“Oh, crap. I’m sorry.” Her rich voice rolled over me like a warm wave.
I hated the slots in the casino—anywhere a ton of people congregated, talking, talking, talking—but my ears liked when she spoke.
She blinked up at me. My brain shut off, and I drowned in her emerald gaze.
No, emerald was too plain. Occasionally, people felt comfortable enough to comment on my eyes.They’re such a light green. You don’t see that often.I never commented back.
But this woman’s eyes were a deep jade and each iris had a small chunk of brown close to the pupil. Technically, her eyes were hazel, but someone would have to get very close to notice.
I could have done without that knowledge. Just like I wished I could erase her sweet scent from my memory. I didn’t want to know details about this woman.
Autumn Kerrigan.
Her eyes flared wide and her lips parted, drawing my attention.
Goddamn. Couldn’t her lips be a boring pink? Instead, they were a soft red and the tongue that licked out to wet those red lips reminded me of the cotton candy she smelled like.
Would she taste as sweet?
“I—I’m sorry.” She tried to step back just as the elevator doors attempted to close. She was in the opening.
I had two seconds to make a decision. Let her take the elevator while I met Taya, or...
I drew her farther in. Her eyes widened like I was a wolf dragging her into my den.
“It’s fine,” I said smoothly, my mind kicking into gear after being stunned senseless by Autumn Kerrigan, of all people.
Why hadn’t she been let into the nightclub? Hadn’t the bouncer seen her fall of thick, coppery hair? The dusting of freckles over her creamy skin? Those damn eyes should’ve been an instant entry.
Her gaze slid to her shoulders, where I still gripped her.
I peeled my hands off her. “Apologies.” I never thought I’d apologize to a damn Bailey.
The elevator started moving. She spun toward the controls. She was about to hit a button, but I couldn’t have her going to her room and hiding from my spying.
“Are you enjoying your stay?” Look at me, doing PR.
