As Alex left, her emotions crowded once again. She’d had one goal tonight, to flirt with him and feel better about herself. She hadn’t planned on learning his story or feeling his pain.
She wasn’t sure she had room in her soul for anyone else’s right now.
And yet it sat there, like an unchecked lump, making her worry.
Dana’s head swam. She put a hand to her forehead. “What is happening here?”
She couldn’t deal with this right now.
It was time to return to her plan.
Her plan demanded she have another drink to forget everything that had happened. She wanted to be hazy around the edges. Another Golden Oblivion was the trick.
Rather than wait for Alex in their nook, she made her way over to the VIP bar and checked out the bartender’s nametag. “Nathan, I don’t suppose I could get another Golden Oblivion.”
“You sure can.” Nathan prepared the cocktail and moved it toward her. “Enjoy.”
When she reached for her evening bag, he began to walk away.
She waved. “Wait. What do I owe you?”
“Nothing. Mr. Markov made it clear your money’s no good here tonight.”
“But that’s not fair. I don’t feel right accepting free drinks all night.”
“Sorry. I like my job. I want to keep it.”
Dana thanked the man and left him a fat tip. Resigned, she took another healthy sip of Golden Oblivion.
Just as sweet and spicy as the first. Nathan deserved that tip.
Happily drinking, Dana began to sway to the music but it wasn’t loud enough in the private room. The DJ had just started playing one of her favorite tunes and she wanted to dance. She could wait for Alex in the club.
Seeking another sort of oblivion, she headed down the dark hallway and joined the mass of bodies on the dance floor.
When the pulsing music threatened to sweep her away, she let it.
***
“You sure this couldn’t wait until morning?” Alex fell into stride next to Wade. Although he tried to keep the frustration out of his voice, his grunt gave him away.
Why did he have to mention Shannon to Dana? He knew his relationship with Shannon had been fucked up. Did he have to act like he was too?
He still tasted Dana on his tongue. He’d never known such bliss as when he was between her legs, eating her to orgasm. After his shameful display back there, he’d likely never get another chance.
“No. You’re gonna want to see this.” Tight-lipped, Wade led the way back toward the massive main lobby of Vice and then across the casino floor.
“Let me guess. Are we having anOcean’s Elevenmoment?”
“I wish.”
Wade headed down the hallway leading to the dining room where the morning buffet was always held. This part of the hotel was closed off at night once the restaurant stopped serving. Away from the hub bub of the casino, it was quiet, almost eerie.
“One of my guys was on patrol in this area earlier and saw something you need to see,” said Wade. “It’s usually dead here once the restaurant closes, but people still wander down here to use the bathrooms.” He stopped short at the closed men’s room door.
One of Wade’s team members stood sentry outside the door. His face somber, he nodded at Alex.
Wade held the door open and Alex walked in, not sure what he expected to see. The smell of fresh paint hit him.
