“Perhaps, but now it’s legally obligated to consult both of us before raining,” I countered. “It must consider marriage vows, shared assets, and shared chaos. There’s a good chance it could stay with you, seeing as how you’re new, fun, and pretty good-looking, after all.”
His eyebrow arched. “Are you suggesting the little black cloud might stay with me and visit my poker table instead of your slot machine?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” I replied. “Statistically speaking, releasing the black cloud into a controlled environment, like your bachelor party full of whiskey, bravado, and card games, could torpedo your attempt to win enough money to bypass my excellent chances of not only winning a boatload of money in the casino, but having an incredible amount of fun.”
His eyes gleamed. “Now you’re just trying to intimidate me.”
“Not in the least. I don’t need to flex. I’m simply being both fair and realistic.” I paused to think something over. “Although if Elvis somehow loses money while technically winning, or Xavier accidentally sets something on fire, I’ll consider those points in my favor, not yours. You also have a slight advantage, since you shouldn’t have any trouble beating my brothers or Finn at cards. I’ve destroyed them numerous times despite clear warnings. Hands, however, is a dark horse. I don’t know much about him regarding cards. He could play into the equation of preventing you from taking a larger haul than me.”
“Hmmm…” Slash stroked his chin, considering that information. “So, you’re insinuating that even though I’ll have an advantage, facing amateur card players in my own house, you still believe you can best a bunch of experienced players and dealers at the casino games in Atlantic City?”
“That’s it in a nutshell,” I said. “Although I’ve never been to a casino to gamble. So, I don’t really know what to expect in terms of the dealers or the slot machines. There is also, of course, the variable of luck. But I’m a quick learner and I’m motivated. Those are two of my best strengths, as you often say.”
He pretended to scowl. “That doesn’t make me feel any better, but I’m not going to let you win.”
“You don’t have to.” I smiled despite myself. “Let’s face it, Slash. This bet is inherently tipped toward me.”
He leaned over, brushing his nose against mine. “So, how will we decide? What’s the agreed metric for fun? Pure profit? Laughter? Survival?”
“Great question,” I said, musing. “Subjectivity is hard to measure in terms of fun. How about we say whoever has the fewer regrets wins?”
Slash snorted. “That’s far too vague and undefined.”
I kissed his chin. “Consider it another challenge. After all, we know those metrics well, don’t we? Hacker rules. I’m confident we can easily extrapolate the required data to come to a mutually satisfactory decision.”
“Fair enough. So, what does the winner get?”
“Bragging rights,” I said immediately. “And dinner duty for two weeks.”
“Um. Those are pretty significant prizes. I’m in.” His grin widened as he pulled me into his arms and held me close. Safe, warm, and familiar.
For a moment my world steadied. No paparazzi. No black cloud. No threats against our lives.
“You’re really okay with going on a long girls’ weekend?” Slash asked softly against my cheek.
I appreciated that he asked. “I am,” I replied honestly. “Not because I’m thrilled about going on a trip away from you, but because I want to try. And because I genuinely like my friends and want to support them. Besides, if anything weird happens, at least we’ll both be able to say, ‘Well, that tracks.’”
He chuckled, resting his chin on my head. “Ti amo, cara. You are truly my heart.”
“I love you, too, Slash,” I said. “And for the record? I really do think the girls are going to have more fun. But remember, if the black cloud does stay home and your weekend goes sideways, at least you can say you married into this.”
He smoothed down my hair. “True, but if your weekend goes sideways?”
I shrugged. “Then congratulations. You married the black cloud.”
He took my face gently in his hands, and right before he kissed me, he murmured, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Chapter Two
Lexi
It was happening.
My suitcase sat by the door, containing my laptop, a logical mix of hoodies and jeans, three backup chargers, an encrypted VPN hotspot, and exactly zero clothing items considered “fun” by normal people standards. Not exactly the usual equipment for a wild weekend in Atlantic City, but I had my own standards, and they were the ones going with me on this adventure.
Slash leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his gray sweater, the soft knit stretched across entirely unfair biceps. His dark hair was still damp from the shower, his chin and cheeks freshly shaved. He was giving me that look, the one that said he was proud of me for going on the trip despite knowing my aversion to crowds and partying, and he loved more me for it.
“You ready?” he asked.
