“Why wouldn’t he be? He’s a casino owner.In Vegas. He has a safe full of guns, and he’s gone after a cop because the guy hurt you.” Holy shit, he might actually kill Owen. My best friend is shacking up with a mobster. And she’s in that city all alone.
“Well, when you put it like that, it doesn’t sound good. But… he’s not a bad person, Evie.”
“You don’t know him,” I remind her. Spending two days with someone does not mean that you know them.
“But I know that he’s good. He’s… I don’t know how I know. I just know that he’s not bad,” Charlotte insists.
“I think you should come home. I don’t like the idea of you being out there by yourself,” I say, beforeadding in a hushed voice, “You’re in bed with a mobster.”
“Actually, I’m in bed alone right now, and it’s the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on.” She smiles.
“Probably 'cause it’s paid for in blood money.” I laugh. “Look, I’m just worried about you. But I’m also excitedfor you. It’s been a long time since you’ve done anything for yourself.” I’m torn between insisting she comes home and letting her have… fun?
“I know.” Charlotte sighs. I haven’t seen her this content in a really long time. Maybe the stories are made up. Surely, he’s notactuallya mobster. But if he is…
“And if it’s a mobster you want to do, then just… maybe learn how to shoot a gun or something. You might need it,” I suggest.
“Funny.”
“I really am booking a flight. I’m coming to see for myself that you’re safe.”
“What about the store? You can’t just leave.” Charlotte sits up on the bed.
“It’ll be fine. I’m coming. I’ll be there tomorrow… or I meantoday.”
After chatting a little longer and booking my flight, I end the call.
“Go to sleep. I’ll be there soon,” I tell Charlotte. “Love you too.”
Shit, I need to pack a bag! I’m doing this. I’m going back to Vegas. My best friend needs me and I’m not going to let her down. I will be fine.
I send a message to Amy to let her know I won’t be in for a couple of days. Her reply comes quick with anokayand ahave fun and relax.
Yeah, 'cause that’s going to happen.RelaxandVegasare not two words that belong together.
Chapter Two
Las Vegas, the city of hell. There was a time when I would have done anything to come back here. Now, all this city represents to me is failure. My biggest failure. If it weren’t for my friends, I’d never return.
Them and business. As much as I hate this city, I love money more. I planted my own little spy in my friend Louie’s casino six months ago. I got a tip that shit was about to go down in Vegas. Peoplewere making moves to take the so-called key to the kingdom from Louie.
That shit was never going to happen on my watch. I always knew my friends would go places. All three of them were way too fucking determined to make a name for themselves not to raise to the top. Which is exactly where they sit now and where I plan on keeping them.
They have no clue as to the trouble that’s coming for them. It’s better they don’t. Besides, my plant is the fucking best in the business. If Lailani can’t get them out of the shit coming their way, then no one can. Her five-hundred grand a week paycheck is well fucking earned.
I didn’t tell her I was coming to town. It’s fun to try to throw her off her game a bit, and honestly, the past six months have been… boring. It’s time for some entertainment, and frustrating Lailani is one of my favorite forms of entertainment. She is the single most lethal person I know—other than myself, of course. My enforcers fear her. Which is why, when she’s frustrated, anything could happen.
I feel sorry for the poor fucker who dares to fall for that woman, though. He will have his work cut out for him. And with Lailani being part of my trusted inner circle, whoever thinks they can date her better be fucking worthy of her. Although, fromwhat I hear, she’s spending an awful lot of time getting to know one of my friends. If anyone was worthy of her, it’s Sammie. Even if he has no idea who she really is.
The jet touches down. I wait for the stairs to lower and my men to exit first. They form two lines, leaving a gap down the center for me to walk through. I smile… to hide the fact I’m fucking dying on the inside. I hate being back here.
I greet the man in front of me with outstretched arms. “Louie, it’s been far too long, my friend.”
“It has. How was the flight?” he asks, returning my embrace.
“Bumpy. Thought I was a goner for a bit there.” I laugh, but I really did think that fucking jet was going down. I’ve already told my second-in-command to have a replacement ready for the return trip.
“Let’s get out of here. It’s fucking hot.” Louie directs me to a line of waiting SUVs.
