Page 6 of Wonderland

“I think you’re lucky, Ace.”

“Ace?”

“You haven’t given me your name so…” He shrugs.

“You could ask.”

“What’s your name?”

“Ace.” He lets out a low chuckle that I enjoy way too much. This man has to be at least ten years older than me. “Yours?”

“Bowen.”

“Bo.” I sip on my drink, wondering if it’s making me warm or it’s Bo here that’s causing it.

“Already giving me a nickname?”

“Only returning the favor.”

“Sir.” The dealer taps the table in front of his cards showing a sixteen.

“Don’t hit.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop myself. It’s stupid. The dealer is showing an ace. He should hit. Unless he was counting cards.

“Really?” He cocks his head toward me.

“Dealer hasn’t been lucky so far.”

“I’ll stand.” I almost swoon over him actually doing what I suggested. Men can be giant dicks at the tables. Especially if they get the feeling you might be running it.

I bite my lip and do the same. The dealer is going to bust out. We keep playing. Before I know it, we both have stacks of chips piled in front of us. At some point, I lose my count.

“I think we should call it quits while we’re ahead,” Bo suggests.

“I guess,” I agree, not really wanting to go. I should be getting out of here with how much I’m up, but I was having fun. I wasn’t ready to part ways. “Color me up.” I push my chips to the dealer.

“You want to get something to eat?”

“Really?” I slip off the chair. When my feet hit the ground, the world tilts, and I begin to lose my balance. Bo’s arm wraps around my waist, steadying me.

“I think we both could use some food.” I nod in agreement, my body melting into his side. This is definitely something I hadn’t counted on tonight. Hopefully, lady luck continues to be on my side.

5

BOWEN

The only thing I want to eat is her. Unfortunately, that isn’t on the menu in any of my restaurants. Nor will it ever be. Her taste belongs to me alone. I don’t need a sample to know that it will be the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life.

There is no doubt in my mind that once I’ve had it, I’ll be addicted. The very same way I am to her presence. Sure, I could clear out a space right now, but I don’t favor that idea. Not tonight. Not when she’s in this state.

I text Noah as we cash in the chips. Ace is beaming while shoving the stack of money into her purse. I guide her toward the elevators.

“Where are we eating?”

“I know a place.” My suite, where Noah should be hauling ass to get food to. I’m trying to kill some time, but not too much. A lot of people are starting to take notice of me with my little Ace.

At the table, my security was spread out and could cut people off. It’s not that easy when you’re cutting across the casino floor.

“Like a rooftop restaurant?” She drops her head back, staring up at the ceiling. “That’s a lot of crown molding.” A bark of laughter hits me. She drops her head back down, smiling at me. “You have a good laugh.”

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