Page 9 of Wonderland

Now, where is my purse? Probably forgot it in the entryway. How could I be so careless with my stack of cash? It might have been worth it.

I go to find Bo. He wants me to stay for breakfast. That has to mean something, but at the same time, he could be horrible for all I know.

He could have a wife somewhere. I mean, he is staying in a casino. He said it’s for work, but he must have a house. That could be where he stashed his wife and kids. The thought makes my stomach turn.

“Boss, some people are talking about her.” I freeze when I hear someone talking. Okay, I’m not totally frozen because I want to know what the heck is going on. I creep forward to listen but not be seen. Who is the her they’re speaking about?

“Then shut them up,” I hear Bo respond. His voice is icy cold. “It’s my casino. I’ve got her under control.” My heart drops. I’m the her they were referencing. I know it. The other man's words only confirm it.

“Are you keeping her here for the day? Should I clear your schedule?”

“Don’t worry about where I’m keeping her.”

“Sorry, sir. Is there anything else you need?”

“Not for now.”

I stay where I am until I hear the elevator open and close. I wait a few seconds before I walk out of the hallway.

“Have you seen my purse?” I ask, keeping my voice level. “Oh.” I spot it before he can respond. I grab it off the chair, opening it.

“Sit.” He pulls out a chair. The table is loaded with food.

“Give me a second. Need to check in with my sister. She might be freaking out.”

I pull out my phone and see that I do have a text from her from an hour ago asking if I left early this morning because she didn’t see me. I respond with a quick yes to her. She tells me she’s grabbing coffee at our normal spot to try and get some writing in. Mel really must be twisted up about what she read about Easton if she didn’t notice I hadn’t come home last night.

“Shit.” I fake panic. “I forgot I promised to meet my sister this morning. I’m sorry. This all looks great, but she’ll murder me if I don’t show.”

“I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“You don’t know my sister. She can be a mama bear. I really am sorry. Thanks for everything.” I motion to the clothes.

“All right.” He comes over to me. His hand sinks into my hair to tilt my head back to claim a kiss. The second his mouth touches mine, I forget that I should be running. That is until he lifts his lips from mine, and I meet his dark, intense gaze.

“I have to go.” I try to step back, but he doesn’t release his hold on me. “Bo?”

“Until later.” He lets go.

I have to fight not to run when I head toward the elevator. When I get on, I pull my phone out and google the casino. Bo’s picture comes up. As do a handful of articles about him and his dark past. I recall the scars on his knuckles I’d seen.

Until later.

Those had been his last words to me, but he doesn’t have my number. He doesn’t even have my name. I try not to freak out as I exit the casino, glancing all around to see if anyone is following me. Powerful men have a far reach. By the looks of it, Bo is every bit one of those men. So I don’t grab one of the cars out front. I head for the strip knowing I can blend in and get lost in the crowd.

At least I pray I can. Mel will not be happy if we have to get a whole other identity.

7

BOWEN

I knew the second the words left her lips she was lying. She was spooked. My best guess was that she overheard Noah and me talking. My thoughts are only confirmed when I check my phone to see what she’s doing on hers.

Was it morally fucked up that I cloned her phone? Yes, but I never claimed to be a moral man. Not when it comes to something I want. And I’ve never wanted anything more than I want her. I have to keep reminding myself that I need to take it slow. I’m trying not to scare her. It’s why I let her walk out of here. Also, because I know she’s never going to be out of my reach again.

An alert comes in letting me know that one of my people have eyes on her. I run my hand down my face. I need a cold fucking shower. It was both heaven and pure fucking torture lying next to her last night. It was surely a test of my self-control that almost drove me to insanity.

It doesn’t matter how long I stand under the water or if I jack myself off to thoughts of Ace’s lips. Knowing how soft they are. Imagining what they’d feel wrapped around my cock does nothing to help my current situation.