Page 15 of Casino King

“No,” I say, cutting him off. “No, it’s the most comfortable bed I’ve ever laid in. I even had a relaxing bath and shower. My mind just won’t turn off.”

“I know the feeling. What’s keeping your mind awake?”

“Just…things.” I pop a grape in my mouth, avoiding his gaze. It’s too penetrating. I’m afraid he’ll see every dirty thought I’ve had about him that’s kept me from sleeping.

“Care to elaborate?”

“Care to tell me why I’m here?”

“My place is the safest in the city.”

“That’s not really an answer,” I counter, sipping my water. He doesn’t say anything, and his stretched silence makes me rethink my response. “Never mind. I’ll let you get back to your work.” I go to stand, but he reaches out, placing a large hand on my forearm to stop me.

“Stay. I’ve worked enough for tonight.”

My eyes swing to his, and I lean back in the chair again when I see the sincerity in them, tucking one of my feet up under me while he places his stack of papers to the side.

“What kind of work do you do?”

He flashes me a little smirk and rubs his jaw. “I own The Aces.”

My eyes widen. “You own this hotel/casino?” No wonder he has the penthouse.

“Yes. The Carfano name owns many businesses. This one is mine.” He swirls the glass in his hand and keeps his eyes on me as if he’s watching to see how I’ll react to what he just told me.

“What other businesses do you own?”

“This and that.”

“Okay. You’re just adding more questions to the pile.” I eat a little slice of cheddar cheese and a couple of grapes and lean my head back, closing my eyes briefly.

“I can answer a few of them for you. Maybe not all right now.”

Rolling my head to the side, I give him a small smile. “Which would you like to answer first?”

Alec takes a sip of his whiskey. “I never go to shows in my casino,” he starts, “but I needed something to distract myself for a while where no one would bother me. That’s when I saw you.” His dark eyes hold mine captive, and a chill runs down my spine. “So beautiful. I’ve never seen anyone like you. The way you move…” He rubs his bottom lip with his thumb. “I couldn’t go near you, though. I still know I should stay away. But after tonight, I don’t think I can anymore.”

“Why would you stay away?” I whisper, my throat tight.

Swirling his whiskey, he takes another sip. “For many reasons.” Pausing, he captures my gaze once again and my breathing quickens. No matter how much I want to look away, I can’t. “You want to know why I bought you those gifts?”

I give him a slight nod, knowing my voice would give away my nerves at having his full attention.

“Because I wanted to see you in them. I knew you’d look even more beautiful. And when you wore them for me with that sexy little smile”–he smirks–“I knew right then and there I’d buy you every fucking diamond in the world if you’d wear them for me like that.”

Leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, his dark eyes hold mine with unwavering attentiveness, making my stomach twist in knots and my core clench with need. “I chose black roses because I see the darkness in you that you try and hide from the world. It’s what drives you to dance. It’s what keeps you at a distance from everyone around you. You’re a black rose blooming on stage, but you close up again once that final curtain falls.”

“How?” I breathe, unable to finish the question. How does he know all of that about me?

“Reading people is what I do. I’d be dead by now if I couldn’t.”

“Why was Enzo following me?”

“For reasons such as tonight. He’ll have to deal with what’s coming for letting anyone touch you.”

“Please don’t,” I say quickly, my pulse quickening. “He saved me. He was keeping his distance like I’m sure you told him to so I’d never know he was there. That’s why he didn’t get to me right away.”

“Enzo has to be punished. I can’t have my men thinking I’m any less than the man I am.”

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