Page 99 of Royal Flush

“Absolutely, sir. We have some gorgeous clothes that I think will make you smile.” She kept her attention toward him and he didn’t seem amused.

“It doesn’t matter what I like, Margaret. It’s what this very special and beautiful lady finds attractive.”

Margaret felt appropriately chastised, immediately turning in my direction. “Absolutely. Let’s get started.”

That began the fabulous and unexpected shopping trip, a dream for so many. Yes, my father had earned enough money I’d been able to purchase some nice clothes as a teenager, but this was entirely different.

Before she led me away, I blew a kiss toward Braxton. I’d seen a completely different side of him, more of a happy go lucky man.

The very one I was already hopelessly in love with.

Braxton

I couldn’t remember the last truly memorable day I’d had.

Sure, there’d been good ones—from graduations and holiday events, to the opening of the two resorts. But I couldn’t tell you much about those days.

Somehow, I had a feeling this one I’d remember for a long time to come.

The atmosphere was festive, the guests unusually flamboyant including with their dress for the evening. Yes, we preferred suits and ties, and lovely dresses for women at a minimum, but we’d learned over the years to relax the code every once in a while.

That allowed for what could only be described as costumes to be worn.

What should I care?

They were spending copious amounts of money to enjoy themselves. The Royal boys had developed a true fantasy island twice. However, my lovely companion had chosen to wear one of the spectacular dresses she’d selected, the deep purple bringing out the color of her eyes.

I’d never seen her so relaxed or happy, which in turn had made me that way. We’d had an intimate dinner of filet and lobster tail. Now we were inside one of the casinos where she was chomping at the bit to gamble.

I pulled her around to face me, giving her one of my stern looks. “You do realize if I agree to this that you cannot cheat. If I find out you are, I can’t tell you how harsh the punishment is going to be.”

“You do know that bad behavior is difficult to put a stop to. Right?” She adjusted my bowtie, giving me a mischievous look.

“Think of it this way. I’m here if for no other reason than to keep you in line. And I am damn good at it, if I say so myself.”

“That’s funny. I thought you were here to be my personal plaything. You know, a sexual god?”

“Well, there’s that.” I laughed as the waiter brought us our drinks. “But I’m serious. I know you too well. If I find out you conned anyone tonight, there will be hell to pay.”

“Party pooper.”

She took a sip of her drink, but I sensed she was eager to use the chips I’d gotten for her.

That’s the moment I noticed Jack out of the corner of my eye. He was standing in the doorway, obviously looking for me.

“Come on,” she said. “Let’s play a little blackjack.”

“Why don’t you get started and I’ll be right there.” I was aware she’d also noticed Jack, a slight frown appearing on her face, but she nodded.

“Don’t take too long.”

“I don’t plan on it.” The night was also intended for us. I waited until she’d settled herself around the table before walking toward him. The last thing I wanted was for her to overhear what was being said.

Jack would always have a difficult time blending in given his six-foot six-inch muscular body, the ink covering both arms he refused to hide, and the fact he refused to pay an actual tailor so his suits would fit him correctly. He also had a surly look, which is what he’d told me was the fault of being in the Marines. In his hand was a glorified iPad, although I knew it was a special device created for the most elite Marines, the thin yet powerful system able to bypass various security systems without being detected.

They’d been mere prototypes eventually abandoned, which was one reason he’d been allowed to get his hands on one.

However, he was worth his weight in information and security.

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