Page 21 of Unspoken Obsession

Well, whether or not she wants it - she has my undivided attention.

My phone chimes with updates about what is happening down below. It's agitating me and making me tense. All I want to hear is when they catch the guys. Until then I do not care. For now—I want to focus on what is right in front of me.

I watch her as she saunters over to the bar. Her hips swaying. I am mesmerized by her beauty. Her long dark hair falls in thick waves down her back and when she moves it floats around her.

As she leans forward over the bar to order a drink, my eyes trace over the curve of her back, the silky black fabric of her dress looks like liquid against her skin.

Everything about her is understated. The way she presents herself - there is nothing flashy or over the top. She has subtle gold jewelry, complimenting her tanned skin. Elegant and simple. Her make up is natural and soft. Her dress is plain too. Thin straps and a long, flowing style.

It's as though she is doing her best to blend in and not draw attention - but with a body and face like hers, it is impossible.

A lot of men are watching her tonight, and one of them is busy making his move right now, offering to buy her a drink.

Frankie glances over her shoulder, towards me, half a smile curling the corner of her mouth. Then she turns back to the man,declining his drink with polite elegance. He looks disappointed, trying to push his luck by asking again - but she declines again - and then glances at me, her thick dark lashes framing that piercing gaze of hers.

Was that an invitation to me?

Either way - I've got every intention of going to talk to her.

Pushing away from the table I was leaning on I walk towards the bar.

I don't stand too close to her, and I don't turn my body towards her. I nod towards the bartender and order a whiskey.

Once he has placed the drink in front of me I turn towards her, lifting my drink up to hers. "Congratulations, you played a good game this evening."

"Thank you." She says, cool and polite. She touches the lip of her glass against mine.

Her eyes trace over me. My heart is racing even faster being this close to her. She has my skin tingling like it's on fire and my mind running wild with possibilities.

FRANKIE

He has been watching me all night. And from the moment I locked eyes with him, I had this crazy feeling that I knew him from somewhere.

I needed to pay attention to the game, so it was a little distracting having him there - but I didn't mind.

What I am trying to figure out though is why he seems so familiar to me.

Is he one of my father's men? I wouldn't be surprised if my father had people watching my every move.

I play it cool all night, but I keep glancing up to meet his gaze. Those intense blue eyes cause my stomach to flutter.

Fuck. He is gorgeous.

I keep thinking of that old saying - and it makes me smile.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Maybe it's just some excuse my mind is making up so that I've got a reason to spend time with this man - but I've decided that if he is one of my father's guards - I want to keep him close, then I can keep tabs on him in the same way that I assume he has been sent to keep tabs on me.

Ever since I came back to Las Vegas, I can sense I am attracting attention whenever I walk into the casino. It's becauseI am doing too well at Blackjack. People tend not to like that and become suspicious.

It's not good - and it's making it harder to keep my true identity hidden - but card counting is my only form of escape and for now, I need it. Although - I should play a lot less.

It was a risk to come to this game tonight, and I was irresponsible taking it. But - I can't stay locked away in that apartment all the time - and this is Vegas - what else can I do but the obvious - play cards.

In the casino over the past week, I've already seen several faces I know. Faces I don't want to see - and people I hope won't recognize me. Allies and enemies of my father. People I want nothing to do with. Lucky for me my father kept me locked away most of the time, so most people don't have any idea who I am. But if I keep playing cards and I attract any more attention, I am going to create problems for myself. Ones I don't need right now.

I should remove myself from the game and bow out, but I'm feeling cheeky and daring so, I stay in and take second place.

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