Page 18 of Unspoken Obsession

I turn my face away from his stare.

I don't like the way it makes me feel.

In the living room, I do my best to hold a civil conversation with him, but every moment that goes by all I want to do is leave. Finally, when Damion becomes fidgety, overtired, and starts crying a little - I take my cue and as fast as lightning I say my goodbyes and get the men to take me home.

I can't even explain how much of a relief it is to be arriving back home, to my little apartment with Damion.

After chicken nuggets and carrots for dinner, it's the only vegetable he will eat right now - cooked, soft, and drizzled with a tiny bit of honey - Damion is fresh out of a warm bath and tucked into bed.

I call Clarissa, the girl who lives downstairs who I interviewed the day I got here; she is his nanny and I want to ask her to come and sit in the apartment while he sleeps so that I can head out for a while.

I need to clear my head.

A part of me wants to go to the Russo River Casino - but it is only because that is where I last saw his father. It's ridiculous to think that I would bump into the mysterious stranger again in the same place all these years later.

Besides, the new casino that opened up while I was gone is closer to my apartment and I don't want to be gone for long.

I just want to play a few games of Blackjack. I want to see if I still have my secret skills. The money would be good too. I'd prefer to not have my father support us here.

The casino is loud and colorful, just as I remembered them all to be. No windows, no clocks, just shiny lights, and the thrillof the games. I am wearing an understated but elegant black dress. I want to blend in, not stand out.

Sliding onto a seat at the Blackjack table I nod for the dealer to deal me in as I slide my chips across the table.

And yes - I do still have it. In fact, as soon as I play it all comes back to me, and the thrill, excitement, and that strange sense of empowerment I get when I count cards - it sets a wide smile across my face.

I play for an hour, letting go of all my worry and all of my stress about being back here in this City of Sin.

My father seems to be happy to let me keep some distance for now; I am in his city. He doesn't need to know that Damion's father was a one-night stand. He doesn't even need to know that Damion's father is a stranger to me. And I will take it day by day - doing everything I can to stay out of the mafia world that I despise. My son will not grow up having to watch his back.

I am terrified that my father only invited me back so that he could raise my son to take over his empire. He was always desperate for an heir to his kingdom.

If I need to - I can run again. Even though I doubt my father would just allow me to leave this time. But no matter what - I will be ok. And my son will be safe. I will make sure of it.

DANTE

It's been a morning of chaos. Too many meetings, too many updates, too much going on and I need a break. But it's still early and I've got a lot to do.

Standing up from my desk in my office at the Russo River Casino - my original empire - I gather my things, knowing I need to do a check on what's happening at one of the new casinos.

La Muse Casino is doing well. Revenue is pouring in and the reviews in the media are stellar. However, it has only been open for two years, and as with all new business - you've got to keep a close eye on things.

I need to be sure my managers are doing what they are supposed to; I need to ensure the staff are trustworthy. I need to watch over everything and trust no one until they've proven their loyalty and trustworthiness.

Our security system is state-of-the art. My primary focus when opening a new casino is always security. There are more cameras in my casinos than in any other casino in Las Vegas. Like I said - I don't trust anyone.

So, while I can access any of the cameras from anywhere - I still prefer to visit in person and make my presence knownand remind everyone who works for me I've got my eyes on everything - all the time.

La Muse was a shopping mall before it became my casino. I purchased it - tore apart the insides and rebuilt it in less than a year. The location is prime, and the launch was spectacular.

Since day one the casino has been packed and the hotel books out months in advance. I am impressed with its success.

I arrive at La Muse after the lunch rush, heading straight onto the casino floor to speak with the managers.

"Afternoon, sir." The executive floor manager, Andrew, greets me.

"Andrew, what news do you have for me today? Anything I need to be aware of?"

He knows me well and skips the bland conversation to dive straight into the updates as we walk through the casino floor.

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