Page 22 of Unspoken Obsession

The man is watching me the entire time. His heated gaze sent shivers through me.

A delightful tease of my curiosity and my body.

When I leave the table, I congratulate the other player on his win, then walk towards the bar. I need a drink. And I am curious about whether the gorgeous stranger will come and talk to me.

I lean forward to order a whiskey from the bartender and when I glance over my shoulder, he has made no moves towards me, but he is still watching.

Another man, one of many who was watching me tonight, comes over and stands next to me, grinning down at me. I assume they don't see a woman playing Blackjack and winning very often.

"Can I celebrate with you? Will you let me buy you a drink?" Again, with this.

smile at him. He's cute. Dark blonde hair and a friendly smile. For the briefest moment he reminds me of Jake, and I feel sick to my stomach as memories flash through my mind -- blood stains, and fighting for air, no thank you.

I can't be with a man like him. Besides, he is not the man who has caught my eye this evening.

"Thank you, but I am waiting for a friend." I'm polite but reject him.

"Are you sure? I don't mind if your friend joins us for a drink - or dinner - I would just celebrate with a gorgeous lady."

"Thank you, again, but I've got plans. Perhaps another night."

He gets the message, and with disappointment in his eyes, he steps away. At least he wasn't annoying or creepy about it. Some guys who've tried to pick me up in this casino were creepy - or flashy with their money - thinking that dropping their Aston Martin keys on the counter would impress me. I guess it works on enough girls that they keep doing it. I'm hard to impress.

I glance over my shoulder again, pleased to see the man who I want to share a drink with is still watching. His gaze sends a thrilling shiver down my spine.

I turn my back. I won't beg him to come over, if he wants to, he will.

I am enjoying this little game we are playing.

I haven't even thought of being with a man since the night I spent with that beautiful stranger - Damion's father.

"A whiskey, neat." A deep smooth voice vibrates through me as he orders his drink from the bartender, standing a few paces way away.

Once he has it, he turns towards me, calm and full of confidence. His presence demands respect. And from the way he presents himself, I can see he is a man with power. I wonderwhat he does and who he is? Could he have been sent by my father to watch me?

"Congratulations, you played a great game this evening." His voice is divine, like caramel - salted and smooth.

"Thank you."

I look him up and down. My heart is racing. It will not slow down. I know him - but I can't place where from. He must be one of my father's crew. It would explain the expensive suit. But then why am I so drawn to him like this? I avoid those goons like STDs. No, I'm not certain it's that - it must be something else. Maybe I've just seen him around here?

"Are you staying here?" He asks me, his eyes locked onto mine.

"No. Are you?" I need to keep my answers short and sweet. The less I say the better. I don't need him finding out who I am if he doesn't work for my father.

"I am staying at a different casino. I came here to watch the game tonight, and it wasn't disappointing." He grins, a dark sort of mischief playing in his eyes.

"Mm. I rather enjoyed the game myself." I laugh.

"If you aren't busy right now, I'd love to take you to dinner. I know the perfect place."

I glance at my watch. "I've got an hour or two, and I am hungry." I shrug, playing it cool. I should not have agreed to this. I should go home and be a responsible adult. I should not be playing with fire. I have a crazy father who'd kill the guy just for asking. But then again, what harm can come of dinner with a handsome man? It's just dinner. That's all.

"Excellent. The decision is made then."

He holds his hand out to me, and I narrow my eyes at him as I place my hand in his. My skin burns as we touch and electrify runs through me body.

Control yourself, Frankie.

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