Page 47 of Recaptured by the Crime Lord

“He was a week long fling when Vinny and I were on a break,” Carmen said with a one-shoulder shrug.

“She broke his heart,” Lyla said. “Kody is a pretty nice guy for a movie star.” Carmen let out a rude snort. “Come on, Carmen, he was really romantic.”

“He doesn’t know how to take no for an answer,” Carmen said sourly and spotted the next celeb. “Douche bag in the house! Carter Raymond is here. Seriously, when’s the last time he even played football? What a fucking showoff.”

“You know him personally?” Alice asked.

“When your husband is the COO of Pyre Casinos you’re obliged to go to a lot of events. You meet people,” Carmen said offhandedly.

“You stay around long enough, you’ll know celebrities personally,” Lyla said, recognizing Jennifer Kingsley, a movie actress who thought she was God’s gift to the world. Yes, Janice invited some big shot VIPs that would draw a huge crowd.

“Me? Celebrities?” Alice let out a nervous snort/giggle. “I don’t think so.”

Carmen signaled to the bartender for another drink. “If you get celebrities involved in your community projects, it would be great publicity.”

“I’m having a hard time getting volunteers, much less a celebrity.”

Carmen looked thoughtful as she downed another drink. “I’ll see what I can do."

“W-what?” Alice asked, but Carmen had already disappeared into the crowd.

“Come, let’s go to our table,” Lyla said.

“Table?”

“Janice reserved a table for us,” Lyla said and took her hand.

“I don’t think I’m invited. That’s for Mr. Pyre and—”

“And I’m his wife and I say you’re invited,” Lyla said and began to pull her through the crowd.

The music was pumping and there was an excited buzz in the air. Lyla noticed Janice flitting through the crowd, no doubt making sure the photographers got enough shots. Halfway across the dance floor, Blade appeared out of nowhere and cleared a path. Lyla held onto the back of his jacket and refused to release Alice who came up with a dozen excuses why she shouldn’t be at her boss’s table.

“Hi, who are you?” Alice asked Blade when he helped her into the booth.

“I’m Lyla’s bodyguard,” Blade said.

“Bodyguard?” Alice echoed, eyes wide. “Are you in danger because of... before?”

“Gavin’s cautious,” Lyla said and looked out over the club. “Will you look at that?”

The dance floor was filled to capacity. People were dancing on the staircases and any place there was room. It was like a flash mob of exotic people. Drinks were flowing. The compulsive beat of music urged people to move. There was a haze of seduction in the air.

“I prefer my work to this,” Alice said nervously. “This is the first club I’ve been to in my life. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do.”

“Do?” Lyla asked without taking her eyes off the dancers.

“I’m supposed to get a drink and... what?”

“Dance,” Lyla said.

“Where? There’s no room.”

“There’s always room to dance,” Lyla said and winked at her. “Clubs are a fantasy, a place where people can forget their woes and flirt with a sexy stranger.”

Alice eyed her uncertainly. “I don’t see the appeal.”

Lyla grinned. “Some people don’t, but people come to Vegas to indulge in fantasies. Come.”

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