Page 56 of Wicked Games of Desire

“Ha, I guess.” I try to laugh it off. What else can I do? This is weirder than I thought it was going to be.

“So, you’re dating them and marrying their brother. How the hell do I get myself into one of these cozy little situations?” She drops her head closer to me. “Are you fucking them all?” she whispers so only I can hear.

“I didn’t come here to talk about them,” I mutter, frustrated. “I want to check on you. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, girl, I’m great. Mark just gave me a hundred-dollar tip to suck his junk.” She smiles, proud of herself.

I close my eyes, massaging my temples. God help me, I love this girl, but she can do so much better. “Dani,” I utter her name with disappointment.

She pouts. “Whatever, quickest money I ever made. He blew in like a minute.” She does a little dance. “I’m going out tonight.” She reaches out and takes hold of my shoulders like she’s just thought of the best idea ever. “Oh, my God, you should come. Me and a few of the girls are heading to Sinners’ Paradise. It’s the hottest place around. You have to come.”

I take a quick look over my shoulder at the boys. Their family’s casino is the last place I want to go, but I would kill to talk to her properly without them listening to every word. Ricky joins us, his hands landing on my waist as he pulls me into his chest and plants a kiss to my cheek. “Wouldn’t miss it. Would we, baby doll?”

“Oh my God, girl, this is going to slay. I need your new number so we can meet up.”

“Ah…” How do I tell her I don’t have a phone because these assholes won’t let me have one?

“Come to the VIP section. We’ll put your name on the door, and Lana here can save you a seat at our table.”

She looks him over, confused, then realization seems to dawn on her. “Fuck off. You’re them, aren’t you? The Moretti brothers?”

“See you at the casino, Dani,” Ricky says as he takes my hand, implying it’s time to leave. But I haven’t even had my pie and milkshake yet.

Maddox grabs my drink and pie. “Taking these to go,” he tells Dani, a deathly look on his face that has her nodding along, agreeing with him, even though they’re not in takeout containers.

“See you tonight, girl,” she says more quietly, and I know she’s losing her mind, wondering how little old me is involved with the infamous Moretti brothers. I shoot her a look that I’m hoping tells her I’ll fill her in tonight, then Ricky forcefully escorts me out the door.

“Classy chick,” Maddox mutters when we’re safely back in his car. He hands me my food, and I let out a massive sigh. That wasn’t quite how I wanted this afternoon to go.

“Yeah, well, she was all I had when you assholes stole my life away. She’s a good person once you get to know her.” I bite into my pie, needing food to squash the anxiety now churning in my stomach. Sassy was right, it’s to die for. “How are you guys going to get Alessandro to agree to me going to the casino tonight?”

“We were going anyway. We have a little business to do.”

Confusion sweeps over me. First I’m hearing about it. “Oh. I thought…”

“That we were going home to fuck. Sorry, baby doll, boss’s orders. But don’t worry, we’ll make it up to you later.”

The rest of the way home, I drink my milkshake, staring out the window, wondering what business it could be they have to sort out tonight at the casino. I pray I won’t have to see Enzo Moretti. I hate that man, and if I didn’t need to see Dani so badly, I would be begging to stay in the safety of the house. But there is no way I’m going through with this wedding, and Dani just might be my only way out of it.

Chapter 32

We arrived at Sinners’Paradise through the private underground parking lot, where the sleek, dimly lit space hinted at the exclusivity of the place. When the elevator doors slid open to the first floor, the boys pointed out the line of patrons stretching along the sidewalk outside—people from all walks of life, all eager to get in. This place is more popular than Flamingo Hotel, and that’s saying something.

Alessandro was still in meetings, so the boys offered to show me around the place. As soon as we exited the elevator, I was overwhelmed by the immense size of the casino. Surrounded by a breathtaking scene of slot machines, shimmering and glimmering in a myriad of vibrant colors, and card tables alive with a buzzing energy. The air was thick with anticipation, the soft clink of chips mingling with the low hum of conversation and the occasional outburst of victory or defeat. Patrons, some with eyes locked in concentration and others with hopeful smiles, were vying for their chance at winning big. The air was filled with the lingering scent of luxury cologne and a subtle hint of cigar smoke, enhancing the captivating ambiance.

After we had a look around, the boys led me to the second floor, where the vibe shifted from high-stakes gambling to high-energy nightlife. As soon as we stepped off the escalator, the thumping bass of the music hit me like a physical force, reverberating through the walls and floor. Well-dressed businessmen gathered around the bar, engaged in lively conversations, while stylish women in expensive dresses hung on their arms.

Everywhere I looked, there was a sense of controlled chaos—a world where anything could happen, and probably would, knowing the family who ran this place. I wondered if the patrons knew exactly what this family was involved in. Would they care if they did or was that part of the appeal? The atmosphere crackled with a potent blend of thrill, danger, and magnetism, leaving no doubt that this was no ordinary casino. This was the Morettis’ world. And for the first time, I could see why it made them all so crazy.

The three of us discover a spot at a secluded and peaceful table in the VIP section, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire club. Ricky slides in beside me as Maddox takes the seat opposite. “You look sexy as fuck tonight, baby doll,” Ricky whispers in my ear, sending a scattering of goosebumps up my arms.

I smile softly, enjoying his praise more than I should. I took his advice and dressed up in a little black dress that hugs all the right places. My hair is up in a high sleek ponytail and my make-up is heavier thannormal, with dark smoky eyes and red lips. Now I’m here, I’m glad I listened.

Alessandro approaches our table and nervous butterflies dance in my stomach. I can’t pinpoint whether it’s because we were summoned to his casino and I feel so damn out of place here or because of the way he so easily exudes confidence in his dark suit, as if he owns the entire establishment and looks so comfortable in this world. But either way, it puts me on edge. He has my brother by his side, the two of them demanding the attention of all they pass. Marco has certainly taken to his new role in the Moretti family like a duck to water. I’m relieved to see that Enzo is nowhere in sight.

“Everything under control?” Maddox asks.

“For now,” Alessandro mutters, sliding into the booth beside me, his arm snaking around my shoulders as he pulls me toward him. The weight of his arm presses down on me, not because it’s particularly heavy, but because I don’t want his arm possessively wrapped around me, telling every damn person in his club I belong to him. It’s bad enough I’m being forced to wear his ring. Why can’t he just act like his brothers and chill?

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