Page 136 of High Roller

“We’re going to take advantage of the offer of help keeping it secret from some friends of mine. Plus, Luke offered to get the Bowdens involved in keeping things safe.”

Zara’s mouth drops open, and she glares at her husband. “You mean you’ve known about this?”

Luke picks up her hand and brings it to his lips. “Forgive me, Flower. They swore me to secrecy.”

She mutters and pulls her hand away. “It’s fine. I’ll forgive you. This is exciting news.”

Grace leans into me, and Lili turns her face so it’s buried in my shoulder. Even though her marriage is abusive and unhealthy, losing a relationship is painful, and it must be hard for her to sit here and listen to everyone gush about a wedding.

“We get to be the first to hear your new album, right?” I ask, hoping to soothe Lili.

Skylar grins. “I brought my guitar, but I didn’t want to assume any of you would be interested in hearing me play and sing.”

Lili sits up then. “Is the story you tell in Guitar Thief true?”

Skylar beams and looks at Matteo. “It is. Matteo is the thief in the song.”

Lili clasps her hands over her heart. “That’s the sweetest fucking thing I’ve ever heard.”

Skylar laughs. “It’s pretty special. He’s my inspiration for a lot of my lyrics.”

Matteo retrieves her guitar, and we spend the next hour listening to Skylar play new music in the cool desert night air.

When we all move inside so the others can go home for the evening, Tobias and I share a knowing glance. We’ll have to chat with Matteo and Luke tomorrow morning before we can move forward on any of our plans. But we were right to not bring the mood down for Skylar and Matteo. They deserved tonight, and I’m pleased we were able to give it to them.

Skylar hugs me for a long time, and I kiss her forehead. “It’s an honor knowing someone as talented as you,” I say sincerely.

“Aww Victor. Such a softy,” she winks. “I’m proud to have you in my life, and I hope you’ll stand with Matteo at our wedding.”

I look at him and he nods. “It would mean a lot.”

I clear my throat and tell myself it’s just allergies making my eyes water. “I would be honored.”

Skylar hugs me one more time before taking Matteo’s hand. When I turn from locking the door, I find Lili and Grace standing next to each other, holding hands. “Can Lili join us tonight, Master?” Grace asks quietly.

My butterfly wants to play, and I’m more than willing to oblige her.

“Strip, Mariposa,” I command as I offer my hand to Lili.

Grace is quick to obey, lifting her dress over her head, revealing a lack of bra and panties. Of course, she doesn’t have panties at my house, so I knew she wouldn’t have those on.

“Liliana, take Grace to my room and get her warmed up. Do not let her come. I’ll be along soon.”

Lili

Itwashardnotto think I was intruding on a special moment tonight. The others are such a close-knit family that I was worried from the moment Victor told us they were all coming over. But shortly after everyone arrived, I was right at home with the group. Now I’m holding hands with a very naked Grace, taking her to bed.

My life has taken such a wild turn, that I’m still not convinced I’m not dreaming.

I’m going to wake up back in my husband’s bed and this will all have been a figment of my imagination. But Grace’s hand in mine is not at all imaginary, and the scent of her arousal as I shove her onto Victor’s bed and spread her thighs is as real as it gets.

“Goddess,” she moans as I drag my tongue through her folds.

“Yes, lover?” I ask, raising my head to look at her.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she murmurs, staring into my eyes. “The future may be uncertain, but I’m glad we have right now.”

“Shh. Me too, sweet girl. Me too. Now lie back and enjoy my tongue on your wet little cunt. Your Master wants you soaked and needy by the time he arrives.”

---