Page 3 of Savage Revenge

That’s not a total lie. I did work out. My boob and pit sweat are proof of that. And while I don’t know for sure that they were out of fruit, there weren’t any in the display case. Besides, I love cherry anything and this was the last one. It was basically calling my name.

“Hate it when that happens,” he says.

I’m sure he does. With a physique like his, I bet all he eats is fruit and vegetables and meat. If I were to guess, the man hasn’t ever touched a pastry or sugar or butter. Poor guy. He’s missing out on all the good stuff. Yet right now, I wish I had better discipline to choose oatmeal or something healthier.

Most days, I love my body. It’s not perfect, but I attract my fair share of attention. Maybe not men like Elliott, but most of them are pretty hot. Although today, my total hot-mess-express situation is top tier, seeing this fine piece of man is definitely not helping my confidence right now.

People move around us, oblivious to the awkwardness that’s making me want to jump off a bridge.

Elliott hands me a napkin and smiles, showing off his gleaming white teeth. I’d bet money that they are naturally perfect. I’m pretty sure Elliott Carver is one of those people who was born beautiful and has better genes than most of the world. From his perfect hairline to his six-foot-three frame and sharp jawline. Some people are just God’s favorites.

“What, uh, what are you doing here?” I ask, trying to dab at my shirt.

I’m nowhere close to The Strip. Purposefully. To avoid run-ins like this. I spend six days a week wearing nice dresses, heels, and a full face of makeup, so I enjoy the one day I can look like a slob when no one will see me.

As I rub the napkin over the blob, it smears, making the bright red spot even bigger. Fuck this day to hell.

“My parents don’t live too far from here. I need to caffeinate before I head back to work,” he answers with a sly smile. “What are you doing here? Not that I’m complaining. It’s nice to see you outside of work meetings.”

Heat creeps over my cheeks as someone bumps into me, pushing me closer to Elliott. He frowns and shoots the stranger a glare, then studies me with a softer expression. “You okay?”

I nod, clearing my throat. “I’m fine. Um, I had a workout class nearby, and I live only a few blocks away.”

His gaze roams over me from head to toe before he raises an eyebrow. “Well, if you ever need a workout partner, I’d love to help with that.”

Something deep in my stomach twists as disappointment hangs over me. That was a nice offer. Right? Except… Why was I hoping he’d say I don’t need to exercise?

“Sure.” I flash him a bright smile. “That would be great.”

“Yeah.” He adjusts the collar of his dark blue dress shirt. “Do you like to hike?”

Hell no. It’s Las Vegas for shit’s sake. I like to sit by the pool while drinking something alcoholic and eating nachos.

“I love hiking!”

Jesus. When did I get so desperate?

It’s been over a year since I last had sex, so I’m sure desperation has been setting in for months now. I’ve had to replace my vibrator batteries multiple times. If it takes me goingon a damn hike to see this man naked, so be it. I just hope he knows what he’s doing when he’s with a woman.

“Awesome. Well, I should get going. As you know, casinos never sleep, and I have a pile of work to do. I’ll text you this week, and we’ll plan something.”

“Okay, great,” I say as he turns to walk away, leaving me standing in the middle of the busy café with an obnoxious red stain on my tank while people brush past me, staring at his perfectly taut ass.

The man is what fantasies are made of. And he wants to plan something with me. Like a date.

We’ve been dancing around each other for some time. Ever since he took over his family casinos, Elliott and my father have had several meetings together, and I’ve been part of them. Every time we see each other, I’ve left with the feeling that he might have been flirting with me, but I was never really sure. After all, he’s him and I’m me. But apparently my gut was right. I suppose the plus side is that now he’s seen me at my worst, so if we hook up, at least he won’t be shocked to see how I look the morning after.

I take one more backward glance toward him as I toss the rest of my donut, but he’s in the middle of talking to the barista, so he doesn’t notice as I walk out into the suffocating heat.

I may have wanted to crawl into a hole a few minutes ago, but I guess it wasn’t the worst thing ever. I got a date out of it. With Elliott Carver.

Towering buildings of glass and lights linger on the horizon, giving the illusion of glitz and glamor. Most people come to Vegas to feel alive, to experience a lifestyle they never could in their daily lives. They get dressed up as if they’re celebrities and spend more money in a weekend than some people spend in a year. And no one blinks an eye. It’s Las Vegas. The city of lights.Even after living here my whole life, I still get the feeling of excitement at times. It’s impossible not to.

I slide into my car and hiss as the leather scalds the back of my thighs. As soon as I push the ignition, I blast the AC on the highest setting, then slowly back out of my parking spot. Weaving through the lot, I chug my overpriced, but perfectly creamy, iced vanilla latte and can’t help but think about the possibility of going out with Elliott. He’s a great guy from what I can tell. The type who gets along with everyone. Even as a business competitor, he and my father have somehow formed a friendship with each other, despite them being over twenty years apart in age.

My dad would be thrilled to hear that Elliott asked me out. He’d love to flaunt a friendship with Elliott in front of the Savage family. Although now that Jack Savage is no longer living, I’m not sure if the feud between our families will continue. I really need to send the Savage family some flowers since I’m certain my father didn’t. I know they are our enemies, but there are some things you just do to be respectful. Especially when the man was shot dead in the middle of Las Vegas Boulevard. I can’t even imagine how Jack Savage’s sons are handling this. I imagine not well, considering they’re known for their ruthless ways.

Maybe I should date one of them instead of Elliott. That would probably cause my father to have a coronary. Too bad I didn’t run into them in the café.

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