Page 29 of Captivating Nights

Chapter 20

THE NEXT MORNING, THE three flew on a private jet to a destination unknown to her at the time. Calista has been very excited once she found out their plans for the day included seeing another island. All she could think about was how beautiful the mystery location looked as the plane touched down at the local airstrip. When they had stepped foot in the airport, she found out where they had taken her. Their stay at the airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, wasn’t long, though, because she was immediately led to a waiting vehicle.

Then, Zane and Xavier took her on a mini shopping spree. The men were secretive, as usual, about the remainder of their plans, but she truly enjoyed the Mall of San Juan and the luxury boutiques she would’ve never dreamed of shopping in before. “It’s your birthday, belleza,” Xavier had told her.

She ended up leaving the mall with two pairs of heels from Jimmy Choo and a gorgeous halter gown from Nordstrom’s that made her feel like a princess when she’d tried it on. Calista had hoped to see one of the beaches, but the men had other ideas for their time here.

“A work issue has arisen that I need to take care of, angel, but Xavier is going to take you somewhere this afternoon,” Zane told her before someone had picked him up from the mall area.

Cali had to admit she was more than a little upset that Zane couldn’t join them, but she wouldn’t let her own hurt put a damper on the time she had with Xavier. He’d told her that he was going to test his luck out at a local casino and the entire trip there he held her hand firmly in the grasp of his own. The heat radiating off his skin was both reassuring and arousing. Their proximity and her body’s reaction to his continued touch had her entire frame tingling in anticipation.

As he tried to give her a history lesson of the area, her attention drifted. All she could focus on was the earlier promise the two men had made. Before meeting the two of them, she’d never experienced a ménage, nor had she even entertained the thought of doing so, and knowing that tonight she’d have both inside of her was all she could think about. She should’ve been taking in the surroundings and soaking up the history of the city like a sponge, but it was impossible. She hadn’t even taken any pictures. Xavier noticed her distracted state because he leaned in a couple of times on the ride over to ask if she was okay.

“A penny for your thoughts?” he asked for what had to be the third time. All Cali would give him was a shake of her head. There was no need to let him know exactly how much he affected her. Occasionally, though, a knowing smirk crossed his face, all but confirming he knew exactly what his presence alone did to her. The man was more than pleased with himself.

The vehicle slowed to a stop and her eyes widened at the large building before them. It looked more like a castle than a casino, spectacular and outshining the extravagance that even Las Vegas had to offer. It screamed wealth and privilege, two things that she didn’t possess, though Xavier obviously did. He seemed unaffected, even jaded. It was obvious that he was accustomed to such grandeur because he was at ease and not the slightest bit awed by anything around them.

“Stay right there, Calista,” he told her as he stepped out of the car, appearing at her door a few seconds later to help her exit the vehicle. Not only was he drop-dead gorgeous, charming, wealthy, and sexually magnificent, the man was also chivalrous.

As the small heel of her sandals hit the pavement, Xavier pulled her into his arms, brushing his lips over hers. A small moan escaped and he chose that moment to thrust his tongue inside, overwhelming her with each second that passed. Cali found herself having to cling to his broad shoulders because her knees could no longer support her weight as all the air seemed to leave her lungs while he kissed her. Finally, he pulled back, those hazel eyes making her melt.

“This is Casa de Suerte, belleza, which essentially means, house of luck. What do you think of it so far?”

Thankful for the question, she loosened her grip on his shoulders and forced herself to look around. The few couples arriving and leaving were all dressed to the nines in formal wear. She’d heard about different fundraisers throughout the years in Boston, but she’d never attended any of them because they just weren’t her scene. Feelings of inadequacy crept into her mind now as she continued to assess the women and how they looked. While she considered herself to be dressed up, watching the others in designer gowns exiting luxury cars made Cali realize how underdressed she really was. Already she felt out of place and she had yet to step inside. Maybe she should’ve worn the gown they’d bought earlier now instead. At least then she wouldn’t have to deal with the same fears and insecurities she faced daily back home.

“Stop fidgeting, Calista. You look gorgeous. Every man in the entire place will be envious because you are here with me. Sucks to be them.”

She nearly snorted at the comment, but the look on his face told her he was sincere. There was vehemence to it, a passion that she didn’t quite understand and could not resist. Forcing herself to smile, she took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Sir. Are you ready?”

Xavier seemed pleased enough with her apology, and she didn’t miss the flare of something indescribable in his eyes when she addressed him as Sir. Flashing his set of pearly white teeth, he smiled at her the way he had at the bar that first night. Her cheeks became heated and she was close to begging him to go inside, hoping the building was air conditioned. She had the hots…literally…for this man, and seeing him looking so dapper in his suit didn’t help her cause. Xavier looked like he’d stepped out of a Giorgio Armani advertisement, and she wouldn’t allow her mind to even put into words what she considered herself to look like.

“Let’s go make our entrance.” Squeezing her hand, he led her through the double doors that opened into an Atrium.

Immediately, her eyes widened at the sight that greeted her. Walls comprised of floor-to-ceiling marble, grand columns made out of onyx and pearl led into an even more impressive atrium. Xavier told her that many events took place here, and she could see why, as this room was even more awe-inspiring than the previous one. The walls were covered in artwork and there were numerous statues that must have cost a fortune, prominently displayed. The palatial structure was grand in every sense of the word. The last thing she noticed before leaving the atrium was the prevalence of orange and gold colors. This place was most certainly fit for a king.

Soon, they walked into the actual casino, making Cali frown as she silently admitted that gambling was something else she’d never done before. Her list seemed to be getting longer by the day. While she knew her non-existent social life didn’t lend well to many experiences, Cali had just never realized to what magnitude. A sharp squeeze to her hand let her know Xavier must’ve read her mind yet again. She then remembered she was there for him. Xavier wanted to make an appearance, so she’d try not to embarrass him too terribly.

“I know where your mind is headed, belleza,” he growled before leaning in closer. “Don’t think I won’t raise that dress up over your thighs and spank your ass right here in front of everyone. Stop thinking negatively about yourself.”

She gasped at his threat, but not out of fear as much as arousal. Both men had mentioned spankings after the first night and while it sounded barbaric at the time, she’d since come to realize they were highly erotic as well. Cali could still remember the day before when Zane had put her over his knee. Even now, her thighs were damp from the memories. This was a far better train of thought to entertain. Hopefully for her, the day would go by quickly and she’d find herself back in the strong arms of two very sensual men.

Xavier led her into a grand room that had many gaming tables, including ones used for roulette, craps, and blackjack. She didn’t know much about blackjack beyond it involving cards, but he wanted to play. Patting the seat, he smiled. “Come and sit beside me, belleza.”

“Yes, Sir.” Doing as he asked, the scent of his cologne wafted to her as he settled in his seat. Damn! He smelled good, the scent earthy with a few hints of sandalwood and spice. She’d be content just to sit and sniff him. The intoxicating aroma fit the man who wore it.

A few others dressed in expensive suits joined them at the card table, causing her to begin squirming until Xavier raised a brow in her direction. She was such a fish out of water here, while the people who frequented the casino acted and dressed like royalty. Her assessment even extended to her own companion, who seemed to have just won a large sum of money. As she glanced in his direction, one of the other players, a dark-haired foreigner with a deep French accent, exclaimed the total of the winnings. Cali had no idea how to tell how much that number was, but that didn’t really matter. For the time being, she’d sit beside Xavier, watching him gamble. He seemed to have some sort of system working in his favor.

Grinning from ear to ear, he placed another bet before leaning in to whisper, “I have just won a quick grand, belleza. Let’s play another hand.”

His casual remark about the money was proof positive just how different their worlds really were. He acted as if that amount was no more than pocket change, when to Cali it would be a third of the monthly mortgage for her place in Boston.

Before she could respond, Xavier had won another hand and much to her relief, he told her he was now ready to leave. She tried to hide her audible sigh, but failed miserably, causing him to chuckle. The sound was infectious and she found herself grinning as well.

“Was it that bad, belleza?” he asked, the amusement obvious in his voice.

“While this was not exactly what I expected to see while here in San Juan, I want to thank you for showing it to me anyway.” She nervously tucked a stray strand of her brown hair behind her ear. “It’s nice to see how the other side lives and plays.”

“Not everyone is stuffy, Cali. Some of us lead a very ordinary life.”

Cali flashed a skeptical look at the man, knowing there was nothing ordinary about him. She suspected there were many layers to the distinguished man beside her and wondered exactly how many of those he’d reveal over the next week. As soon as the thought entered her mind, Cali berated herself for getting caught up in the moment. Both Xavier and Zane told her they’d be with her until the final day of her vacation. There was no need to harbor grand notions of future calls and visits when right now, the three were supposed to be just having fun.

Xavier wrapped a strong arm around her, pulling her close to him. “Let’s go, belleza. We can catch up with Zane before heading out to the dinner party tonight.”

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