Page 14 of Vegas Jackpot

“The winnerof best in show for tattoos is Erika Arnold,” the announcer says my name, and I move to the podium.

People have been whispering around me all day, but they won’t say anything directly to me. I don’t focus on that though. I did it.

I step up to the makeshift stage, and one of the judges hands me the gold trophy in the shape of a tattoo machine along with gift certificates and a check.

“Thank you so much.” I smile at them, and they smile back.

Afterward, I look around, and when I see Grayson standing at the back, I finally feel a real smile hit my lips. Not only did I win my dream, but I’ll get to see his home and hopefully he’ll tell me what he’s been hiding from me. I imagine it’s the fact that he works hard and he’s run with the wrong crowds in the past.

As I move past a group, I hear a man’s voice, and I turn.

“Of course, she won. She’s fucking him, after all.” He turns and sees me and swings back around. I can’t question the guy about what he meant because Grayson steps up to me right then.

“Congratulations, princess. You deserved it.” He kisses me in front of everyone, and I grip the lapel of his suit in one hand and my trophy in the other.

“Thank you, Grayson.” I look up into his beautiful face when he finally releases my lips. Every time he kisses me, I forget everything. I know I could fall for him soon. My ring catches my eye, and I look at it instead of looking up at him. Did I make a mistake? Shouldn’t we be in love to be married? Did I get carried away with everything that is Vegas?

“Come on, princess.” He laces his fingers with mine, and we make our way through the casino and out to a waiting car. It’s not a limo but a classic 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner in black. The valet holds the passenger door open, but Grayson pushes him aside. I slide into the seat and Grayson leans down to buckle me in.

“You need to be nice before they fire you for being an asshole.” I joke as he drives away from the casino.

“They wish they could fire me,” he says, trying to joke, but it falls flat. I turn to look at him before he points out something.

“Had my first job in that casino.” He points at an older casino.

“I know you said you’ve lived in Vegas your whole life, but have you traveled or anything?” I twist in my seat to take him all in.

“California, Mexico, and a few other places, but I’ve mostly stayed here. My father had me travel to Latvia a couple of years ago for a visit.” I’ve noticed when he talks about is father, he doesn’t show very much emotion. He just shares for something to share. “How about you?”

“I’ve done a lot of traveling. Even went to Europe for a bit. Thought I should see the place my mother was from, but l like my home in Eastport. It’s not so big that I can’t cross town in thirty minutes.” I’m hoping he understands what I’m trying to say. I don’t want to move. I have a family we’ve created for ourselves there—my brother and me. Jasmin’s family has become an extension, and I wouldn’t want to be away from Raqi or Koda. Plus, with her expecting, I can’t wait for the baby to come. I’ve always wanted children. Maybe that’s why I’m not in a rush to end this farce of a marriage or to make him use protection.

I turn away from him to look at the city as we move from the Strip and out to the suburbs. I’m analyzing why I was so rash to get married. I normally overthink things before I make decisions. I do trust people easily and that has come back to bite me in the past. I care about Grayson in the short time we’ve been together already. He’s caring, intelligent, dedicated, treats me good, and best of all, he’s awakened a new submissive in me. I pause on the thought of him being dedicated. He’s reliable. His job counts on him. Again, we haven’t discussed what he actually does for the casino. But the fact that everyone jumps when he walks into a room makes me believe it’s important.

But do I love him? Could I love him already? The thought of leaving in two days makes me sick to my stomach. My chest actually tightens. Is it too late? Am I already in love with him? He could hurt me if he leaves me. He’d break me.

I’m jolted from my thoughts when his hand goes to my thigh. Today I’m in a short skirt, knee-high boots, and a half-shirt. Grayson didn’t want to let me out of our suite when he saw me dressed. I had assured him that everything was still his.

“Penny for your thoughts?” His voice is gruff, and I turn to look at him.

I want to be honest with him, but I can’t find the words. Just as I’m about to give him a half-truth, he pulls up to a manned guard shack in front of two gates. An entrance and exit. The guy waves at Grayson and the gate opens. We proceed through, and I observe all the houses are large and very new constructions.

“I have to warn you before we get to the house that Riggs is there. I had my sitter drop him off because I knew we were coming here tonight.”

I remember him talking about his dog, Riggs, at dinner. I’m excited and nervous to meet him. Do dogs sense uncertainty? I don’t know. We couldn’t have dogs growing up because my meemaw didn’t care for them. She was into cats. I’m allergic to cats, so I don’t have pets. Jasmin and the kids have a dog they’ve had for many years. But she’s like a big giant cuddle bug. As soon as you walk in the door, she wants to jump up on you and give you hugs.

We pull up to a very modern ranch-style house. The outside is clean lines of what looks like cream-colored rock. He pulls up to the garage and parks.

“I’ll come let you out.” He is always opening doors and being a gentleman for me, and I’ve got to admit I like it.

When he opens the door, he helps me out and then presses me into the side of the car, kissing me so thoroughly my head spins. His tongue dominates mine, sliding across it and feeling every part of me.

He pulls away and I look up at him in a daze.

“I missed your lips.”

He laces our fingers and leads me to a gate. It opens into a small courtyard that leads to his large front door. When he opens it, a mass of black and gray pushes into me. The dog smells me and then proceeds to sit so I can pet him. He’s beautiful and reminds me of schnauzers but much bigger.

“Good boy, Riggs.”

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