Page 22 of Filthy Desire

Gio turned back to Kara, letting his lips linger over the softness of her cheek. “Would you consider changing careers? I could use a security staff member with sharp eyes.”

Kara laughed and shook her head. “Nope. I’ve just attended a lot of high-end parties and events. It’s very tempting for staff. Cash and jewels, just ripe for the taking.”

Gio was impressed. And so fucking turned on that he momentarily forgot what he wanted to say.

“Do I get to keep my winnings tonight?” Kara asked, changing the subject.

Gio’s brain snapped back.

“Yes. You might need it if I’m not satisfied with your performance. Pad up your rainy-day fund,” Gio murmured as he slid his free hand under the table and over her velvet covered thigh.

An hour later, Kara was up by fifty thousand. And she was garnering attention. It wasn’t just her beauty, but her exuberance over her winning streak. And when she got excited, she became animated. And so unlike the cool madam he first encountered.

Gio was charmed by her enthusiasm, even though he was barely breaking even. The sting of loss was tempered with the fact that the night was far from over.

Suddenly, Roman and Vincent appeared by his side.

Roman leaned down, his voice low. “The room is ready for you.”

“Thanks, let me finish up here.”

Gio finished his glass of champagne. His body was practically vibrating with anticipation. He bowed out, passing his remaining chips over to Kara.

“Stay here,” Gio said as he stood up and buttoned his jacket. “Vincent will keep you company until I return.”

Kara glanced up at him, her green eyes far too knowing. “Going to get your money back?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

8

GIO

Gio walked down two flights of stairs into the bowels of the building.

While the upstairs was decked out in sleek wood, crystal, and the finest of everything, the underbelly of the operation was bare bones. It made for speedier departure, should the cops ever come calling. He wasn’t worried. Gio had quite a few of the NJPD on his payroll.

There were two rooms with basic chairs, tables, and good lighting so they could count their cash and distribute whatever narcotics guests were demanding. A third room with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment to monitor the business. His lead expert, Harry Dane, had worked in Vegas for years.

And then a fourth and final room, an office that sat across the security space.

And that’s where Danny Lucas was waiting.

Gio and Roman watched from the security room, the two-way mirror giving them a perfect view. Danny was fidgeting, unable to sit still. Sweat stains in the pits of his white uniform shirt told Gio just how nervous the man was. And with good fucking reason.

Gio removed his jacket and vest and passed it over to Roman. In turn, Roman handed him a hunting knife, sheathed, which Gio placed in the back waistband of his slacks. Then he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt.

He was ready.

Gio opened the door and stepped into the office. Danny looked up with a fearful expression in his brown eyes. Gio could tell that any moment now, the cashier was gonna piss himself or throw up. Roman had tied his arms and legs to the chair but the man was shifting.

Gio closed the door behind him and the snick of the latch sent his blood racing. He loved this part of his job.

“Danny Lucas,” Gio announced.

“Mr. Ferraro, I didn’t do nothing. I swear,” Danny whined, as he tried to rock back and forth in his chair.

Gio took the seat opposite him and smiled. “You know, someone’s been stealing money from my casino, and we’ve spent weeks trying to figure it out. We’ve reviewed hours of video tape, interviewed staff, had people investigated. It turned up nothing.”

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