Page 21 of Filthy Desire

“I never said I was. And I’d rather be matched with the devil himself.”

“You really like to live on the edge, don’t you? Must be all those years as a repressed Washington debutante. Did you become New York’s most lucrative madam as an act of rebellion? Does pissing off the most dangerous man in New York get you hot?”

Kara’s husky laugh echoed over the din of the crowd and Gio’s palm tingled with the vibration. She leaned her head back against his stomach and looked up at him.

“I’m not a rebel, I just did what I needed to survive. And I’m being honest with you. It’s not my fault if my opinions get you hot and bothered.”

Gio said nothing in response.

He gave her neck one last squeeze and let go, stepping away and taking the seat beside her. It wasn’t often that people turned the tables on him, but Kara managed to do so without breaking a sweat. And fuck if it didn’t make Gio hornier than ever. And edgier.

A warning bell sounded off in his brain, but his throbbing dick overruled it. Never mind a fucking gypsy. This woman was a goddamnstrega, a witch.

A waitress appeared and set down their champagne cocktails.

“How much is each chip worth?” Kara asked as she picked up one of the red plastic disks and tossed it in the air.

Gio caught the chip mid-flight and placed it back on the table. “Five grand.”

“What?” Kara’s shocked expression was very satisfying.

Finally, he got one over on her.

“There’s two hundred thousand dollars’ worth of chips here,” she whispered.

“I’m well aware.”

A dealer arrived at the table and welcomed everyone. Gio watched him closely as he opened a fresh pack of cards and began to prepare the table.

“You’re letting me gamble with that much of your money? You don’t even know if I can play.”

Gio glanced at her. “It’s just a bit of fun. I make that in a day’s work.”

Kara took a sip of her champagne and shook her head. “I’d never waste that much on gambling. People are crazy.”

Cutting the deck, the dealer began to work, expertly dividing the cards amongst the players.

“But since it’s not mine to lose, I guess I might as well enjoy myself and play.”

Kara looked at her cards and placed one chip on the table. Gio looked at his cards and pushed three chips forward.

“Look around, Kara. It’s packed. Sometimes crazy is good. And it’s fun, if you understand the game,” Gio commented.

“Speaking of games, why did you bring me here of all places?”

“Two birds, one stone. I thought you might enjoy my secret club and I have an important meeting with one of my employees later.”

“I bet you keep a close eye on them given the amount of cash the casino brings in.”

“I do indeed.”

Kara leaned in, her soft lips brushing against his cheek. “In that case, you better watch the cashier. His slight of hand is excellent. He’s pocketed a few grand already. I wonder if he’s done for the night? If it were me, I’d be tempted to take more.”

Gio took a sip of his drink and turned his head slowly to the right. He watched the cashier taking in people’s money in exchange for chips.

Gio nearly spat out his mouthful of champagne when he read the man’s nametag.

Danny Lucas.

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