Page 40 of Betting Blind
He looks grim as he speaks to me. “Are you still working at that bar?”
I bristle a bit at the way he says it. If only everyone knew that The Pound wasn’t as bad as they like to make it out to be, they would stop judging me and anyone else who enjoys spending their time there.
When I first met Jack, I never expected to fall in love with that place, but that’s exactly what happened—I’ve fallen in love. I love the customers, I love the friendships I’ve grown within its four grungy walls, but most of all, I love the family I’ve become a part of.
I turn to face him fully. “No, I’m no longer working there. Is there a problem?”
He nervously runs a hand over his balding head, avoiding making direct eye contact. “Well, I didn’t want to say anything before now, but I can’t help but feel relieved.”
My arms fold across my chest defensively. “Bruce, you don’t have to worry about me. Besides, the guys there are really sweet—”
“Those boys are nothing but trouble, Cassidy, and you’ll do well to remember that.” He must notice the incredulous look on my face because he gently touches my shoulder. “That bar is full of gangs and rough men who want nothing more than to take advantage of a beautiful woman such as yourself. The owner is no exception.”
I swallow a knot in my throat. He’s wrong about Jack, he has to be. I would know if he was a bad man, but his words play on my insecurities from the night we went to Royals.
No. I almost laugh to myself.Bad men aren’t gentle and kind, and they certainly don’t snuggle.
“I’ve heard things about Jack. Trust me, he’s not someone you want to involve yourself with. I’d hate for you to end up hurt. You know you’re like one of my own.”
My heart softens. “I understand you want to protect me, Bruce, but I’ve got it under control.” I lean in, giving his rough, stubbled cheek a light kiss. “Thank you.”
The smile he gives me doesn’t quite reach his eyes as I step away from his office. A burning sensation churns in my stomach as the doubts come flooding back.What could Bruce know that Jack wouldn’t have told me?
Blood whooshes around my veins so hard that my body physically pulses. Jack has every right to have a past, but it’s the warning laced in Bruce’s words that puts me on high alert.
Juliana catches my eye from across the restaurant, and her smile fades from her lips when she sees me. I quickly force a smile of my own and wave to reassure her.
Sweet, tender kisses still burn my lips and skin where Jack’s mouth previously marked me. He’s given me adventure, allowed me to explore a more sensual side of myself, and he willingly lets his walls down, never once taking advantage of me.
He can’t be all bad… can he?
Regardless of Bruce’s doubts, I owe it to Jack to help him. I grab a soapy bucket of water and a rag from the kitchen to begin our closing routine. Once I’m somewhat alone, I make angry swipes with the wet rag across the table of an empty booth. I’m frustrated that Bruce would insinuate that Jack is some menace to society when it couldn’t be further from the truth.
For now, I focus on the matter at hand. Bruce doesn’t realize that in anticipation of our ruse working, Jules and I have already arranged for our shifts to be covered. We leave first thing in the morning, and unfortunately for him, I won’t be abandoning ship.
Chapter 19
Cassidy
Las Vegas is sinfully alluring. The hot desert heat brushes against my skin as the four of us exit the cab in front of Caesars Palace. My jaw unhinges at the enormity of the four-thousand-room grand hotel, and music drifts toward us from across the strip. The sounds of jazz and hip-hop mingle together while drunk couples and friends rush in front of us to enter the building. The scent of pizza and street food has my tummy grumbling.
Juliana squeals, giggling her little ass off as she takes off after the crowd and spins along with the revolving glass door.
A huge smile splits her face, and Derrick laughs from beside me. “Should we pretend like we don’t know her?”
I nudge him gently. “Juliana who?”
Jack’s eyes alight with mischief as he places a firm hand across my lower back. “You ready?” Even through the heat of the summer, his touch causes the hairs on my arms to rise eagerly.
The inside of the hotel is nothing short of magnanimous, and my eyes widen at the sight of a twenty-foot replica of Augustus Caesar. Excited shouts rumble from a room out of sight, colliding with the soothing sound of Frank Sinatra’s voice as it floats through the hotel lobby. Blue skies are painted above us with white, fluffy clouds, and lights shining off them give the art a romantic glow.
Jack and Derrick collect our room keys, but before we turn through the entrance for the elevators, I steal a quick peek at a portion of the casino floor and gasp. This place is at least twenty times larger than Royals, and the pings and dings from various slot machines call to me like a siren’s song.
When we enter the elevator, the three of them begin to make plans as I focus on calming my nerves. But every minute that passes reminds me why we’re here, making it increasingly difficult for me to loosen up.What will happen if we fail?
Juliana elbows my side when she catches me not listening. “I’m sorry, what were you saying?”
“I said, it would be fun to go out tonight!”
