Page 32 of Cowboy

“I agree,” said Avery. “Skull was amazing when we slept together the first time. I knew I’d never be able to walk away from him, and for that matter, I couldn’t walk for a few days after we were together.” More laughter filled the space, Autumn shaking her head.

“Same,” said Lissa. “I was pretty battered and bruised, yet Alec treated me like fine china. He handled me with a delicate touch that told me I would never be okay with another man touching me. Never.”

“I feel that way about Cowboy,” said Autumn. “I mean, I’d never been with anyone before him, but I knew enough to know I didn’t want to be. I had to feel deep. Not just an urge or craving. I needed to feel as though I couldn’t breathe without him.”

“You’ll find that we’re all that way,” smiled Claudette. “I loved my first husband. But it wasn’t a breathless love. Jake was always the man I was meant to be with. Now, we lay in that bed upstairs at night, and I can’t believe the things he does to this old girl’s body. Lord! I think I need to go to church and get some Jesus.”

The woman screamed in laughter, shaking their head at Claudette. When Martha and young Claudette entered, Autumn held her breath. As the women explained who they were, Martha smiled at the young woman, nodding.

“We thought we could help as well,” said Martha. “I’ve found the man of my dreams in the afterlife. Isn’t that strange? Nathan is able to give my body pleasure that I didn’t have when I was alive. I think that’s good news for everyone here. You’ll all continue to experience the joy of a man’s touch even when you’re gone.”

“It’s true,” smiled Claudette. “I didn’t think I would ever get that chance since I died before my time. Mama Irene and Martha were very worried about me because of my age at death. But the truth is, I’m centuries old. It has been wonderful to have Tony show me the love of a man and woman.”

Autumn could only smile at the teenager. It must have been awful to have died before your first kiss, then find someone you truly loved but couldn’t have. She was glad to see that they’d found a way to be together.

“Well, all I know is that Cowboy is the only man for me, and I plan on showing him that every single night.” Suze smiled, nodding at her.

“That’s my girl,” she grinned. “I need grandchildren, so you keep reading, and I’ll make sure you’re left alone with my son as much as you want.” Autumn could only laugh.

“Yes, ma’am.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Leaving Christopher Sephones, Cowboy and the other men decided to hang around Constantine’s two casinos for a few hours. Moose and Cowboy planned to stay at Athena, while Red and Ethan were going to go to The Palladium. They weren’t sure what they were looking for but hoped that something would stand out for them.

“So, we’ll meet back here in a few hours and grab dinner before we leave,” said Cowboy.

“No,” said Moose, staring above his head.

“Moose, you can do the all-you-can-eat buffet later. Let’s just get the work done first,” smirked Red.

“No, that’s not what I mean. If I’m not mistaken, that’s our boy Dimitri with an entourage,” he said, nodding toward the gaming tables. Cowboy started toward him, but Moose gripped his shoulder, pulling him back.

“Hold up, big man,” said Ethan. “Let’s try and get some photos of who he’s with.” Tapping his ear, he connected to comms and asked them to hack into the cameras at the Athena. Within sixty seconds, they were looking at the table where Dimitri Stepanapolos was laying out some heavy cash.

“I’ve got three bodyguards with weapons. Five women, all very young. Two appear to have bruises on their arms and legs,” said Sly.

“Anybody ever played roulette before?” smirked Red. They all looked at him, shaking their heads. “Well, I’m feeling lucky. Give me all your cash, boys.”

Dimitri pulled the young girl to his right tighter to his body, his hand running up the back of her dress. She squirmed, attempting to get him to stop, but he only pinched her bottom, causing her to squeal.

“You are mine,” he growled. “Do not ever attempt to escape my touch. I do what I want with your body, and you will be rewarded. Men will pay thousands to be with you when I’m done with you.”

“Please,” whimpered the girl. “I just want to go home. I don’t want to do this anymore.” Dimitri started to speak when suddenly the girl was pulled from his grasp. Before he could even see where she’d gone, a man took the seat beside him, bumping the table.

“Hi there,” grinned Red. “Fine afternoon to place some bets, don’t you think?” Dimitri glared at him, then turned, trying to find where the girl went.

“Find her,” he said to one of the men. The bodyguard turned to scan the room only to be faced with the largest man he’d ever encountered. Moose gave him a smirk.

“No need, friend. We’ve got her taken care of. You should keep an eye on your boss. He’s in a lot of trouble.”

Dimitri stared at the men, then saw the man he recognized. Cowboy was across the table, giving him a death stare. Red laid his money down and gave a big smile to Dimitri.

“Better put your dough down if you wanna play,” he laughed. Dimitri nodded at the casino worker, and he spun the wheel, waiting for the ball to stop on his number.

“Red twenty-one,” said the man.

“Hot damn,” grinned Red. “My lucky color. Let it ride.”

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