Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Wait. Why is the carpet even talking?
Steadying myself, I searched for a directory, but everything ahead of me refused to stand still.
Frustrated, I slipped inside a gift shop.
I grabbed a pair of shades from an end cap and opened the glass case, taking an orange juice. I downed it and took out another, dropping the empty bottles into the trash.
Spotting a display for “Sober Up” sweet tarts, I grabbed a box and poured half of them into my mouth before leaving.
“What the fuck, lady?” The clerk called after me. “Come back here and pay for that shit!”
I threw him a thumbs-up and boarded an escalator.
When the steps stopped climbing, I found myself on a floor full of table games. I’d won a few hands of poker at the Bellagio and MGM Grand earlier, so I decided to press my luck once more.
Taking my time, I followed the signs and plopped down at a table where three suits were already engaged in play.
“This table’s minimum is five thousand dollars, Miss,” the dealer said. “You’re more than welcome to stand and watch if you don’t have that. Otherwise—”
“I have that.” I pulled out a clip of hundreds from my earlier cash out.
“Very well.” He served me a stack of black and red playing chips and motioned for me to remove my sunglasses. “Rules of the table.”
“Sorry.” I obliged.
He dealt the cards, and I gradually lost myself in the game. I hedged my bets, called bluffs, and folded when the stakes were too high or too good to be true.
After winning six hands in a row, a small crowd formed behind the table, and they cheered between rounds.
“Here you are, Miss.” A waitress set down a champagne flute. “A gentleman at the blackjack table sent that for you. It’s top shelf champagne.”
“Please tell him I said, thank you.”
“Will do. Eight other men have bought you drinks, too, but I can only serve them one at a time.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I think I’ve had more than enough tonight.”
“One of them is a freakin’ millionaire CEO.” She smiled. “I’ll bring you his order next.”
She disappeared before I could protest.
“This woman seems to be on quite the streak,” a deep voice said behind me. “Is there room in this game for one more?”
“As long as you can afford the buy-in.” The dealer shuffled the cards. “We’re at ten thousand now.”
“Count me in.” He placed his chips on the table. “I could use a challenging opponent to spice up my night.”
“It’s just dumb luck. I’m not really—” I turned to face him and choked on my sentence.
This man had to be a walking advertisement for wet dreams. His deep chocolate-colored eyes complemented his silk-patterned tie, and his bespoke black suit looked as if it was custom-made for his well-toned body.
“You look like you’re having the time of your life tonight,” he said.
“It’s actually quite the opposite.”
“Sorry to hear that.” He extended his hand. “I’m Nicholas Sharp. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too. I’m—”
“Fucking beautiful.” He interrupted, frowning at my wedding ring. “And unfortunately taken.”
“Yes.” I swallowed. “I’m married.”
“What a shame.” His fingers lingered against mine. “Does your husband make you happy?”
“Um…”
“I’ll take that as a no.” He smiled a set of pearly whites. “I’ve always wondered why people stay in marriages if they’re miserable, especially when there’s always someone out there willing to treat them far better.”
Unsure of what to say, I turned away from him and focused on my new hand.
“I’d hate to see your hot streak cut short,” he whispered in my ear. “You may want to fold this round.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
“I’m hosting a private game in a high rollers room if you want to see how lucky you can get after this.”
“I’ll have to pass,” I stole a final glance of him before the game. “I’m only here to drink and forget my worries.”
“I can help you with that, too.”
“Doubt it.”
“Trust me.” He leaned closer. “I’ve been watching you from afar since you came up here and it looks like you could use someone to talk to. Even if you don’t, you shouldn’t be alone.”
Midway through the game, he pressed his hand against my cheek. “Whatever happens after this round, I think you should—”
“Get your fucking hand off my wife.” Travis roared, making everyone around us look up.
The crowd that had gathered around our table fell silent.
Nicholas jerked back and held up his hands. “I had no idea she was yours. I swear, I would have never—”
“Shut the hell up.” Travis stepped closer, pulling the cards from my fingers.
He looked around the table, noticing that it was my turn. Then he flipped my hand over, forcing the remaining players to reveal theirs.
“The lady wins again.” The dealer pushed all the chips my way.
“Ryan, grab Mrs. Carter’s chips,” Travis hissed.
“Yes, sir.”