Sin City Temptation

“In the last couple of weeks, a few professional poker players who are gearing up for the PPO, the Poker Play-Offs, have been involved in a few incidents.”

“What type of incidents?” Trinity asked.

For the first time since he arrived, she seemed relaxed and genuinely interested in what he had to say. When he had first walked into her office, she appeared to be about ready to bolt for the door. Her expression reminded him of the first time he’d met her. They both seemed to be shocked into speechlessness. Gunner couldn’t believe Maxwell had a cutie-pie sister, but he wasn’t sure what her thoughts had been. All he knew was there was a sweet shyness about her mixed with a little I-don’t-take-crap-from-anyone. He had been attracted to her back when he was in college, but never made a move on her. Not because she happened to be Max’s little sister, but because Trinity was serious-girlfriend material, and back then he was all about having a good time without the commitment.

Now that Gunner was thinking more and more about settling down and having a family, he was viewing commitment and relationships differently. He no longer dated just to be dating. Instead, he only spent time with women whom he was attracted to and could see building a future with. Needless to say, the list was short. Most women only saw him as their ticket to financial freedom. He knew enough about Trinity to know that she was the type of woman he was looking to settle down with—independent, had good values and came from a good family. The fact that she was absolutely gorgeous didn’t hurt either.

Gunner toyed with the PPO diamond bracelet that he had won the previous year, the fifth of his collection. “A participant was jumped shortly after leaving a tournament,” he finally answered. “Another walked into a grocery store and was stabbed in the side by an unknown assailant, the knife barely missing some major organs. And just recently, one of the tournament participants left a popular restaurant and was hit in the head with a steel rod. The attacker got away.”

“Those incidents sound like something that could happen to anyone, especially someone who hangs out at a casino, gambling away hard-earned cash. I’d think that would be an everyday occurrence in Vegas.” The distaste with which Trinity said the words didn’t go unnoticed by Gunner. He had a feeling she didn’t like him, but the disgust he heard in her tone sounded like something else was going on.

“This has caught some of the players’ attention because none of the individuals in these instances were robbed. Only roughed up or injured to the point of having to drop out of the tournament. Also, each occurrence happened away from the casinos. And most important, the victims were favorites to earn one of nine spots at the PPO’s Main Event.” When it looked as if she didn’t understand how huge that was, he continued. “The PPO is to poker what the Super Bowl is to football. Each year, individuals compete for a seat at the final table. Three of the nine people favored for this year are out of commission and unable to compete.”

Understanding showed in Trinity’s eyes and she stopped twirling the pen in her hand. “I assume you’re one of the favorites?”

Gunner met her gaze and nodded. “I am. Assuming someone doesn’t take me out first.”

* * *

Silence fell between Trinity and Gunner. She had recently read about the PPO, not fully understanding how it worked. What she did remember though, was that the fee to enter the tournament was over ten thousand dollars with a multimillion-dollar cash prize. She had also learned that Gunner had participated in the PPO every year since he was twenty-one and had won the main event five times. Despite his laid-back attitude and disinterested demeanor, Gunner Brooks was worth an obscene amount of money.

Trinity stood and unplugged her laptop. “Let’s go over to the round table so that I can show you what I’m working with.” When she glanced up to find him with an amused expression on his face, she realized what she’d said. “Uh, I mean so that I can show you the security specialists that you can choose from.”

He followed her to the table and waited until she sat before he took the chair next to hers. Trinity quickly realized that suggesting they move to the table might not have been a good idea. Not only did he smell divine, if he sat any closer to her, they could share the same seat.

Moving her chair over without making it too obvious, she hurried and pulled up the computer file that contained portfolios of all of her bodyguards.

“All of our security specialists are highly qualified.” She glanced at him before returning her attention back to the computer. “Would you prefer a male or a female bodyguard?”

“Female,” he said simply. He’d always been a man of few words and Trinity wasn’t surprised that he would want a woman protecting him. Men like him typically chose a woman, not wanting people around them knowing they had a bodyguard.

“How long will you need our security specialist?”

“I want someone who is available 24/7 for the next two, two-and-a-half, months. They’ll need to be willing to travel to tournaments, as well as other events during the PPO.”

Trinity mentally calculated the amount of money she would make with this contract and did a happy dance in her head. With the payment plan she had in place for her clients, the down payment alone would more than cover the back taxes. She’d also be able to save some money. She was going to owe her brother big for referring Gunner.

Trinity opened the computer file and the faces of ten women of varied nationalities appeared on the screen. Gunner stirred next to her, but he said nothing.

“Okay, let’s start with Diamond. She’s a certified stunt woman and a martial arts instructor who works at one of the dojos here in town. She’s available for the assignment and has no problem with spending a couple of months traveling to tournaments with you.”

Trinity went through all of the women’s profiles, but was pretty sure Gunner would pick Willow. She looked like a beauty queen and had a degree in finance, but most important, she was a weapons specialist with a black belt in tae kwon do. Any man of his caliber would love to have a woman like her by his side.

When Gunner clicked through the choices again and arrived at the end without responding, she wondered if she might have misunderstood exactly what he was looking for.

“If you would prefer someone different or have changed your mind and would rather go with a male bodyguard, that can easily be arranged.” She turned the laptop slightly toward her and started to pull up a different set of specialists, but Gunner placed his hand over hers, halting her fingers on the keyboard.

Trinity’s heart lurched in her chest and she stared down at his large hand that covered hers. Heat from his touch soared though her body. She couldn’t end this meeting fast enough.

She eased her hand from beneath his and placed it in her lap as Gunner said, “You don’t have to show me anymore. I’ve decided.”

Chapter 2

Gunner pushed back from the table and stretched out his legs. Scratching his head, he kept his gaze on the computer screen. He had taken an early commuter flight to meet with Trinity this morning, hoping to set everything in place before flying back to Vegas for a tournament that evening. But right now, he was so exhausted and attracted to Trinity, he could barely think straight.

He twisted his upper body from side to side, trying to work out a few kinks in his back before he leaned back and stretched his arms above his head. Resettling in his seat, he lifted the tepid cup of coffee to his lips and glanced at Trinity over the rim of the cup. He couldn’t get over how gorgeous she was. A Gabrielle Union lookalike, he had no doubt that she turned heads wherever she went. He zeroed in on her left hand, checking her ring finger. Max had never mentioned her being in a serious relationship or being married, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t. And if she wasn’t, he wondered why not. A woman like her would be a welcomed addition to any man’s life. Who knows, maybe even his life.

“Okay, so who’s it going to be?” Trinity folded her hands on top of the table. “I assume you saw someone you like?”

A slow smile spread across Gunner’s lips. I definitely see something I like. Only it isn’t on the computer screen. “Where did you find these women? Their skills and accomplishments are very impressive and they look as if they should be strutting their stuff on some runway, modeling the latest fashions. You have an awesome team.”

Trinity smiled, which was something she hadn’t done much of since he had arrived. Her whole face lit up and he liked it.

“Thank you. It wasn’t easy finding them,” she said. “I wanted to recruit people who could easily blend in with my clientele. The women I have just shown you are refined, but won’t have a problem kicking someone’s butt if necessary.”

Gunner nodded, his gaze steady on Trinity. The longer he stared at her, the more he could sense her cool, calm demeanor slipping. She was trying to be professional, but he’d known years ago that there was a mutual attraction between the two of them. And he had every intention of confirming that the attraction was now stronger than ever.

She scooted back in her seat and her fresh lavender scent sailed into his space. Never one for holding back on going after what he wanted, he nevertheless resisted the urge to touch her since it seemed to make her uncomfortable. Enchanting eyes, a smile that could light up the darkest room, and a do-me-baby body that had him adjusting himself every few minutes. Oh, yeah, he definitely wanted her. He could still remember how it felt when he found out she was Max’s baby sister. It was like having ice-cold water dumped on his head. He couldn’t believe that this Nubian princess, this love-at-first-sight woman, was related to his roomie. He’d made the right decision in not pursuing her all those years ago, but now all bets were off. She was all grown up and he planned to get to know the woman she had become.

“So?” Trinity’s voice invaded his musings. She crossed her long leg over the opposite knee, her high-heel-clad foot swinging back and forth. “Which one is it going to be?”

Gunner sucked in a breath and released it slowly. He placed his lucky baseball cap on his head and pulled it low over his eyes before he turned his attention to her.

“None of them.” He stood.

“What?” She leaped up. “What do you mean none of them? Those women are the best security specialists in the business. You will never find one more capable than any one of them.”

Gunner nodded, loving the way her light brown eyes grew darker the madder she got. “I believe you, but there is one female bodyguard who’s on your staff whose profile you didn’t show me.”

Trinity put her hands on her hips. Her expression indicated that she was thoroughly confused. “Who? I showed you everyone.”

Gunner shook his head and picked up his almost empty coffee cup. “Nope. Not everyone.”

* * *

Anxiety stirred in Trinity’s gut. She couldn’t afford to lose this contract.

“Well, let me show you some other choices. I’m sure we have someone who will fit your needs,” she said.

“I told you. That won’t be necessary. I already know who I want.”

Trinity’s patience was slowly being overshadowed by her anger. Gunner might’ve played games for a living, but she didn’t like games. If he was playing her... She shook her head, not completing the thought. Okay, think, Trinity, think. There had to be a way to save this contract. Who did I miss? She searched her mind, mentally going through her list of female security specialists, and came up empty. She couldn’t think of anyone she had missed.

“Gunner, I’m sorry, but unless you have a name of the person you’re thinking about, I can’t help you. Won’t you reconsider one of the individuals that I’ve shown you?” She had never begged anyone for anything, but thinking about the amount of money at stake and her financial situation, she wouldn’t be too proud to beg right now.

He approached her, his lazy gait intensifying his sex appeal. This man was a danger to any woman’s peace of mind. For every step forward he took, she took an unconscious step back until the heel of her foot hit the wall and there was nowhere to go. He didn’t stop until he stood before her, totally invading her personal space. Trinity couldn’t step away even if she wanted to and at the moment she wasn’t sure she did. His dark, sexy eyes, slightly shielded by the brim of his cap, held her captive. So much for being immune to his good looks and charming ways.

She swallowed hard, trying not to lean in and capture his tempting lips. I will not give in to temptation. I will not give in to temptation, she chanted over and over in her head. But her defenses were weakening. Okay, think, Trinity. Think.

“Uh, is it someone from a different agency?” she finally asked. “Because if it is, I’m hoping you’ll give me a chance to change your mind.”

Gunner shook his head. “Oh, no, I’m going with your agency. It’s just that you didn’t show me the bodyguard that I have in mind.” The back of his hand slid down her cheek and an erotic jolt shook everything within her. It took all she had not to lean into his touch. “There is only one person on your team that I would consider having my back for the next couple of months.”

“Who?” she asked just above a whisper, her gaze meeting his.

Seconds ticked by before he spoke. “You.”

* * *

She tilted her head, totally shocked by his response. “Me?”

The right corner of his mouth lifted into a sexy grin. “Yeah. You.”

He pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear, and Trinity held her breath until he dropped his arm. Of all the things he could have said, the last thing she expected was for him to request her.

She blew out a quick breath and stepped around him. “Gunner, I’m flattered, but I...I’m not available,” she stuttered, floored that he would request her to guard him. “I’ve shown you plenty of women who are more than capable of handling this assignment. We can go through the choices again. I’m sure any of them will exceed your expectations.”

“Why aren’t you available?” Once again, for each step he took toward her, she took two steps back. It was as if they were creating their own dance moves. “Are you married? Kids?”

She shook her head. “No. No, nothing like that. It’s just that I have to be here to run my business. I can’t afford to take an assignment for that long.”

“What if I paid you double your rate?” He finally stopped moving toward her.

Trinity took a moment to catch her breath. His closeness had her all worked up, which was uncharacteristic for her. She had stared down hardened criminals and dealt with out-of-control drug addicts on a daily basis for years. Yet there was something about Gunner that made everything within her jumble together.

She shook herself and mentally calculated what the amount would be if he doubled her rate. She would be crazy to turn down that kind of money. But she also knew that she’d never be able to handle being in his presence 24/7. Despite what she told herself, she was not immune to Gunner Brooks. The attraction she felt for him was stronger than ever.

“Well?” Gunner prodded. “Do we have a deal?”

Trinity shook her head. “Gunner—”

“What if I tripled your fee? Then would we have a deal?” he asked, his voice an octave lower.

Trinity’s breath caught in her throat. She knew he was wealthy and could easily afford her rates, but triple? Her mother hadn’t raised a fool.

“When would you like for me to start?”

Chapter 3

“I can’t believe you’re moving in with a man.”

Trinity rolled her eyes at Connie, ignoring her friend’s comment and laughter. In all honesty, Trinity couldn’t believe she’d be temporarily moving in with Gunner either. The whole situation felt like an out-of-body experience. What were the chances she’d be living under the same roof as the person she’d had a crush on years ago? On the other hand, this would give her an opportunity to understand what several of her security specialists dealt with when a client hired a twenty-four-hour guard. So far, she wasn’t looking forward to spending so much time with Gunner.

“I don’t know why you’re making such a big deal about all of this,” Connie said, standing in the doorway of Trinity’s walk-in closet. “Do you know how many women would kill for this opportunity? Not only is the man wealthy, but he’s also gorgeous. If I had the skills to be one of your security specialists, heck, I’d be in his face explaining to him why I was the better choice.”

Trinity shook her head and smiled. Connie Shaw, her best friend since high school, was five-four and a hundred and ten pounds soaking wet. Trinity couldn’t ask for a better assistant, but knew her friend could barely fight off a fly, let alone some unknown enemy.

Trinity didn’t know if Gunner’s concerns regarding someone taking out professional poker players were warranted, but she had every intention of protecting her new client. She was an expert in her line of business, and she didn’t plan on allowing her personal feelings to get in the way of her doing her job.

“Since Vegas will probably be a thousand degrees this time a year, I’m thinking you’re going to need these.”

Trinity looked up to see a canary yellow, two-piece bathing suit dangling from Connie’s fingers, a wicked grin spread across her friend’s mouth. Trinity might take a swimsuit, but it would definitely not be that particular one. The scrap of material barely covered her most prized possessions.

“Connie, you can put those items back where you found them. This is not a pleasure trip.” Trinity went back to packing. She grabbed her toiletries from the bathroom and stuffed them in her carry-on suitcase.

“I know it won’t be professional for you to have any fun on this trip with the hunk.”

“His name is Gunner.”

“Okay, then I know it won’t be any fun on this trip with Gunner, the hunk, but what if it—”

“It won’t.”

“Or what if he—”

“He won’t.”

Connie threw the rolled-up pair of socks that she had in her hand at Trinity, who caught it before it made contact with her head.

“Stop that and let me finish my sentence!”

“Violent, are we?” Trinity teased.

“If you keep up this attitude, you’re going to end up an old maid who lives with nine cats,” Connie said and disappeared into the closet, but soon returned with a pair of red do-me-baby stilettos. “You never know when love might find you, but at this rate and with this negative attitude of yours, you’re going to miss it!”

Trinity continued packing, adding the shoes that Connie put near the bed to one of the larger suitcases sitting on the floor. She tuned Connie out as she went on her usual rant regarding Trinity’s love life, or lack thereof. Ever since Connie started dating Todd, a guy from her cooking class, she’d been pointing out the fact that Trinity wasn’t seeing anyone and hadn’t had a date in months.

As far as Trinity was concerned, getting her business to turn a profit was her main goal. Besides, right now, she didn’t have anything to offer anyone. She had too many balls in the air and she refused to let any of them fall by taking her eyes off her aspirations. This time next year, she wanted LEPA to have a solid list of clients and she wanted her homeless shelter up and running. Every aspect of her life was wrapped up into those two objectives.

“It’s getting late. Are you still planning to visit your homeless friends, or should I say your peeps, this evening?” Connie asked.

Trinity glanced at her Michael Kors watch, last year’s birthday present to herself. Connie was right—if she didn’t leave soon, it would be dark before she made it to the outskirts of Skid Row, a heavy populated area where the homeless resided in downtown Los Angeles.

“I’m glad you said something.” Trinity placed a few more items in the suitcase. She grabbed the bag of clothes that was set aside for Lucy, a homeless woman that Trinity went to see a couple of times a month. “I still think you should go with me. I might need you to check on Lucy, Fred and Henry while I’m gone.”

Connie, who was sitting on the bed near the suitcase, looked at her as if she had lost her mind. “You know I can’t handle being around homeless people. If that makes me a horrible person, I’m sorry, but unlike you, I can’t stomach the area where they live or the condition in which they live.”

Trinity moved the suitcase and sat next to her friend as she slipped into her tennis shoes. “It doesn’t make you a bad person. I remember when my mom moved Maxwell and me from Vegas to Los Angeles. We were homeless, living out of her raggedy car that barely got us to LA, and eating one meal a day until some of her relatives took us in.”

Trinity would never forget hearing her mother’s sobs fill the interior of the car when she thought that she and Maxwell were asleep. Even as a child, Trinity had started planning for the homeless shelter that she would one day open.

“As a cop, I remember the first time I worked the area. I was a mess. My heart broke for each and every homeless person I came in contact with. I just wanted to take them home with me or find suitable housing for all of them.” Trinity adjusted her pant legs and stood. “That’s why I have to get this homeless shelter up and running. Every night when I curl up in my warm bed or eat a hot meal, I think of them. We live in one of the richest countries in the world. As far as I’m concerned, there is no excuse for anyone to be homeless.”

“But I thought you said that many of them prefer to stay where they are, that they’re choosing to be homeless.”

“Yeah, but not all of them.” Trinity would never forget the time that she had found an opening at a woman’s shelter for Lucy. The woman had refused to go, claiming it was unsafe and that people would steal her stuff.

“That’s unbelievable. I can’t imagine choosing the streets over a warm bed.”

Trinity stood near the dresser, looking into the mirror. She pulled a lightweight sweatshirt over her head and exchanged her expensive watch for the one that she used when working in the yard.

“I want to have a place available to those who’ve fallen on hard times and do want to get off the streets.”

“And if anyone can do it, I know you can.” Connie slid off the bed and grabbed her large handbag from the chair near the window. “Is Jesse able to check on your peeps while you’re away?”

Trinity nodded with a hair clip between her teeth. She pulled back her hair and put it into a ponytail. Jesse was one of her old partners at the LAPD, a good friend, who often worked the area near Skid Row.

“Yeah, he said he’ll keep an eye on them while I’m away.”

“Okay, but in the meantime, you be careful down there.”

Trinity turned off the bedroom light and followed Connie out of the room and down the short hallway to the small living room area of her Hollywood Hills condominium. Trinity didn’t know what to expect with regard to where she’d be living when she went to Vegas, but she was definitely going to miss her cheery condo. During her time on the police force, most days she couldn’t wait to get home. She looked forward to her walls painted with bright colors, her large bay window that let in lots of sunlight, and most important, she loved the cozy environment that she had created. The intimate space kept her grounded...and sane.

“Do you still want me to pick you up at six in the morning?” Connie asked, standing at the door, her hand on the doorknob.

“Definitely, that should give me plenty of time to get to the airport and check my bags.”

“All right then, I’ll see you in the morning. Be safe out there.”

Forty-five minutes later, Trinity found a parking spot near San Pedro Street. She did a once-over of her attire, ensuring that she had remembered to leave anything of value at home. Most times when she visited, she didn’t have any problems, but every now and then some fool approached her thinking that she was an easy target. Just in case, she had a small handgun in her ankle holster and a Swiss Army Knife shoved down into the pocket of her jeans.