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Now.
A push and a tug and Nick was upright on the couch, and he helped settle her onto his lap with a lazy, appreciative smile. With her legs on either side of his strong thighs and her knees snugged up next to his hips, she pressed against the bulge in his pants and gasped as a bolt of heat shot though her.
It was easy to push his shirt up and over his head, baring sculpted bronze skin to her eager hands. The dusting of crisp black hair tickled her fingers as she explored the lines and planes of his chest, and she felt the muscles jump when she brushed her thumbs over his nipples.
She was shocking herself with her actions, but not Nick. His hungry look told her that much. Again she sent up a word of thanks for Las Vegas and men like Nick. Nick was unlike any of the men at home—they were too polished, too urbane, too domesticated. Nick’s rough edges excited her, made her feel as if she was dealing with something powerful and raw and untamed. It reached inside her, past the years of behaving herself, and released her.
More importantly, Nick seemed to like that part of her. Encourage it, even. It was a heady combination—the power and the freedom—and it frightened her a bit with its intensity.
Nick’s hands locked around her arms, pulling her down for another soul-stealing kiss. A moment later, she felt the straps at her shoulders give way. Then the zipper of her skirt. The fabric bunched under his hands as they made their way up her body with excruciating slowness. She lifted her arms and Nick pulled both items over her head, and she fought back a blush as his eyes moved appreciatively over her body.
His fingers brushed over the top of her lacy strapless bra, teasing her nipples and causing her thighs to clench. A quick twist of the clasp and it joined the rest of her clothes on the ground.
She hissed as Nick’s tongue snaked out to tease, then bit back a cry when he pulled her aching nipple into the moist heat of his mouth. His hands went to her waist, pressing down as he lifted his hips and pressed against her very needy core.
Oh, yesss.
A tug on his hair and Nick was kissing her again, his tongue sliding across hers in a way that made her insides melt and her breathing ragged. His hands cupped her face gently as she worked on his belt and slid his zipper down.
She caught his groan in her mouth as she palmed him, running her hand over the hard length of an impressive erection that made her shiver with anticipation. Nick’s eyes closed and he leaned back, his fingers digging into her thighs as she stroked him. Evie felt powerful, sexy, pleased she could make Nick feel even a part of that burning ache he stoked in her.
Nick suddenly surged forward, capturing her mouth in a savage kiss as he lifted her to the side easily with only one arm, using the other to slide her panties down her legs and off. That same dexterity had the rest of his clothes off in a blink, and he settled her back into her original position.
With a bravado she didn’t know she had, she managed to meet his eyes and hold the stare as he tickled his fingers along her inner thigh, teasing her before his thumb slipped between her damp folds and wrung a moan from her with barely a touch.
Nick cursed, and holding her in place, leaned forward and reached for the table. Confused, she turned her head in time to see him slide open a drawer. Condoms filled the small space.
They weren’t the first people to use this room for…She tried to swallow her shock. “Oh. Goodness.”
“These rooms are for private parties, too.”
Of course they are. Nick must think she was some kind of naive country girl. She tried to sound airy and sophisticated. “They really do think of everything here, don’t they?”
Nick’s smile caught her off guard. “Thank God they do.”
She couldn’t argue with that, and she was thankful Nick was coherent enough to remember the basics. Her brain had definitely checked out. Nick placed the condom on the cushion next to him and settled back into place.
In no rush, his hands began exploring her body again, teasing her nipples, sliding a strong finger inside her until her nails were digging into his biceps and she was gasping for breath.
An eternity later, she heard the beautiful sound of a condom packet being ripped open, and Nick was guiding her hips into position.
Evie couldn’t stifle her groan of pleasure as she sank slowly onto him, savoring each centimeter until they were completely locked together. Her thighs shook as she started to move, Nick’s hands helping her set the pace.
Sweet mercy, she was going to die, right here, from the sheer bliss of the feel of him in her. She let her forehead fall against his as the movement became more frantic, the pleasure sharper and more intense. She felt light-headed as the pressure built, radiating out until her entire body began to shake, and she threw her head back and screamed his name as she shattered into a thousand glittering pieces.
He’d never used one of his VIP lounges for sex before. He’d hosted a small gathering in this room only once: last year when they’d celebrated the purchase of the Starlight. He had good memories of that night, but tonight guaranteed he’d never look at this room the same way again. Every piece of furniture, the floor, even the long wall of windows, would now hold the image of Evie, naked and panting and crying out his name.
Evie lay back against the couch, her hair a tangle of curls cascading over the edge to nearly touch the carpet. The picture she created was more than enough to get his blood pumping again, although it shouldn’t be possible after he’d taken her so many times he’d lost count. But the band had long ago called it quits for the night, and the slowdown on the dance floor told him how late it was. He checked his watch to be sure.
He ran a hand over the leg Evie had draped across his lap, and she sighed contentedly. “Starlight closes at four. We should probably get dressed.”
Evie switched from sensual to shy in a heartbeat; the woman who’d clawed his back and screamed his name—repeatedly—couldn’t seem to meet his eyes now. A blush stained her cheeks as modesty returned about three hours too late, and she fumbled for her clothes.
“Um, okay…sure. Just give me a minute.”
Her face was redder than the desert sunset, and she practically ran for the attached bathroom, giving him a lovely view of her backside as she retreated.
He untangled his own clothes and pulled his shirt on over his head, surprised to find that the scent of Evie’s perfume clung faintly to it. The smell wasn’t a familiar one—he couldn’t place it. It was heady, yet subtle, exotic and unique.
Much like Evie.
She was tempting and seductive, yet there was a wholesome genuineness underneath. She seemed cautious to approach new things—even hesitant at times—but she had an adventurous streak that couldn’t be denied. Her honeyed Texas drawl wasn’t affected, but it gave way sometimes to something else, leading him to believe she wasn’t a true Dallas native.
Part of him thought she had to be from that Southern aristocracy he’d heard about; she had class, elegance and she could be unbelievably polite and well-mannered. At the same time, she lacked that air of superiority Old-Money people had: that belief they were somehow better than everyone else just because great-grandpa once owned half the town.
He had personal experience with Old Money and New Money. Vegas was full of New-Money people—hell, he was one of them—and he far preferred the New Money over the Old, even if he was, technically, biologically at least, both.
Evie returned—dressed, hair somewhat tamed—but still looking as if she’d been…well, having sex for the last four hours. Her lips were slightly swollen, and her jaw was a little red from where his stubble had rubbed.
Still not quite able to make eye contact, Evie retrieved her shoes from under the table and grabbed her purse. “I’m ready,” she claimed, as she hurried to slide her feet into the strappy silver sandals.
“Don’t rush. No one’s going to be banging down the door.”
“Well, I don’t want Dave to get in trouble for letting us up here.”
He bit back a smile at that.
“Here. Take these.” She pushed glassware into his hands and started straightening the cushions on the couch.
“You don’t have to do that, Evie.”
“If this room wasn’t supposed to be used tonight, they’ll know someone was up here when they see the mess.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
Evie frowned. “Nick…”
With no way to explain that wouldn’t tell her more about his finances than he wanted her to know, he bit his tongue and took the empty glasses.
Evie had to notice the number of strange looks sent their way as they came down the stairs. Earlier, when the place had been hopping, only a few people had noticed he was here. Now, with so few customers still hanging on, he could see the questions on every face of the Starlight staff.
Evie’s cheeks grew redder and redder and her feet moved faster, until she was out the door in almost a full trot. Outside, she leaned against a wall and covered her face with her hands. “Oh, my God, that was so embarrassing.”
“What?”
“Did you not see everyone staring at us? I felt like I was carrying a giant neon sign that said We Just Had Sex.”
He laughed, but smothered it with a cough when Evie turned stormy eyes on him. “It’s not funny.”
“You don’t know these people, and you’ll never see them again, so why do you care?”
Evie leaned her head back against the concrete wall. “I guess you’re right. That only makes it slightly less embarrassing.”
He’d never seen anyone die of embarrassment before, but Evie had to be close, so he took pity on her, even though he was loath to end their evening. “It’s late, and I have to work in the morning. I’ll take you back to your hotel. Where are you staying?”
“The Bellagio.” Her voice sounded small and he wondered why.
A taxi coasted to a stop, and he opened the door for Evie to climb in. In the backseat, Evie seemed even more withdrawn, a huge change from her brightness earlier. Unable to ask why when the cabbie was listening, he settled for lame small talk. “That’s a nice hotel. Have you had a chance to explore it?”
“Not really. Bennie—Sabine,” she corrected, “and I did a little shopping earlier today.”
“Bennie’s the friend who came with you?”
Evie nodded. “But I haven’t been to the casino yet. I’m not much of a gambler.”
“Don’t like it?”
“Don’t know how to play any of the games. I’ve played penny-ante poker with my brother and blackjack on my laptop, but that’s about it.”
“I could teach you.” Why had he offered that? He hadn’t been in a casino in years.
“You’d do that?” Evie brightened considerably. Maybe she really did want to learn to gamble.
“If you’d like.”
Her mood improved exponentially at that point, and by the time they pulled in at the Bellagio, Evie was almost back to her earlier self.
Including using her best manners. “I had a great time tonight, Nick. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” Understatement of the year.
A Bellagio doorman opened the taxi door, and Nick slid out and extended a hand to Evie. Once she was on her feet, he slid a hand under her chin and turned her face up for a kiss.
Evie’s response was as voracious as before, and he let the kiss continue until the cabbie started complaining about the wait. Evie stepped back, another adorable blush rising over her cleavage.
“Do you know the bar that overlooks the fountain?”
She nodded.
“Meet me there at seven tonight.”
Evie’s smile could be breathtaking, especially when she rose up on her tiptoes to kiss him one last time before finally turning to the doorman patiently holding the lobby door open.
At the door, she turned and waved.
He directed the cabbie to take him back to The Zoo, where he had left his car in a not-great alley off a side street. At the time, he only planned to be in the club for a couple of hours, tops. If he’d known it would be more like six, he’d have found a safer spot. Hopefully, it would still have a stereo and all four tires when he returned.
Hell, who was he kidding? He didn’t care, even as he noticed the broken window. A night with Evie was well worth the consequences.
Chapter Three
EVIE FELT LIKE SKIPPING through the Bellagio lobby, but ladies didn’t skip through hotel lobbies. She stamped down the urge.
She’d just had what was possibly the best night of her entire life, and even better, Nick wanted to do it again tonight. Ladylike or not, that thought put a bounce in her step anyway.
Even at this time of the night—or technically, morning—the lobby was active, the employees greeting her politely as if she didn’t look as if she’d just come in after a night of debauchery. She should feel exposed and embarrassed, since it was obvious what she’d been up to, but she realized that probably wasn’t an uncommon occurrence in Las Vegas.
And, as Nick had reminded her, it’s not as if she’d ever see these people again.
In the elevator, she slipped out of her shoes and stretched tiredly. The adrenaline and endorphin rush she’d been on all night dissipated quickly now that Nick wasn’t around to fuel it, and exhaustion settled heavily on her shoulders. An enormous yawn cracked her jaw, and she really, really needed to sleep.
She closed the door to the suite behind her quietly. Sabine’s shoes and evening bag were on the couch, and the door to her room was shut. Evie had no way of knowing if Bennie was alone in there or not.
And to be honest, she was too tired to care.
Evie collapsed on her bed and stared at the ceiling. She was keyed up mentally, sated physically and totally exhausted. She should shower, maybe eat something, but her legs felt too heavy to move. Getting out of her clothes almost sounded like far too much work, but she managed to shimmy out of them and wrap a robe around herself before she pushed the button to close the drapes and crawled under the covers.
When she closed her eyes, Nick’s face was there. She could feel the imprint of his hands on her hips, taste him on her lips, hear that low growl. She wanted to relive every moment and savor the anticipation of tonight, but sleep was dragging her under quickly…
“Jeez, Evie, wake up. How hungover are you?”
Evie felt Sabine land on her bed next to her. “I’m not hungover. Just tired,” she mumbled. “Go ’way.”
“The day is half-over, and I still haven’t heard about your night. What time did you get in, anyway?”
“Dunno. Four-ish. Maybe?” She pulled the pillow over her head as Bennie pushed the button controlling the drapes and light flooded the room. “Late.”
“Way to go, Evie! I want details. Graphic ones.” Sabine shook her shoulder. “Spare nothing.”
Evie pried open her eyes and looked at the clock. After ten. “You lie. The day is not half-over. Wake me in another couple of hours.” She could go back to the dream where she and Nick were swimming in that cove not far from where she grew up on St. Kitts…
“Evie Harrison, I am dying for details.” Another shake. “Get up or I’ll call Will and tell him you stayed out all night.”
She didn’t believe Bennie would do such a horrible thing, but…“Fine. I’m up.” She untangled herself from the covers and sat up slowly.
Sabine giggled as Evie pushed her hair out of her faced and yawned. “You look awful.”
Bennie, as always, looked like one of Botticelli’s angels: adorable round face, curly blond hair, big blue eyes. Petite, thin and perky, Bennie was the perfect debutante. On the outside, at least. On the inside, she was more trouble than a biker gang at a Sunday School picnic. Sabine—unbeknownst to her family—was what Uncle Marcus would call a Bad Influence. It was why they were such good friends. “Thanks, Bennie. Just what I needed to hear. I feel awful, too.”
Sabine handed her a bottle of water and eyed her critically. “Good thing I made reservations at the spa. It’ll take them all afternoon just to take care of those bags under your eyes.”
“Oh, that sounds excellent.” Evie unscrewed the lid and drank deeply. Some of the cobwebs left her mind, and she felt better almost immediately. Nick had warned her that the desert air would dehydrate her. “How was your night? You and Toby have a good time? His name was Toby, right?”
Bennie smiled angelically. “What Toby lacks in finesse, he more than makes up for in enthusiasm and stamina. He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed, but who needs conversation, anyway?” Bennie nudged her. “If I want to talk, I’ll call you.”
Evie scrubbed a hand over her face as she laughed. “I’m glad you had a good time.”
“I am a little achy this morning.” Rolling onto her back, Bennie stretched, then grinned. “But enough about me. I want to know who you hooked up with. I nearly died when I saw your text, and then when I beat you back to the room, I couldn’t believe it. Spill.”
