Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
I knew, if he could, Roman would wash his hands of all of it and concentrate on his hotels and casinos. But because of his loyalty to Luca, he stayed involved. I had seen his desire for that life waning, growing more distant as time passed. I wondered at times how long it would be before he wanted a complete separation.
His father would roll over in his grave. I hope he knew and that he suffered.
I signed off on some comp orders and handed them to the front desk manager. “They’re potential big spenders. Make them feel special.”
Maurice nodded. “Will do.”
Without thought, my feet took me past the entrance to Rolling Dice. I’d found myself around there a lot the past while. I scanned the restaurant, my body tightening as Vi came into view. She wore the black pants today. They hugged her ass and legs like a second skin. Instead of a belt, she had a bright scarf wrapped around her waist, and her hair was slicked back, her makeup on point. She looked every inch a sassy, perky, sexy waitress. I covertly watched her then stepped back before she could see me. I hated that other men saw her that way, and I hated that I hated it.
I headed to the casino, cursing myself. I needed to stop, yet I seemed unable to do so. If Roman found out, he’d rag me relentlessly. He was already enjoying Luca’s situation far too much.
I shook my head as I walked the floor, my gaze sweeping the room constantly. The machines were busy, people everywhere, and the night was young. Staff were carrying drinks, helping customers. The deeper I walked into the casino, the calmer it became. The private elevator led to the second floor. That was where the real gambling happened. The games, the heavy hitters. The farther you went, the more opulent the rooms became. It was discreet, quiet, and soaked in money. Power. We called it The Epicenter.
Everything was prepared for the evening. Private poker games were set up. The high-roller room was ready, everything in place and perfect. The floors gleamed. The view of the Falls from the all-glass curved window at the end was spectacular. It was one only the privileged few witnessed. There was no way to access it aside from this room, so there were never any gawkers or curious onlookers. Bulletproof glass and a film on the outside ensured total privacy for those within, those with the deep pockets and the connections to get in here. The minimum bid to get into these games was an average person’s take-home pay for a year. Sometimes more.
This was Roman’s domain. Here, he was king. A nod of his head gave you more credit. A simple tilt of his chin could exclude you from ever setting foot in here again. Having a drink with him was akin to rubbing elbows with God. Men were jealous of him. Women wanted him. He ignored them all, for the most part.
I walked beside him nightly, his constant shadow. On the nights he was absent, it was me who dispensed the permission. Made the decisions. The power was addictive, and you had to be careful not to let it go to your head. You left your emotions at the door and let your brain do the thinking. Nothing else. This was a business, and that was how we ran it. We had seen too many others fail.
That was unacceptable.
Satisfied all was perfect, I headed to my office. I ordered a sandwich and coffee, resisting the temptation to go to the deli. I had to stop thinking about Vi.
When I heard the quiet knock, I called out for the person bringing me my meal to come in.
But it wasn’t just anyone. It was Vi. She walked in, holding a tray, and I frowned. “What are you doing here, and why do you have my food?” I began to stand, feeling anger surge through me. “Did you transfer? Were you not happy?”
She blinked at my tone, then laughed. “Relax, big man. I was walking this way and saw Angie bringing the tray. I told her I’d take it for you since I was coming to see you.” She slid it onto my desk. “I’m perfectly happy at the deli.” Then she tsked. “You should have ordered from there.”
I sat down and chuckled. “I just need something fast.” I picked up my sandwich, trying not to stare at her. I did startle as she picked up the coffee carafe and poured it into my cup. She slid it my way, then sat down.
“What can I help you with?” I asked, my voice gruff.
“I tried to give Brian the first month’s rent, and he said I had been taken care of. I was wondering what you might know of that. He mentioned last was covered as well.” She crossed her legs, swinging one foot in agitation and readying herself for a fight.