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As the limo approaches the casino, her loud gasp pulls me out of my funk. “It’s beautiful!”
I smile, relieved that she’s impressed. When the front entrance is lit up at night, it’s one of the most spectacular sights in New Alderney.
“Casino Montesano?” she asks.
“Great-Grandfather Paolo built it in 1951 based on similar archeological principles as the mansion,” I reply, my chest inflating. “It was the Salerno back then until my dad renovated the casino, added a hotel, and named it the Montesano.”
Whatever pride I feel is bittersweet, considering that one of the buildings behind it is the Hotel Marisol, which that bastard built. The limo passes the grand entrance and stops at a side door reserved for VIPs.
“The man had great taste,” she murmurs, her voice breathy with awe.
“It’s a common trait shared by all Montesano men,” I say, my gaze skimming over her outfit.
She wears one of the dresses I chose for her: a strapless, red gown that showcases her curves and long legs. Her curls are piled atop her head with her pretty face framed with stray tendrils.
If this date wasn’t part of a plan to keep her at my side forever, I would take her back home and fuck her until those curls lay straight.
“Shall we?” I offer her a hand and lead her out of the limousine.
A host leads us through the chandelier-lit VIP entrance, which has a glass-paneled walkway that takes us over the main floor. It’s bustling down there with thumping music and crowds around the slot machines.
Emberly clutches my hand, her gaze darting from side to side, her breath growing fast and shallow. From the smile flickering on her beautiful features, I’d say she was awestruck.
“Is this your first time at a casino?” I ask.
She laughs. “I never had enough money to gamble away. Why are there so many slot machines?”
“Would you believe we make more money from those than from the tables?”
She shakes her head, her lips parting with a gasp.
“Come on.” I wrap an arm around her waist and tuck her into my side.
The host leads us to a private dining room with glass walls that offer a panoramic view of the casino’s tables. I called ahead, informing the staff that my guest wasn’t allowed booze under any circumstances. If Emberly orders something alcoholic, they will shut their mouths and replace it with something else.
“This is incredible,” she whispers as I settle her into her seat.
I place a kiss on her lips before returning to my place. “This casino was my father’s pride and joy.”
“What happened?” she asks. “Last thing I heard, it was called the Capello Casino, and now?—”
“It’s back where it belongs,” I say, my smile tight.
She nods but doesn’t comment. Emberly is intelligent enough to put two and two together and work out that the man who framed me for murder also stole our casino.
I’m betting everything on the house that she doesn’t figure out where she fits into this mess. At least not until it’s too late.
A waiter comes in to take our order, and she selects the tasting menu, which provides a different wine with each course. I get the same in case she complains about the vintages because the staff will replace everything with alcohol-scented juice.
The first course is a foie gras terrine with what’s supposed to be a light Pinot Gris. She takes tiny bites, savoring each morsel, and I’m enchanted by the way she eats.
“What?” she bats her eyes.
“Nothing.” I shake my head and smile. “I just like watching you enjoy your food.”
She dips her head. “This is pretty good, but I still can’t work out how on earth you clawed back a whole casino. Did you have to take it over with all your men?”
“Like an invasion?” I ask.
