“Is there something wrong with the pool? We know you can swim,” Ky busts her. The three of us used to spend so many weekends here, swimming in rooftop pools. We watched Liv blossom from girl to woman in an array of eye-catching bikinis.
“I don’t have a bathing suit.”
“I’m sure she’s got you covered. She packed enough clothes for three people and seven months,” Ky assures her.
“Well, that makes it all better then.”
“Laters.” Ky walks out, leaving Liv and me to our own devices.
“You and Kira in bikinis without us?” I’m not sure I like the idea.
“Oh, the hardships of being in a relationship,” she feigns.
“Relationship?” That gets my attention.
“Yeah, well, we had a deal, right? Exclusive while we’re here. I take my promises very seriously.”
“So do I.” Especially when it comes to promises with Liv.
“Besides.” She wraps her arms around my neck flirtatiously. “You have the better end of the bargain. You get to see me completely naked.”
I beam. “I am a lucky, lucky man.”
* * *
I spentthe remainder of the morning getting lucky.
I can’t stop grinning no matter how hard I try. I have gotten nonstop shit from Ky that the players club has now lost two key members. I keep reminding him that what Liv and I have is temporary. He doesn’t buy it. I don’t want to believe it, but the bottom line is, only Liv has the ability to make it permanent. She holds the most powerful card. The ace high.
Rolling along at the table, I’m up three grand and flying high. But ever since I set foot on the casino floor, I’ve had this unsettling feeling. Like someone’s watching me. I scan the room every so often, but nothing seems out of the ordinary. Maybe I’m just paranoid. Maybe the prospect of getting everything I want is fucking with my head. To come so close, and then somehow lose it all.
I shake it off.
I’m being ridiculous.
I’m just used to shit going south. Not this time, though. This time, I’m going to get everything I want. And more.
After three hours of nonstop play. I need to hit the head. A urinal under the tables might be a good investment. I wonder if there’s a suggestion box?
Making my way to the bathroom, I unzip my fly and take a leak, peeing for what feels like an hour. Even the guy next to me is impressed. I wonder idly if nonstop sex affects your bladder in any way?
I rezip, wash my hands, and am then struck with a prickly feeling. I turn around, but no one is there. I shake it off. I’m going fucking nuts. Too many blinking casino lights and too much stress is taking its toll.
I walk out of the restroom, preparing for another marathon session at the tables, when a familiar face teases my eyeline, and my heartbeat skids to a halt.
I’m not crazy. Iambeing fucking watched, and I’ve had just about enough of the mind games.
I confront Pony’s man right on the casino floor. It’s the same Russian Schwarzenegger who nearly beat me unconscious. Let’s see how tough he is in a crowd full of people. I’m fucking sore from the ass kicking he gave me and on a hunt for retribution.
“Miss me that much you just couldn’t stay away?” I crack him right in the face. The sound catches everyone’s attention in our immediate area. The punch barely rings his bell, but it felt so fucking satisfying to get one solid hit in.
“The clock is ticking down, and it doesn’t look like you’re using your time wisely,” he insults me in his thick, Russian accent, unfazed by my aggression.
“You have no fucking idea how I’m using my time.” I push him, feeling the crowd closing in.
“What I see is a pathetic dead man trying to get his last kicks before I put him in the ground.” He leans over me menacingly as security guards head in our direction. “And putting that pretty piece of ass in immediate danger.” Something sick and sinister flashes in his eyes. “I won’t have any problems taking care of her after I take care of you.”
Every fiber connecting my physical being inflames from the threat. “You tell Pony he’ll have his fucking money. My hotel room. Day after tomorrow, motherfucker. Noon. Come find me.”
