“Only if you want me to.”
Do I want him to?
My belly flutters at that thought. At the fact that I don’t think he’s bullshitting me right now. Considering the men I’ve spent my life around, I shouldn’t be so trusting. But there’s something about the way Hayes says exactly what he means, not sugarcoating it. His honesty is refreshing. And when I look into his captivating green eyes, I believe he wouldn’t touch me unless I asked him to.
I pull my lower lip between my teeth, considering his offer. Knowing that, at any moment, I could be discovered because I’m standing in the middle of a casino.
If this were one of my uncle’s casinos, they’d have spotted me walking in the door. But even without this casino being his, his men are bound to find me soon.
“All right,” I decide, lifting my chin. “But I’m only going for the view.”
Hayes grins. “It’s a good view.”
“I’m sure it is.”
He stands up taller, and I have to crane my neck back at how he towers over me. He watches me like I’m the center of the universe. The smile brightening his eyes is so wide, it’s like I just made his night. It would be so easy for a girl to be mesmerized by a man like this.
He’s gravity, and I’m helpless.
Hayes waves a hand, leading me to the elevator. I don’t take my eyes off the casino floor as we pass through. Each stare has the hair on the back of my neck standing tall. Just because my uncle doesn’t own this particular building doesn’t mean he doesn’t have cameras here.
I can’t imagine what he’ll do if he finds out where I am tonight. But I had to get out. One last taste of freedom before he shackles me to the fate he’s decided.
My shoulders don’t relax until I step into the elevator. And even then, tension coils in my belly for an entirely different reason.
Hayes stands at my side, not touching me. Come to think of it, he hasn’t touched me more than placing his hand on my lower back to guide me through the crowd since he kissed me. He’s a gentleman dressed like a red flag, and it’s confusing.
With each ping—each floor—my heartbeat quickens. It isn’t until we reach the third floor from the penthouse that we finally stop.
“High roller.” I glance up and find him already watching me.
“One of the perks of being friends with the owner.” He shrugs, waiting for me to step out of the elevator first.
“So you come here often?”
“I like to gamble.”
Meeting his gaze, I suspect he’s not just referring to cards and slot machines. But I don’t dare ask him to clarify.
Hayes is a mix of calm and wild. Calculation and risk. I sense he’s a man who is willing to take chances. Maybe that’s why I picked him out of the crowd.
There’s a light in his eyes, like he genuinelyenjoysliving.
I can’t remember the last time I looked forward to waking up in the morning. That I could leave anything tochance. That I felt like I was making the decisions in my life.
He’s freedom, and I’m wrapped in chains.
Hayes stops at the end of the hall, unlocking his door and guiding me inside. One wall is all windows, offering a view of the Strip.
In a city filled with lights, there are no stars to be seen because of all the light pollution.
I explore the room, brushing my fingers over a couch as I pass. The leather smooth beneath my fingertips. A glass door leads to an oversized balcony, where a pool stretches out from the side of the building.
I pause at the windows to take it all in. It’s not anything I haven’t seen before. My uncle’s wealth has afforded me a very comfortable life. But when Hayes stops at my side, his gaze roaming the city below, something is different.
It’s special.
Having it all isn’t the same as having someone to share it with.
