Page 70 of Maximum Bet

As far as I’m concerned, my time as a Vegas showgirl has run its course. But I’m terrified to put in my two weeks’ notice.

There’s something about quitting that makes my new life so official.

No longer am I Cassandra Bain, the struggling former ballerina. I’m on my way to being Mrs. Dominic Tariello—the wealthy wife of a celebrity entrepreneur . . . and Mafia boss.

After sprinkling seasoning on my avocado toast, I carry my plate to the kitchen bar and take a bite.

While I chew, I decide today is the day I tell Zachary that I’m leaving. He’ll either throw a dramatic fit or shrug and say, “See you later.” I honestly don’t know which to expect.

One thing I do know is that Dominic will be thrilled.

He’s never hidden his dislike of sharing me with an audience. After arguments and plenty of snarky comments, I’m finally giving him what he wants.

Because I want it, too.

As I finish my toast, I allow my thoughts to drift into the future. What does it look like now that my tenure in dance is over? My position at Pharaoh’s Temple will take up far less of my time. So, what will I do with my days?

I can be like Cecilia and throw volunteer luncheons for the wealthy wives in the suburbs, I can be like Sadie and jump into motherhood, or I can lounge poolside reading romance novels and sipping cocktails.

Only one of those options has my heart beating faster and a grin growing on my face.

But I know it’s not the time.

And what am I going to do? Raise a baby in the penthouse of a casino.

No.

I’ll wait for Dominic to make that decision.

In the meantime, I’ll help Ceciliaandlounge by the pool.

At least I’ll get a good tan.

Chapter 24

Dominic

“Idoubt they’ll continue meeting in Puerto Rico,” Leo says, leaning against the bookshelf in my office. “We’ve lost the ability to survey them.”

“We know most of their aliases now,” I point out. “We can watch commercial travel and chartered flights.”

Leo rocks his head side to side. “Yes, but just like us, they have ways of getting around detection. Especially now that the Medina organization is taking a foothold in the Mexican Riviera, it’s fairly easy for Kozlova to have someone else charter a flight for him in Russia, which he controls, jump on undetected, and land in Cancun, where Perez is influential.”

“Yeah, and Kozlova would blend in as a tourist, even if they drove down to somewhere like Tulum,” Marco chimes in from the other side of the room.

I rub my eyes, frustrated with our sudden lack of knowledge. “Have Lucas have some of our men watch that area.”

“We don’t know that’s where they are,” Leo counters.

“It’s the only guess we have.” I stand and walk to the front of my desk, crossing my arms and leaning against it. “I really wish our guys hadn’t lost them in San Juan.”

“I know.” Leo runs a hand over his face. “But once they fled into the rain forest, it was impossible for our men to track Kozlova and Perez’s Jeeps in an unmodified sedan. They tried.”

The three of us sit in silence, all working through the current dilemma.

Sure, we took the offensive, disabling Kozlova and Perez’s main mode of transportation. We sent a message, which we had to do, but we also gave away our cards.

I scan the wall of pictures behind Marco. Each frame contains a defining moment in my life.