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I am soaking in the tub and making myself look as good as I feel before I get ready to meet him.
But the Pearl Room?
I settle myself into the water and slowly wash as I ask the same thing over and over. Eventually trying to relax with my eyes closed.
But the Pearl Room. Why?
It’s not exactly high on the places I want to visit right now, especially after my shameful exit last night.
But Ethan must have a damned good reason for being there. And wanting me there too.
I can’t help thinking it’s something to do with his accountant problem.
Groaning aloud, I try to forget it for now, but in the end, it’s the only thing that drags me out of a soak that would have lasted longer.
Would’ve been better with Ethan anyhow, I tell myself.
It’s almost eight-thirty by the time I dry off and find my phone.
Relieved to not have a dozen messages from my landlord or work, I set about drying myself off and trying to do something with my hair.
I don’t have any make-up either, so in the bright light of the bedroom, I look hideous.
The dress that fit so well in the store isn’t fitting quite so well either, and I half wonder if they sent up the wrong size by mistake.
Nope, same size on the label…crap.
I can’t be gaining pounds already? It’s not as if I’d be showing after just a few hours?
Then again, an Ethan-sized baby growing inside me. Who knows?
I do the best I can, slipping into the sheer gown after I find some lingerie Ethan picked that does fit me.
Better than the dress, which leaves me feeling naked somehow. And my chest looks like it’s about to spill out everywhere.
After a few deep breaths and plenty of adjusting later, I’m surprised at the young woman staring back at me from the mirror.
All the huffing and puffing to have my body sit right inside my dress has put some color in my cheeks.
And my hair kinda looks good when I just let it do its own thing.
And I have Ethan freaking Silverthorne waiting for me.
What’s there to complain about?
Hearing his voice in my mind again when I reach for the little clutch purse. I can feel and smell his cologne before I know I’m ready to go.
“You look beautiful, Lucky Charm.”
Yeah.
I guess I do.
I smile to myself. Then, I open the door and step out with nothing but excitement as I head for the Pearl Room for what I know is gonna be the last time I ever see this casino again.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Ethan
I hate leaving her alone, but it’s only long enough to do what I have to before meeting Levinson in the Pearl Room for his stupid bet.
And yeah. I want Krissy to be there.
She’s my lucky charm, for one thing. And she’s my woman now.
I guess I do wanna show her off. But hopefully not as much as that dress I laid out for her suggests.
I could’ve, maybe even should’ve just taken Krissy and gone home already. But something in me wants to make Levinson pay for whatever it is he’s done to my once trusted and reliable accountant.
They’re not easy to come by, trustworthy ones. And from today onward, I think I’ll manage all my financial affairs.
My stomach groans with hunger, but it’s not just food I’m already craving.
I’m hoping to be in and out of this casino business as quickly as possible.
A plane’s already on standby at the airport, regardless of the outcome with Levenson.
The Pearl Room is eerily empty once I make my way down there.
There’s only one table with a dealer and Levenson, of course.
All the other staff and guests are gone, and the look in Levenson’s eyes when I realize it really is just him and me is a big red flag.
The guy’s a prick, and I’m double glad I’ve told Krissy to come down too.
A witness if I need one.
I have to be ready for anything.
“Ethan. You made it,” Saul Levenson says, smiling a fake smile and standing, ushering me straight to the only seat available opposite him at the gambling table.
“I’ve set the table for roulette,” he says, casually waving a hand at it.
There are two very big piles of exclusive-looking chips.
And without even having to ask, I know it’s what he already owes me.
Forcing a double-down bet, I’m sure he’s rigged, so he doesn’t have to pay and leave me owing him.
I wonder how many other suckers have fallen for the same routine.
Wondering how many times Vince lost to put him in an impossible situation. It’s the only thing I can think of that would explain what he’s done.
But an all-night playoff isn’t what Levenson wants, and checking his watch, he remarks that he doesn’t have a lot of time.
Plane to catch, apparently.
Funny that. I wonder if Vince is on board too, or has he already skipped town?
