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Goodpoint.Ifwe wanted to remain unnoticed, exercising discretion was important.Wecashed out our winnings, andDamonpulled me toward another room.Iglanced at our empty champagne bottle. “Thatwas a good choice.”
“We’llorder the same one later tonight, then.”
“What’stonight?”
Sky-blue eyes watched me, studying me, dissecting me, like always. “NewYear’s,” he finally replied.Somethingabout his ominous tone told me there was more to the story, but instead of prying,Isimply watched him in turn.
ChapterTwenty-Three
POPPY
Flushedwith victory,we visited numerous rooms, constantly rotating tables.Wewon hand after hand because we knew when to hit.Betteryet, we knew when to quit.
“Weneed to move on,”Damonsuggested. “Thecasino will catch on if we keep winning.”
Mystomach growled in response.Ihadn’t eaten since the disastrous breakfast.Althoughthe flight attendant served a full lunch on the plane,Ididn’t have an appetite.Damonhad scowled at my unfinished plate but let it go on account of my foul mood.
Thecourtesy no longer applied. “Weare getting some food in you before we do anything else,” he declared.
Weventured beyond the confines of the hotel in search ofMiguel.Iwasn't surprised when the limousine dropped us off at a restaurant just abhorrent enough to suit my taste.Ofcourse,Damonpicked a place custom-made for me, from the worn-out menus down to theGod-awful yellow wallpaper.Ifound myself staring at a dry sandwich with buns slightly burnt around the outer edges.Itwas horrifically perfect, but others didn’t often share my taste.
“Doyou not like yours?”IskimmedDamon’splate, which had been mostly neglected.
“It'sfine.”Damonwatched me shove food down my throat as if it was the most endearing thing he had seen in years.
“Ithought you’d be hungrier.”
“Oh,I’mdefinitely hungry.”Histongue darted out to lick his bottom lip.Myeyes followed the motion.Thedouble entendre left a dipping sensation low in my abdomen, and sitting still was suddenly a challenge.
Thesmell ofDamon’sexpensive cologne and a hint of his sweat had tortured me for hours, andIwas finally at my limit.Hispresence was worse.Damoncarried himself with a quiet confidence, making his magnetism impossible to ignore.Theman was incredibly built with broad shoulders, toned muscles, and warm, golden skin.Ifhis stature managed not to captivate people, the masculine aura dripping with sex did the trick.
Damoncaught the wayIshifted in my seat.Hewore a cocky grin and leaned back, a hand over his mouth hiding the amusement as if he knew exactly what got me worked up.Theeffect he had on me was absurd.
“Youfeeling okay, baby?Youlook a little flushed.”
“Idon’t flush.”
Hiseyes lazily perused me from top to bottom.Heleaned closer, the taut muscles under his shirt contracting. “Youdo.Yourface is all red.”
“Impossible.”
“Andyou look restless.”Hisvoice was low and smooth, eliciting an embarrassing response between my legs. “Ifyou need something to help you relax, all you have to do is ask.”
“I’mfine,”Imanaged.
“Sure, baby,” he said with a knowing grin.
Theinfuriating smile loitered asIpushed my meal away.Theperfect sandwich tasted like ash in my mouth.Ineeded to work off the abrupt edginess and was relieved whenDamonsuggested a walk on theStrip.
Theunexpected detour of strolling past iconic hotels and landmarks wasn't as bad asIexpected.Foronce,Iwasn't bothered by a bustling crowd, lively streets, or cheerful performers.Whereasthe bright lights casting a vibrant glow onLasVegasshould've made my blood boil, it felt like background noise next toDamon.Theswagger in his graceful movements oozed with control and self-assurance as he grabbed my hand.
Eventually, we reached theBellagiofountains.Therhythmic rise and fall of water danced harmoniously with the lights in the dark of the night.EvenIwasn't cynical enough to deny the tranquility.
Whenthe cold settled in,Damonpulled me to his chest, a hand resting on my hip.Theother trailed up my side, wrapping around my neck.Hestudied me intently, face inches from mine. “Youare beautiful,Poppy.”
Noone spoke my name the way it rolled off his tongue. “Whatare you doing?”
“Whatyou were thinking about doing in the restaurant.”Hepulled me closer by the nape. “Youwere squirming because you needed me to fix what was broken.”
