Cocky Prince

by Jules Barnard

  I highly doubt it, but I humor Paul. “What else?”

  Paul pulls up a spreadsheet. “Here is the list of equipment we supply.”

  Which consists of items I glimpsed in the sex dungeon, as well as condoms, lubricants, and other personal care. I point to another list. “What is that?”

  “Decoy names we’ve come up with for the drugs our members might wish to procure during their stay,” he says. “We learned from Bliss 1.0 that keeping drugs in-house could be problematic, so our escorts deliver them when they arrive.”

  “Which also encourages members to use escorts if they want drugs.” And—Jesus—puts the criminal liability on the poor girl delivering them.

  Paul smirks. “Exactly. They pay the price of two for one. Though once the escort arrives, I can’t imagine they’ll want her to leave.” He grins licentiously. “By the way, how did you like the product I sent to your house? Haven’t used it all up, I hope? That was top grade. Costs us a fortune, but we have an inside connection.”

  The prostitutes and cocaine Paul sent to my house were more than a test of my discretion; they were a sample. Wonderful.

  I knew there had to be more to Bliss with the way Paul and William were acting, I just didn’t want there to be a problem. I told myself that as long as Blackwell kept everything legal, there wasn’t an issue, and he did. People bring drugs to the casino all the time. Everything else I’ve seen this morning isn’t necessarily illegal in Nevada either. But it’s enough to have my alarms sounding.

  The casino is staying within legal limits, but just barely. What’s stopping them from crossing that line every now and then if it brings in extra cash? That’s what this venture is about for Blackwell. Revenue. In large quantities.

  I was selfish because I didn’t want to lose something I’d never done without. I wanted the cash as badly as Blackwell and the others, but my morals are all jumbled up now. I’m a little less lax and a lot more wary, because I have more to lose. I don’t want a lifestyle that doesn’t involve Hayden, and I sure as hell don’t want her mixed up in whatever this is. I’m certain I’m not seeing all of it.

  Discretion, Paul and William said. I figured the Bliss members didn’t want anyone knowing about their sexual affairs and the drugs they brought in. But why would Paul threaten me into keeping Bliss a secret? Why wouldn’t they advertise Bliss to the public?

  Something isn’t adding up.

  Paul finishes his grand tour of Bliss and I return to my office. The hazy summer clouds paint the lake a gray-blue outside my window. Paul made it clear that to talk about Bliss would be unwise. If Blackwell is working with drug dealers, what else might he be willing to do to keep Blue Casino profitable?

  I pull out my cell phone and make a couple of calls, one of them to Jeb Kendrick, Gen’s father. To hell with discretion and confidentiality. I tell Jeb about Bliss, and we discuss options for looking into who’s backing the drugs.

  Paul has given me details about Bliss on an incremental basis. I’m not backing out, but I’m moving forward cautiously.

  I wanted Hayden away from Bliss because of the secrecy and weirdness Paul and William exhibited over the venture, which is why I suggested our bet. Later, Paul’s threats lent more ammunition for keeping her out of things. The more I know, the more I’d like Hayden to leave town. The escorts, the drugs, not to mention the sex dungeon—which I’m pretty sure the casino isn’t licensed for—it’s the kind of atmosphere that breeds trouble.

  Hayden returned to Lake Tahoe to prove she deserves to be here. She wouldn’t leave even if I outlined all of the above. If anything, it would spur her on. She’d want to find evidence to take to the police, just like Lewis said.

  Blackwell doesn’t want Hayden involved in Bliss, and I’m guessing that’s because he realizes Hayden wouldn’t hesitate to call him out. Smart man.

  I have no idea how to manage my relationship with Hayden and my involvement in the venture. I like my job, and I think I can make it work. Bliss could well turn out to be on the up-and-up, but given the behavior of my coworkers and boss, I’ll keep in touch with Jeb just in case.

  I should put a halt to what’s building between Hayden and me. If it turns out Bliss is more than I bargained for, I have decisions to make that could be dangerous. Associating with me right now isn’t smart, if it ever was.

  But I’m a selfish asshole. I let Hayden walk out of my life once. I won’t do it again.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Hayden

  The instructions for the new HR software are making me crazy. I check the form the database manager sent me one more time. They still make no sense. “Grrr!”

  A second before I throw my keyboard across the room, Adam steps into my office and locks the door behind him.

  I swivel toward him, my heart rate increasing. Whatever frustrations I felt are forgotten as I watch him stalk across the room. I’ve been thinking about him all day, wondering if I dreamt this morning and our connection over the weekend. Everything is different. I’m trying to not overthink Mira’s question about being in love. I am not in love with Adam.

  I am in like with him. Heavy, heavy like.

  In typical Adam fashion, his hair is combed, his suit couture—and not at all like the man I glimpsed these last two days. The dark intent in his eyes, however, is exactly what I saw beneath that polished exterior. The same eyes that made me mad with lust this morning.

  I stand. I don’t know why, but I do. And then I’m being swept up into his arms.

  “I missed you,” he murmurs, and kisses me.

  I wrap my arms around his shoulders and slide my fingers into his hair. I’m ruffling it, and I don’t care. He is polished and beautiful, but he’s also the sweet guy who fell asleep on my bed last night. And he’s kissing me again, when I wasn’t sure he would.

  Adam backs me up against the desk and presses his body to mine. “I have a question for you.”

  “Um-hmm,” I mumble, kissing the corner of his mouth and his neck. God, he smells good. I need to bottle this shit so I can sniff it whenever I need a pick-me-up.

  “I don’t want to wait until I finish your closet in order to see you again.”

  I smile against his neck. “Okay.” My voice is breathless. And yes, I sound like a love-struck girl, but whatever. I worried that he put a stop to things this morning because he was having second thoughts. Considering the firm ridge of deliciousness pressed against my belly, the man is happy to see me.

  “Come out with me tomorrow night,” he says. “To a cocktail party I’ve committed to. Be my date.”

  I pull back and look in his eyes. There’s a hint of nervousness there, but also excitement, if I’m not mistaken. “Are you asking me, or telling me?”

  “Asking.”

  I lean up and kiss his chin. “Yes.”

  “I’ve never brought anyone here before,” Adam says as we pull down the drive to Club Tahoe. His hand is casually draped over the steering wheel, and he looks a bit mystified, as though he’s surprised by his own actions.

  Adam is wearing a sport coat and a crisp white button-down with a casual tie, and he looks delicious enough to eat. The speed with which this man changes from hot mountain guy to hot businessman gives me whiplash, but I’m not complaining. I like the unguarded, casual Adam best, but this Adam will do.

  I glance at the entrance and see the valet running over, an eager look on his face, as though he recognizes Adam’s car. “You never brought dates to your family’s resort?”

  “No.” He puts the car in park.

  The valet opens Adam’s door and greets him by name. Another valet opens my door and helps me out. I’m wearing a blush-pink cocktail dress with a vee neckline and cinched waist, the skirt flowing just above my knees. There’s a nip in the air, but I didn’t grab a wrap before I left. I figured we wouldn’t be outside long.

  “Why wouldn’t you bring them here?” I ask across the hood of the car as Adam makes his way around.

  He rests his hand
on my lower back and guides me to the entrance. “Club Tahoe isn’t me,” he finally says.

  A doorman opens one of two massive doors made of wrought iron and logs. I should be looking ahead, but my gaze is stuck on the chandelier above us. It’s a showstopper, with opaque beige glass and ornate wrought iron to match the door, the top twinkling with gemlike glass and small lights that in actuality are probably as large as my hand. I’m slack-jawed, and this is just the outdoor lighting.

  Adam ushers me through, and I realize why the designer went to such great lengths on the front. Inside, Club Tahoe is like a log cabin—if a log cabin were on steroids and someone had tens of millions of dollars to spend on décor.

  More wrought iron chandeliers dangle from log ceilings. The walls are dark, knotted wood paneling with rough stone arches over alcoves and walkways. Plush Persian rugs adorn the wood floors, and tufted, worn leather ottomans rest in front of velvet couches with silk throw pillows. And that’s just at a glance.

  I step back and take Adam in, now that I’ve seen the place. Between his tailored Italian suit, incredibly handsome face, and confident posture, he looks like a man you’d see advertising this place. And then I think of the guy who likes hot wings and spent his weekend building a closet for a girl because he lost a bet. And I think of the way he kisses, with utter care and passion all mixed in one.

  “No,” I say. “You’re nothing like Club Tahoe. It’s beautiful and austere, and you’re so much more.”

  His gaze darkens. He leans down and kisses me, his breath fanning across my chin as he lingers before lifting his head. When he does, there’s a naughty glint in his eyes. “Ready to play the part?”

  “Of the attractive, fun-loving date to the spoiled little rich boy?” Adam rolls his eyes and reaches behind me, grabbing my ass. Hard. “Eeep.”

  “Come along, Ms. Marcos. Play the princess to your prince. Better yet, just be yourself. My father expects me to marry a society woman. I’d like him to see how much better I’ve done.”

  I glance out of the corner of my eye, because he just mentioned marriage and me in the same sentence. He’s joking, but my chest is fluttering like someone unleashed a kaleidoscope of butterflies in there. Even if Adam isn’t serious about the marriage part, that’s the sweetest thing a guy has ever said to me.

  I need to stop underestimating him. If we’re dating, and based on tonight, it’s safe to say we are, I have to get used to the idea that he’s more than I imagined a man could be, let alone the man I once believed incapable of caring for anyone other than himself.

  Adam takes me across the wide expanse of the lobby, down a beautiful corridor with antique trellis tables, glowing candle arrangements, and colorful oil paintings of mountain landscapes that hang beneath stone wall arches. We wind around a corner and he opens a wood-planked door with iron decorative detail.

  Another spectacular room waits on the other side, this one holding a party. A long bar centers one wall, and there’s a small dance floor in front of a tall, triangle-paned window overlooking the lake. A corner of the room contains more windows that reveal the back of the lobby and what looks to be an indoor winding pool, or river.

  “This is amazing.”

  He looks down at me. “You’ve never been here? Not with your parents years ago?”

  I laugh. “You do realize how expensive your father’s resort is for the rest of us humans?”

  He glances around, his brow puckered. To him, this place must seem like nothing special.

  “Club Tahoe hosts proms from time to time,” he says. “I just thought you might have been here before.”

  “I was only a sophomore when I left. I didn’t go to proms until after I moved. Not that I would have been high on anyone’s list as a prom date in this town.”

  He frowns and squeezes my waist. “We’ll pretend this is your Lake Tahoe prom.” He quirks his brow and ushers me toward the bar. “Let’s get you a drink and see if I can corrupt my prom date.”

  “Is that how you were in high school?” I’m only half joking, because it actually was the impression I had of him back then.

  He flashes me a grin. “Only with the girls who didn’t mind being corrupted.”

  I feign affrontedness. “And do I look like that kind of girl?”

  He places an order for us with the bartender, then looks down, his face suddenly serious. “You’re not like anyone, Hayden.” Adam tips up my chin and kisses me lightly, one protective arm banded around my waist.

  I’m staring into his gorgeous blue eyes, reading all sorts of silent meaning behind his words—when a pair of broad shoulders squeezes in beside us.

  Adam turns, his face broadening into a smile. “Levi. What are you doing here?”

  The man named Levi has on a sports coat similar to Adam’s, and his shirt is light blue, the same color as his eyes.

  Adam’s eyes are ocean blue with gray-green framing the edges. Yup, I’ve paid attention. Particularly since we’ve gotten closer and Adam’s eyes have left their hypnotic mark while luring me in for a kiss. Okay, fine, there wasn’t a lot of luring required.

  In addition to the jacket and slacks, Levi is also wearing a cast on one leg from his knee down.

  “About time you got here,” Levi says.

  “Me?” Adam chuckles. “I’m surprised you dragged your ass out for the occasion.”

  Levi releases a deep sigh and shakes his head. “The old man called a half a dozen times. Decided it would be better to show up than bear any more of his calls.”

  “Smart move.” Adam turns to me, his arm still wrapped around my back. “Hayden, this is my older brother, Levi.”

  “Nice to meet you,” I say, taking in the resemblance. They are of equal height, and very handsome, though Adam’s hair is slightly darker and longer on top. Where Adam fits in naturally at Club Tahoe, Levi shifts his shoulders and looks uncomfortable in his sports coat, as though he’d rather be anywhere else.

  “The pleasure is mine, though I am wondering why such a beautiful and sophisticated woman is wasting her time on this sorry specimen I call my brother.”

  “He promised to get me liquored up,” I deadpan, because I get the sense that the banter Adam and I engage in is a part of the Cade charm.

  Levi shakes his head at Adam, clearly enjoying my comment. “Classy, Adam. You’ve resorted to fraternity tactics.” He looks at me again. “When you need me, I’ll be at the bar. I love rescuing damsels in distress.”

  “She’s got her hero right here,” Adam says, and hands me the chardonnay he ordered.

  Levi makes a sound of disbelief in the back of his throat, but he’s smiling. He nods to an area across the room. “The others are over there.”

  Adam’s eyes widen and he glances in the direction Levi indicated. “Everyone?”

  “Everyone,” Levi says, and slowly makes his way back to the barstool he must have been occupying when we arrived.

  Adam takes a sip of his drink—a gin and tonic, by the look of it, with the lime wedge—his gaze distracted.

  “Everything okay?” I ask.

  He kisses my forehead. I could get used to the affection he’s been dishing out now that we’re on kissing terms. “Fine. I just wasn’t expecting my brothers to be here. I’m normally the only one who attends these things.”

  “Is it bad that they are?”

  “Not at all. It’s only…surprising.”

  I glance at Levi, sitting alone at the bar a few seats away, watching the bartender instead of the crowded room. “Why isn’t Levi with them?”

  Adam tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “Levi’s had a rough couple of months. And he and my youngest brother, Hunter, don’t get along. At all.”

  “That’s sad. I always thought it would be wonderful to have siblings.”

  He pats my shoulder. “You might change your opinion once you meet my brothers.”

  “I don’t know, are they all as handsome as Levi?” Adam frowns, and I laugh. “Gotcha.”

  He se
ts his drink on the bar, then puts mine down too. He grabs me around the waist, bringing me to his chest. “Teasing me about my brothers?” He shakes his head. “Bad. I’ll show you later why I’m the cream of the crop.”

  I laugh as he nibbles my neck, his smile pressing into my skin. “Knock it off. How am I supposed to look respectable with you giving me a hickey?”

  “Mmm, hickies,” he murmurs. “Now there’s an idea.”

  I lean away at the threat to my pristine neck, but he’s already reaching for our glasses, clearly only teasing. And thank heaven for that. I can just imagine the shit I’d receive from Mira if I walked into work with a giant hickey.

  We make our way toward Adam’s brothers, and even if Levi hadn’t gestured in their direction, I could have picked them out in a crowd. Because holy hell. I wasn’t kidding about Levi. The guy is rugged handsome, and the other three Cades are varying degrees of Levi and Adam. Tall, gorgeous, broad shoulders, and strong jawlines—each of them with jewel-toned eyes and medium to dark hair.

  “Crikey,” I say. “How in the world are you and your brothers single?” Not one of them appears to be with a date.

  He raises his brow. “Crikey?”

  I grab his arm. “I was a Crocodile Hunter fan. Now explain, before we get too close.”

  Adam tips his head toward mine, while his brothers conspicuously watch us approach. “Being single is a Cade tradition.”

  “Then what am I doing here?”

  “You don’t count,” he says.

  My chest constricts and my face goes still. I’ve dated, have even had a couple of decent boyfriends, but the past never seems to go away. Adam invited me here tonight, and he’s kissed me like I’ve never been kissed before. That was real. I’m not sixteen anymore. Still, I can’t help asking, “Why don’t I count?”