by Fields, MJ
The touch is intimate, and my eyes widen. He turns to stare at their point of contact before bringing his gaze back to her. She immediately steps off, as if chastened. The man is scary when he chooses to be.
“Sienna.” His voice is curt.
Turning her head to the other side of the table, she smirks. “Hello, Mr. Borignone.” Her glossy mouth smiles.
She isn’t trying to seduce Vincent, but with the way her eyes move between him and Slade, it’s clear she’s aiming to make Slade jealous.
“How are the tables going?” Vincent asks politely.
“You know me. I make sure the house always wins.” Opening her purse, she takes out a stick of blue gum and places it in her mouth.
Vincent nods sternly, and I inwardly steam. Eve looks barely affected—so obviously confident in her relationship.
It’s easy to forget that, while Vincent looks rough, he’s actually an Ivy League–educated man who built and runs one of the most successful casino and hotel operations in the country. Sure, he did a stint in federal prison. But then again, so did Martha Stewart.
“Come have a drink with me, Slade.” Sienna twirls the bottom of her hair. “We didn’t get to talk after we shared that cigarette on Sunday.”
My heart pauses. After our horrifying weekend, he hung out with this girl? I have no right to feel hurt, but I do.
Asshole!
He stares at her but again stays silent. Slade is not a passive man, but he’s clearly trying to keep this interaction under control. We’re all looking between them, nervous yet interested in what’s to come. Not me though. I want to tear her hair out and throw her tiny ass out the door.
She smiles, taking no offense at his get the fuck away demeanor.
“You’d better not leave without buying me a drink tonight.” She flips her hair to the side, as though everything is great. “See you later, boys. And you”—she points a sharp red nail at Slade—“find me when you’re done.” Her eyes flit up to mine, ice cold, before she walks away.
An awkward silence resides over the table.
“Can you fire her already?” Eve whines.
“Nope. She’s one of our best dealers.” Vincent shrugs, lifting his drink.
“Best dealer or best at other things?” The implication is clear as she all but growls, giving Slade a penetrating stare.
Slade lifts his hands up in mock surrender. “Don’t fuck where I work. Learned that lesson a long time ago. Doesn’t change the fact that some of these girls can’t take a hint.”
Am I one of those girls who can’t take a hint? Shame washes over me.
His pupils widen, as if he knows what I’m thinking, and he feels … bad? We’re engaged in this weird staring contest, and I need it to stop before I lose myself.
“I’m going to use the restroom,” I say out loud, defusing the moment.
Slade immediately slides out of the booth so that I can step out. Holding my black YSL purse tightly to my body, I make my way to the back of the bar.
Before I can enter the ladies’ room, I’m pulled over. It’s the blue-eyed bitch.
“You’re hooking up with Slade?” She giggles, placing a hand over her hip. “I can see how you’d be something exciting to him. Rich girl you obviously are.”
Her eyes scan my clothes, and I roll my eyes. Turns out, girls like these exist in every walk of life, from the rez to Rodeo Drive.
“I’m not hooking up with him. But, even if I were, it wouldn’t be any of your business.” I push past her, making my way into the restroom.
Unfortunately, she follows right behind me. “You can try all you want. But I know men like him. My brother was Special Forces, too. Delta.”
I hiss, “So?” I make a mental note to look up what Delta is when I get back to my room.
“Slade was special ops over in Afghanistan. That changes a man. And a girl like you, all prissy?” She stares at my tight jeans and soft blue T-shirt in disgust. “You could never understand him and what he went through. For years, he was prepping or engaging in war. He’s seen things your stuck-up little brain can’t even fathom. You should back up now before you find yourself under some rubble.”
I want to speak, but the words won’t come. What could I possibly know or understand about Slade and his past? She isn’t wrong. I can hardly imagine what Slade must have gone through. Does he agree with her? Out of my high school class of one hundred and fifty students, zero went into the armed forces. It’s embarrassing, how little I know. If not for a few random documentaries over the years and movies, my knowledge would be zero.
Feeling satisfied by my dumbstruck expression, she turns to leave. I’m staring at the door when Eve steps in.
“You okay?” She puts a hand on my shoulder.
I smile. “Yeah, I’m cool.” Lifting my back, I shake myself out of my daze.
“I saw some sparks between you and Slade.” She smiles wide. “I’ve always liked you two together.”
“He’s cool.” I smile.
There is so much she doesn’t know. I have to fill her in but not here in the restroom and, surely, not now. She opens her mouth to ask more, but before she can, I enter a stall. Luckily, she gets the message. It’s not like me to avoid discussing a man, but Slade isn’t a normal guy. At least, not to me. What we went through in the nightclub was … intense. In some fucked up way, it bonded us. We were there together. Survived together. My feelings are conflicted, but he was literally my personal hero.
After I wash my hands, we walk back to the table. Slade and Vincent immediately stand with our arrival, letting us back inside the booth.
“No camping,” Vincent says, sitting back down. “Sorry, man. I tried to convince her, but she’s still scared of snakes after that small one we saw—”
“It wasn’t small, Vincent. It was an actual rattlesnake. And this guy,” Eve continues, pointing to Vincent, “jumps over it like it was nothing while I clung to our guide. I mean, who jumps over a rattlesnake? We’re from New York, not the Amazon!”
He laughs, pulling her head under his chin. “Lauren’s coming, too, yeah?”
I questioningly look at Eve.
“I forgot to tell you, but we’re leaving tomorrow to Anam, this gorgeous resort in Canyon Point, Utah. We’ll stay there for two nights and spend the day out on Lake Powell. No camping.” Eve’s eyes sparkle in excitement.
“Wait.” I pause, looking around the table. “We?”
I’m supposed to stay here, in Nevada, and unwind. While I love traveling, it’s something I need to mentally prepare for. I’m not the type who likes spur-of-the-moment anything. Even flash sales on websites give me anxiety. Like, what do they mean, only twenty-four hours to shop these items, or they’re gone? A girl needs time to weigh her options!
“It’ll be so relaxing,” Eve promises.
Slade shifts in his seat.
“Are you sure? If you guys had plans, I don’t want to impose.”
“No!” Eve exclaims. “I want you with us. We all do. Right, guys?” She looks around, silently asking them to chime in.
“Sure, you should come along,” Vincent replies.
Still, Slade doesn’t utter a word. I turn to him, waiting for his acceptance.
“Not up to me.” He shrugs. “You should come if you want. Don’t come if you don’t want.”
I lick my lips, deciding that Slade is right. I was invited by Eve. I don’t need his permission or anyone else’s but my own. “Okay, yeah, I’d love to come. Why not?” I turn my eyes back to Slade. “I’ll be there.”
A small smile fills his lips as Eve claps her hands together.
The waitress strolls over, pulling out her small pad and a pen. With skin the color of clay and lines around her sunken brown eyes, she looks exhausted. “What would y’all like?” Her smile is forced.
I’d guess she is in her mid-forties, but then again, living in LA, it’s safe to say my age timeline has gotten skewed. With all the plastic surgery, strict diets, and workout fanatics, it’s gott
en hard to tell who belongs to what age group. My own mother looks forty when, in actuality, she’s in her mid-fifties.
Slade lifts a hand in greeting. “Hey, Candy. How’s Jim? Hope he’s doing better.”
She shrugs as her features darken. “He’s all right. Still catching those damn dizzy spells.”
“Is it vertigo?”
“Yep. He isn’t able to work right now either. I’m taking on more shifts.”
“Ah, shit.” Slade presses his lips together in a thin line. “I think I know someone who does acupuncture out here, off the rez. I hear that helps.” He lifts his phone and begins to scroll. A few moments later, he finds what he’s looking for. “Ready?”
She flips to a fresh page on her small pad, writing as Slade spouts off a number.
“It’s Dr. Shcherbakov. He’s helped a few friends of mine for other things.”
Her eyes fill with thankful tears. “Got it. Thank you, Slade.”
“Lauren?” His eyes, slightly shadowed, flit between the menu and me, silently telling me to order first.
I clear my throat, looking up at Candy. “What salads do you like? It’s my first time here, so I’m open to any suggestions.”
“The chicken Caesar is pretty good,” she says slowly, moving her pad to a fresh page. “Had it just last night, too. It’s a favorite.”
Finding it on the menu, I do a quick skim of the ingredients. “Perfect. But would you mind holding the anchovies and keeping the dressing on the side?”
“Sure thing.”
I hand her my menu.
Vincent pipes up next, ordering salmon with a mixed green salad for Eve and an eight-ounce steak with steamed veggies for himself.
I tell Eve, “Oh, that sounds good!” Turning back to Candy, I ask, “Can you swap my chicken for salmon?”
She nods as she writes. “And you, handsome?”
Slade scratches the back of his neck. “Burger, whole wheat bun. No cheese or onion. Baked sweet potato, dry. Let’s also get steamed Brussels sprouts and spinach.”
“Got it.” With a grateful smile, she steps away.
“Look at us,” I tell the table. “Poster kids for health and wellness.”
Slade chuckles at my joke, and I try not to let the warm, slow rumble affect me.
Our food comes quickly, and we all dig in.
“Good, eh?” Slade takes a huge bite of his burger.
“Mmhmm.” I nod, surprised at how delicious it is.
“So,” Slade starts, “you’ve looked better.”
I smack his wide shoulder, and he just laughs at my lame attempt to hurt him.
“I’m kidding, jeez. You look good. Even rumpled and tired.”
His eyes twinkle before taking in my body. I want to overthink this moment, but I bite my cheek.
I whisper, “Seriously though, I shouldn’t have left like that. It wasn’t right.”
His eyes dart back to Vincent and Eve, who are thankfully now focused on Vincent’s phone. “Don’t stress,” he says quietly. “We’re cool.”
I open my mouth once or twice, but my mind won’t let me ask.
“Catching flies, or you’ve got a question?”
“You slept on the floor, and I thought you didn’t want to be near me,” I say in a rush.
“I’m not good with sharing a bed. I kick a lot.” He smiles jokingly, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.
Slade isn’t about to explain himself or get into any truth. That much I know is true. It’s a bullshit response.
“In that case, thank you for sparing me.” My voice is sarcastic.
“If you only knew how true your statement was,” he mumbles under his breath.
Instead of replying, I dig the fork back into my salad.
Vincent and Slade begin talking about bringing water to the rez and when the construction is supposed to begin. I’m enthralled by their conversation. Vincent and Slade work so hard and clearly make a ton of money. But they’re also trying to better people’s lives. Slade mentions hiring veterans for the project, and Vincent wholeheartedly agrees.
“I’m getting tired,” I sigh, taking my last bite. “I just got in today.”
Slade checks the sporty-looking black watch covering his thick wrist. “I’ll bring you to your room.” His reply is quick and easy. He turns to Vincent and Eve. “Going to bring this one to the Mile. See you all tomorrow for the trip.” He drops money on the table and slides from the booth, waiting for me to follow. When I put my hand into my purse to take out cash, Slade shakes his head. “Nope.”
“But why?”
“I already paid for us. Let’s go.”
Too tired to argue, I stand awkwardly with the table pushing against the center of my thighs as I lean across the booth, hugging Eve.
She’s half-standing as well and squeezes me back. “Sleep well. And, if you need anything, call reception right away. They know you’re there.”
“Sure. Thank you. And bye, Vincent!”
“Don’t forget to think about staying,” he adds as I scooch to the left, exhausted but relieved to have someone bringing me home.
Seven
Slade
“I just want to get one thing straight,” Lauren starts, stepping through the exit and into the chilly night. “We didn’t have sex this weekend because …” Her voice trails off.
“Because you were in a bad headspace, and I’m not a piece of shit.” I open the passenger side of my truck, helping her in. Shutting the door behind her, I get into my own seat and buckle up.
“All right then. Fine. And you slept on the floor because you kick in your sleep?”
She obviously doesn’t buy my excuse, but I’m not about to tell her the truth.
“Right again.”
The car is dark, but I can see her beautiful profile, down to the shape of her heavy, round breasts. I can’t stop my eyes, taking glances at Lauren every other second. Everything about this woman just does it for me.
“You cold?” I turn on the truck’s heater, making sure the temperature inside is warm enough. Evenings here can get pretty chilly.
“Thanks.”
My eyes continue to flit between Lauren and the road.
“You’re staring at me, Slade.” She giggles, her voice half-tipsy from the beer.
“No, I’m not,” I reply too fast.
“By all means, look all you want.” She sits up taller, smiling and sighing, showing her body off for me.
“Is that what you want? For me to look at you?” My eyes stay on her for a moment longer. Even though it’s dark, I can imagine her flush.
“Maybe.” Her voice is whisper soft. Nervous even.
All thoughts of why this is a terrible idea flee from my brain as all the blood in my body moves south.
“I’ll look. I’d like it more if you touched yourself though. Would you do that for me?” I lick my lips like a wolf.
We’ve already hooked up once, and I know she likes the way I take charge.
Her eyes shoot open in surprise at my request. “W-what do you want me to do?” Her voice trembles, but she’ll do what I ask.
I know I’m not the kind of man Lauren is used to, but she likes that about me. A lot.
“Spread your legs for me. Just sink into the seat and get comfortable.”
“I’ve never done this before.”
“Good. Don’t want to think about you ever doing this with anyone but me. All you have to do is listen and do as I say.” My voice is her command.
“Mmhmm. I can do that.”
“I want a visual of what you’ve got on underneath your clothes. Tell me.”
“My bra and p-panties are matching. Just simple nude lacy thong and push-up bra.”
“Lift your shirt for me. Let me take a look.”
As she gingerly raises the soft cotton top, I harden, seeing all that girlie cream lace from my side-eye. She winces, and I pause.
“Your arm still hurting?”
“It’s bruised, but I’m okay.”
“Take it off.”
“My bra or the shirt?”
“First, the bra. Then, the shirt. And do it slow.”
I tap on the brakes to slow the car down as she opens the clasp. I’m not typically a man who appreciates a slow reveal. Something about Lauren makes me want to drag everything out. Savor it. I’m a lot of things, but dumb isn’t one of them. A woman like Lauren offering herself to me in this way? It’s once in a lifetime.
It slowly comes off, and I groan, trying to make out her large cherry-red nipples peeking through her thin T-shirt. I can see the natural slope of her heavy breasts and those hard, pointed peaks, begging to be sucked. I slow down even more, letting myself drink her in as she finally takes off the shirt. She’s topless and wanting. It’s misery to my arousal.
“Now, the pants. Quickly take them off, Lauren. I don’t want to wait anymore.”
She unbuckles her seat belt before undoing her jeans. They’re tight as skin. She has to keep wiggling around to lower them in the seated position. Her breasts sway as she squirms, fumbling like an innocent.
Christ, it’s hot.
Finally, the denim is down to her calves. Bending over, she pulls each pant leg off, one at a time. Laughing, she says, “Sorry that took so long.”
I swallow my groan. She has no idea how sexy she is. The fact that I’m pulling her out of her comfort zone, making her do something those assholes she’s had before me would never do, it turns me on like nothing else.
Fuck this. I need her—now. I pull over to the side of the road and unbuckle my belt. It’s only seconds before I’m pulling her on top of me.
“Goddamn, Lauren. Fuck.” I suck hard on the base of her neck, wrapping my hand around her breast and tweaking her nipple, as she grabs the back of my head, urging me on.
She’s shaking, nothing but her panties on while I’m completely dressed.
“Need more space.”
I lift her to the passenger seat before jumping out of the car and into the back. Slamming the door behind me, I take her hand as she climbs over the center console to join where I sit. So close to nude, she moves directly onto my lap. I grab her ass, pushing down. She grinds against my rough jeans and hard dick. I’d drag her back onto the car’s bed, but it wouldn’t be warm enough for her. I can smell her want, and it’s got my head muddled.