Stronger With Us (The Strength Series Book 3)

by JA Hensley

  “Go away, we have things to do,” I say smirking at Colin. I pull Becca into my room and Stephanie follows. I can hear the men laughing as I shut the door on them.

  “You could have gone to your room, Steph,” I say shaking my head.

  “I would be there longer than fifteen minutes and I didn’t want the embarrassment of Jude pounding on the door. Once we know they’re gone, I’ll run and get my stuff.”

  “What should we do first? Becca, is there something you want to do while you’re here?”

  “I want to window shop at Caesar’s Palace. I doubt I can afford anything there, but I can pretend to be Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" and look at the pretties.”

  “Then that’s where we’ll go first. Then drinks, dinner, and dancing. How does that sound?” I ask, looking at both of them and getting enthusiastic nods in return.

  After spending hours looking in every store, trying on beautiful shoes by Jimmy Choo and Louboutin, dresses by Versace and buying a surprise for Colin at La Perla, we are ready for a break. The taxi ride back to the hotel is quiet, but not uncomfortable. As we pull up to the door of Vdara, I see that Becca has fallen asleep. I pay the cab driver and gently shake my friend.

  “Come on, bride-to-be, let’s get you upstairs.”

  “I’m so sorry,” she slurs, “I think the time change is getting to me.”

  “Let’s go to the room and take a nap. That will help us all adjust and make tonight that much more fun.”

  Stephanie and I get Becca into my room and she is asleep almost as soon as her head hits the pillow.

  “I’m going to go back to my room,” Stephanie says. “Text me when she’s up and ready to go.”

  “Please tell me you’re not going to work in there. We’re on vacation,” I whine. Stephanie is one of those people who doesn’t really know how to relax.

  “I have a few clients to check on, but I promise I won’t work too hard,” she says as she walks out of the room.

  I curl up on the other side of the king-sized bed from Becca and drift off.

  Once we’re all rested and dressed, it’s time to start the secret party I planned. The concierge calls up and informs me that our limo is waiting.

  “Let’s get the show on the road, you two. I have a fun night planned, and I don’t want to waste a minute of it!”

  “What have you done?” Becca asks suspiciously. I may have a bit of a reputation as a party girl, and I’m not ashamed to prove it again and again.

  “Just the ultimate Vegas bachelorette party, of course. Now, are you coming or not?” I ask as I pull open the door.

  “Let’s see what she has in mind. Hopefully we won’t end up in jail,” Stephanie laughs as she links arms with Becca and brings her out in the hall.

  “No jail time, I swear. I’ve got us a designated driver for the night and it’s Las Vegas. What happens here stays here, right?”

  Both of my friends nod and follow me to the elevator.

  The limo is really nice; the bar is stocked with our favorite drinks. I make myself a 7 and 7, pour Becca a glass of wine, and get Stephanie a beer. We all take a sip and lean back into the plush leather seats.

  “What’s first on your agenda, Christin?” Becca asks nervously.

  “You’re going to have fun, so stop worrying. I thought we’d start out with dinner. That way we have food in our stomachs and hopefully won’t get sick. We’re going to Stack at the Mirage first. Then I have tickets to Chippendales and hopefully we’ll end our evening at Jewel Nightclub.” I lift my glass in a toast, “It’s going to be epic!”

  11

  The evening started out with dinner at some fancy-ass restaurant. I don’t remember the name of it, but the food was as pretentious as the prices. I did find it humorous how people stared at the four of us. I’m sure they thought we were some sort of professional sports team with all of us being over six feet tall.

  Now we’re in a limo headed for You Betcha.

  My parents’ former neighbors, Anne and Clarence, moved out to Las Vegas after they retired from teaching and made a go of it. From the research I’ve done online, it seems that their little casino has grown quite a bit over the years and has become a favorite among the locals. I haven’t seen these two since Mom’s funeral and it’ll be great to get a big Minnesota hug.

  The limo pulls up to the building and we are under an awning. The neon lighting is subtle, used just to highlight the name of the place. It kind of looks like the pictures I've seen of Club Bon Aire from the 1940s. The casino isn’t on the Strip; in fact it’s a few miles away. However, there is a line of people at the door and it seems like the place is hopping.

  I lead our group to the VIP entrance and show my ID. The bouncer speaks into his wrist like some television FBI agent then nods and lets us pass.

  “Wow, I feel like some kind of celebrity,” Colin says as we walk through the doors.

  “It is your night to shine,” Kevin adds.

  “I called last night and let Anne know we’d be here, which is how we got VIP. Hopefully we’ll get to see her while we’re here.”

  “That’d be awesome. Let’s get some chips and hit the Blackjack tables.”

  As we head to the cashier window, I take in the room. It’s a really nice set up. It’s non-smoking, which is a rarity in this town. There are slot machines as far as the eye can see. In the middle of the room are Blackjack and Craps tables, and I think I can see a Roulette wheel. It’s not as big as the casinos you usually see on CSI or other Vegas shows, but it’s comfortable. We change our money into chips and follow Colin to where he wants to play.

  “Hi, I’m Jennie, and I’ll be your dealer this evening,” we’re greeted as we sit down. She’s gorgeous. Long strawberry blonde hair, big green eyes, large tits, and legs that go on for days.

  “Nice to meet you, Jennie,” I say with a wink.

  “Are you boys having a good time in Sin City?” she asks as she deals the cards.

  “Much better now,” I answer and am rewarded with a blush.

  “Well, hopefully you’ll all score big tonight,” she says to us all while looking at me. My cock jumps to attention.

  “I hope you’re right.”

  We play a few hands, and Kevin wins some money. Runt excuses himself to find a drink, and Colin points at the slot machines. I thank Jennie for her time and she slips me her number, which I make a point to put in my pocket.

  “Jude Schafer, you better not be hitting on my staff,” I hear from behind me. Turning around I’m greeted with a big smile before being pulled into an even bigger hug.

  “Anne, I’m so happy to see you,” I say sincerely. She’s about the only thing I have left of my mom.

  “Where’s that little brother of yours? I haven’t seen him since we were up north the last time, dontcha know.”

  “He’s playing the slots, and I know he’s dying to see you.” We make our way down an aisle where Colin’s concentrating hard on his machine.

  “My word, he looks just like your father, doesn’t he?” Anne whispers. It’s true that I take more after my mother’s side than Colin does, but I’ve never thought he was my dad’s twin.

  “I’m not sure how to respond to that one, Anne.”

  “You and your old man still on the outs? Uff-da, you gotta let that go, Jude.”

  I silently shake my head at her Minnesota colloquialism and the implication. Nobody knows how my father actually treated me as a kid, so they wouldn’t understand now. I’m not sure my mother even really knew the extent of his violence.

  Colin looks up and breaks out in a smile that lights up the room. “Anne, I’m so happy to see you,” he says as he picks her up and twirls her around in a hug.

  “Oh, dear, I forget that you boys are so strong,” she laughs before Colin puts her down. “I hear congratulations are in order. Do I get to meet your lovely bride?”

  “I hope to bring her out tomorrow night, unless you have time to come to the wedding. It’s going to be just ou
r friends, but you’re more than welcome.”

  “How about you bring her here. I don’t want to sneak up on the woman at her wedding. We’ll have a champagne celebration in the VIP lounge for you.”

  “That sounds like heaven. Clarence is going to be there too, right? I’d love to visit with him as well.”

  “Oh, yes, he wouldn’t miss it. Even though he’s getting old and forgetful, he still likes to party,” she laughs as she shakes her head.

  “Then count on the seven of us being here tomorrow night,” I say trying to avoid the Minnesota goodbye. There’ll be more time for that after the party.

  “All right, boys, I better get back to work, and Jude looks like he needs to relax. Behave yourselves,” Anne says as she pats us both on the arm before walking away.

  “It’s good to see that the nice doesn’t always wear off when you leave the state,” Colin says under his breath. I smile and nod, it’s comforting to have a little piece of home here.

  An hour later we’re all in the limo again headed for our next destination.

  “So, Colin, you have two choices now; we can go to a Gentleman’s club called Sapphire or we can find a cigar bar and hang out. It’s up to you, but you know what I would choose.”

  Colin looks at James. “What do you want to do?” Why is he asking him?

  “It’s your night, man; I’m just along for the ride. Don’t worry about me,” James answers.

  “I’m really not interested in throwing money at strippers tonight. I’m happy to drink whiskey, smoke a cigar, and see what happens.”

  “Damn, that’s not what I was hoping for. But as the big man said, it’s your night.” I tell the driver to take us wherever he recommends.

  We drive for at least thirty minutes before pulling up to La Casa Cigars and Lounge. There’s a short line of people waiting at the entrance. Our driver walks up to the door and when he comes back he nods toward the man he was talking to.

  “I think he just got us in, dude,” Kevin says.

  “Enjoy the hospitality, gentlemen. I’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready to go.”

  I lead our group up to the bouncer who ushers us into the building to a secluded booth. He walks away without a word.

  “I kind of feel like Frank Sinatra,” Colin says with a smile. I have to agree with him. This place is like something you’d picture the Rat Pack hanging out in.

  Our waitress takes our order and comes back with Alec Bradley Sanctum Toros and Lagavulin for everyone.

  “I want to propose a toast,” I say lifting my glass. “To my little brother. I wish you all the happiness in the world. I can only hope one day I’ll be as over the moon as you are.” Did I really say that out loud?

  “Thank you, big brother. I’m glad all of you guys were able to come out this weekend. It means a lot to me to have each of you in my life. Most of you were there when we rescued Becca, and I don’t think it could have been done without you. So thanks for always having her back as well as mine.”

  We clink glasses and sip the buttery, smoky liquid. I don’t usually drink scotch, but this might convert me. James lights our cigars and the group falls into a comfortable conversation.

  Our night ends at Vice Versa, the bar in the hotel lobby. It’s almost two a.m. here, and we’re all beat. Most people don’t think about the time difference, but it can be brutal. After one drink the guys all head upstairs, but I’m feeling restless, so I stick around.

  “Looks like you could use some company,” she says as she sits on the bar stool next to me. Long legs, nice rack highlighted by a deep neckline, makeup just perfect. Yep, she’s a hooker.

  “I could, but I’m not really into paying for sex. Thanks anyway,” I say as I walk away. She shrugs and moves on to another guy. At least my instincts were right.

  I find a couch away from the bar and sit, really taking in my surroundings. This place is pretty amazing. The open concept with modern elements makes it seem futuristic yet something from the fifties. It’s quiet, yet busy. It doesn’t seem like anyone wants to talk too loud, or that they need to. I have to give Christin credit, she found a great hotel.

  Of course the thought of her makes my cock wake up. I silently remind him that it’s too dangerous to go there again. He pouts but doesn’t give up trying to convince me I’m wrong. Thankfully a distraction sits down just before my balls turn blue.

  12

  The alarm on my phone woke me from a very pleasant dream. I hit snooze and tried to bring the image of a gorgeous man over me back, but it was too late. Now I’m awake, horny, and frustrated. The fact that I have to look at temptation all day isn’t helping my mood at all.

  “What time is it?” Becca mumbles from the bed next to me.

  “It’s almost eight. We have to be at the spa in thirty minutes.”

  “I need coffee. Is there a Starbucks downstairs?”

  “Yeah, I’ll run down while you get in the shower. I assume you want a caramel latte?”

  “Of course. It will look nice next to your marble macchiato,” she replies with a wink.

  “We are so fucking predictable. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  I send Stephanie a text as I leave the room. There’s no way I’m knocking on her door if James is still in there. Some things you just don’t need to know about your friends.

  I hear a door close as I step out into the hall. There’s a woman obviously doing the walk of shame from Jude’s room. Her clothes are rumpled, her hair is sticking up all over the place, and she has her shoes in her hand. I recognize it because I’ve done the same exit more times than I care to remember. We end up walking together to the elevator.

  I step onto the elevator with this skank and I can’t help myself; I have to say something.

  “Enjoying Las Vegas?” I put on my sweetest, ‘I know what you did’ face.

  She looks up briefly but doesn’t make eye contact. “I guess.”

  “I bet last night was fun. There are so many people to do here.”

  Her head shoots up and she glares, “What’s that supposed to mean?” she spits hatefully.

  “Nothing at all,” I shrug one shoulder. “I’m just well versed in the morning after slink, and you look like it’s new to you. A little hint, don’t stay the whole night. It makes you look a lot less desperate.”

  Her jaw drops, but before she can reply, the elevator doors open to the lobby.

  “Have a nice day,” I call over my shoulder. It really shouldn’t be that easy.

  Once I’ve secured caffeine for all of us, I go directly back to my room. Thankfully, the elevator and hallway are deserted this time, so I don’t have any more reasons to feel like a raging, jealous bitch. What is that, anyway? He’s so not worth my time.

  “Becca, I’ve got liquid gold,” I call as I enter the room.

  “Be right out,” she calls from the shower at the same time there’s a knock at the door.

  Stephanie is there looking like a very satisfied woman. “Good morning,” she says cheerfully. I want to slap her. “Do I smell coffee?”

  “You do, come in. I got yours plain because I can never remember what you like.”

  “That works for me. I bet sharing a room last night put a damper on getting laid, huh?”

  “What are you talking about? I didn’t plan on having sex last night.”

  “That’s bullshit and you know it. I saw the way you were looking at Sven when he was shaking his g-string in your face. Plus, you forget, I know you quite well,” she says with a wink.

  I can’t deny that Chippendales was a wonderful time. Those guys were shredded, and I’m sure Sven would’ve been a fun ride.

  “This is about Becca, not me. I’m going to behave for her.”

  “Good for you. I can imagine how difficult it’s been so far.” She’s such a bitch sometimes.

  “Fuck you. She’s my friend, and I’ll do what I can to make sure she’s happy. You’ve got automatic sex that you don’t have to apologize for, so shut up.�
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  Stephanie laughs as she shakes her head. “Whatever you say, friend. I want you to be happy too, you know.”

  “Who’s not happy?” Becca asks as she comes out of the bathroom brushing her long brown hair.

  “Nobody. We’ve got to get going if we’re going to make our massage appointment. Think you can take your caffeine to go?”

  “Sure, I can. Let’s go get pampered!”

  Three hours, a mani-pedi, mud bath, and full-body massage later, I’m floating on a cloud of relaxed bliss. It’s been an amazing time and just what I needed to forget about Jude and his man-whoring ways.

  The hotel provided a light lunch for us, and now we’re in the dressing room getting Becca in her dress.

  “It’s really happening, isn’t it?” she asks nervously.

  “Yes, sweetie,” Steph answers as she arranges the veil. “You’ve found the man of your dreams and today you make him yours forever.”

  I smile as I finish lacing up the corset. “He’s perfect for you, Becca. You deserve all the happiness in the world. But if he ever fucks up, you know I’ll kick his ass.”

  “Oh, don’t I know it. I doubt we have anything to worry about, though. He’s more than I ever imagined I would have.”

  If only we could all be so lucky, I think to myself. I would never admit out loud that what I really want is what my friends have. It’s easier to just keep pretending like I’m happy being single.

  There’s a knock on the door and the wedding coordinator comes in.

  “We’ve got about five minutes before we start. Are you ready, Ms. Maio?

  Becca looks at both of us with a huge smile before answering, “I’m more than ready.”

  “I’ll be back soon,” the woman says as she backs out of the room.

  “Girls, I have to tell you something,” Becca says reaching out for our hands. Stephanie and I each take one and then each other’s so we’re forming a circle.