Bet Me Something (Something Series Book 3)

by Aubrey Bondurant

  “Thanks. The remodel five years ago really gave it more of an classy boutique feel, and the casino is top rated. What do you feel like doing?”

  “Gamble, food, drinks.”

  He smiled. “Sounds like a plan. Let’s head up to the room and change.”

  The suite was large and beautifully decorated, with a full bar, dining room, and sunken living room. My bedroom boasted a king-sized bed and an impressive view of the Strip. When I opened up my closet, it was full of designer brands.

  Colby peeked his head in. “Everything to your liking?”

  I sighed. “Yeah, everything is great, but, um, what happened to only the one party dress?” Despite being financially independent-less—was that even a word? I never wanted him to think I’d take advantage of his money or generosity.

  He smiled. “Think of it as part of your graduation present, then think of it no more. Now get your butt dressed in something fancy, so we can go to dinner, then out afterward.”

  Well, when he put it that way, how could a girl possibly say no? His concierge had excellent taste in clothing, and I tried not to get physically ill at the high price tags still attached. Instead, I would enjoy the sexy, black cocktail dress that hugged my body, making it look like I had curves to complement my five-foot-ten frame. The shoes were stunning, adding three more inches to my height. I may not have a lot of fashion sense, but I recognized the ensemble she’d put together was smokin’.

  A short time later, after suffering through the whole makeup ordeal which I only endured for special occasions, I stepped into the suite’s main area to see Colby looking handsome in a suit, sans the tie.

  When he smiled at me, I was glad I’d taken some extra time with my appearance, which included putting some curl into my long, blond hair and leaving it loose down my back.

  “You look pretty,” he complimented, taking my arm and leading me out to the elevator.

  Damn. He said pretty, something you’d compliment your mother or sister with. Not beautiful, not hot, not sexy. Maybe he did truly think of me as only a friend. “Thanks. You look very nice yourself.”

  “We have about thirty minutes to kill before our dinner reservation, so I thought we’d try our luck at the casino first?”

  “Sounds good.”

  As he led me to the craps table, he explained the rules. It was fun to watch, and luckily the section of the casino he took me to wasn’t very crowded. Considering the hundred dollar minimum, I quickly figured out why. We didn’t stay long as the roulette wheel caught my attention next. Colby pulled out a crisp one hundred dollar bill and handed it to the dealer for chips.

  “What’s your bet, Kenz?”

  I wasn’t sure I liked the idea of losing money, so I was conservative. “Um, ten on red and ten on even.”

  “Ah, taking the safe approach, I see.” He winked at the dealer, who was a pretty brunette. “I’ll put the rest on lucky number seven, please.”

  Mesmerized, I stared at the wheel spinning around. Then, poof, his money was gone, but I’d hit on red. I smiled, despite only breaking even.

  He pulled out another hundred as if they were one-dollar bills. “All or nothing. Pick one number.” The challenge in his eyes spurred me on.

  “Okay, but we need to sweeten the deal, and I need at least three numbers, so I have a better chance.”

  His interest was instantly piqued. “Oh, yeah, you want a side bet?”

  It was tempting to put it all out there, offering up a reward such as a kiss, however we were amongst a small group of strangers, and I hadn’t had enough alcohol yet for liquid courage. “What do you have in mind?” I’d hoped my tone implied a glimmer of seduction, but he merely shook his head with a smile.

  “How about if I win, I choose what we do tonight after dinner? And if you win, it’s lady’s choice.”

  My eyes widened with the possibilities. “Anything?”

  Apprehension clouded his features. “Um…what did you have in mind?”

  One of the men beside him decided to add his own commentary. “I could come up with a few ideas.” His gaze leered towards me, making it clear what those thoughts entailed.

  Colby glared at him. “Have some respect. She’s like my sister.”

  The man raised a brow. “If you say so.”

  “I definitely do. She grew up next door to me and is my good friend’s little sister.”

  When Colby focused back on me, my cheeks were burning with embarrassment. Did he have to give the guy a biography? I turned towards the dealer. “You know what? Put the entire thing on the number two. It’ll make me feel good to waste his money, after all.”

  “I was only trying to reiterate—”

  My annoyance spilled over. “I get it, he gets it—Hell, the whole table gets it with your ten-minute explanation to ensure everyone is aware I’m like a little sister to you.”

  He smirked. “Tell ya what. If you lose, you still get to pick what we do tonight. Okay?”

  “That’s not much of a bet, however since my intention is to leave you up in the room while I go out to party by myself, I’ll take it.”

  We watched the wheel spin, landing finally on the black two. Huh, maybe it was a sign that it could be my lucky night, after all.

  ***

  Pushing away from the restaurant table after our dinner, I felt completely stuffed. The steakhouse hadn’t exaggerated its reputation when it came to excellent food. “I can’t eat another bite.”

  Colby raised a brow. “We have a chocolate soufflé coming, which means you’d better find a hollow leg or something.”

  I’d managed to polish off a large steak, baked potato, and Caesar salad. “Not gonna happen.”

  “Oh, please. I’ve seen you pack away as much as I can. Plus it’s refreshing for a change to go to a restaurant with a woman who loves to eat.”

  I’d probably wolfed down more than his last five dates combined, considering the super thin model types he tended to go out with. I was tall, with my father’s statuesque build and my brothers’ metabolism. It had been a source of comedy my entire life to be able to consume food like I did. “I’ve never been shy about my appetite.”

  He chuckled. “No, you haven’t, which is why you have to try the soufflé.”

  Fifteen minutes later, I was precariously close to needing to be rolled upstairs. One bite had turned into a few, and now we were both feeling the pain. “Did you do this on purpose to ensure I wouldn’t request to go dancing at some club tonight?”

  He grinned mischievously. “I thought you were leaving me up in the room.”

  “Hmm, I should. But I think it’ll be more torture to make you escort me to where I have in mind.”

  “Let me guess: you want to head up to the top of the Stratosphere to go on those death traps they call rides.”

  I shook my head, a slow smile curving my lips. “Nope, but you’re gonna wish I did.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  “There’s no fucking way I’m taking you to a strip club, McKenzie,” Colby admonished, using my given name, evidence he was uncharacteristically serious. His voice started loud, but he immediately hushed as we walked through the lobby. At the front of the hotel, his car was waiting to whisk us to our next destination.

  “You said anything I wanted.”

  “Your brother would absolutely kill me dead.”

  I smirked. “Is there another way to kill someone?”

  His scowl left no doubt I was one step away from finding out.

  Wow. Riled Colby was sexy as hell. “I have no intention of telling him, you big chicken. It’s something I’ve always been curious about.” And if I was going to have a couple days of freedom, this was a good way to start. “Where did the ‘what happens in Vegas stays here’ spirit go?” I climbed into the back of the town car first, followed by him.

  His gaze narrowed. “Are you into girls all of a sudden?”

  “No, but I want to do something a bit different.” That was the truth of the matter. I’d alwa
ys been the girl who earned good grades, played sports, never did drugs. And what did it get me? Getting treated as the daughter who needed to move home because she wasn’t trusted to live her life the way she wished. So, it might only be a strip club, but to me, it was a little exercise in defiance.

  “The answer is still no.”

  “And if I’d told you I was into girls, would it change your answer?”

  He chuckled. “Hm. Maybe.”

  “So typical,” I muttered.

  “It’s a joke. You’re not going, either way.”

  “Okay, fine but I never considered you the type to welch on a bet.”

  His jaw clenched. Finally, after a stare down, he spoke to the driver. “Henry take us to Lucky Ladies.”

  “As you wish, Mr. Singer.”

  “Really, we’re going?” I could hardly contain my enthusiasm.

  He looked torn and then let out a long breath. “Everyone has to do something crazy in this town, but if you tell your brother or mine, I’ll be crucified. Remember, what happens here stays between the two of us.”

  I nodded and let my mind wander toward the possibilities of that statement.

  ***

  I’d never been inside of a strip club, therefore I had no frame of reference as to what to expect. But I could tell from the moment we walked into the place that it was upscale. Everything said luxurious, from the Mediterranean style to the top-shelf liquor behind the bar. Judging by the way Colby was greeted, he’d been here previously.

  He gripped my hand as a striking woman in barely-there clothing came striding towards us.

  “Colby Singer, as I live and breathe. I thought you’d dropped off the face of the earth, honey. How the hell are you?”

  He smiled, kissing her on the cheek. “Adrienne, it’s been awhile. Uh, this is my friend, Estelle.”

  I physically cringed over the use of my little-known middle name. Nothing said sexy like using my great aunt’s name as an alias for me. I had no doubt it was partial revenge for making him take me here.

  Adrienne studied me. “Estelle is an interesting name for a young girl. You’re beautiful.” She put her hand on my face and smiled. “Are you two here as a couple or, with any hope, are you interested in a job? Your long legs are to die for and would sure look fantastic wrapped around the pole.”

  My eyes grew big at her suggestion, but I found myself flattered, not to mention amused. Imagine telling my mother I didn’t need grad school after all because I’d landed a job here? The thought made me grin even wider. “Wow, thanks.”

  Colby quickly interjected. “She’s not here to try out, and we’re not here as a couple, but it’s a first-time experience for her.” He looked out over the crowd around the main stage. “We’d prefer something a little more private.”

  She nodded. “Of course. We’ll get you settled in one of the VIP rooms. I can send Jazz and Simone in if you want.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable. “Uh, how about Jazz and someone else? Maybe Daisy if she’s here?”

  Adrienne gave him a knowing smile. “Ah, that’s right. Simone will be disappointed, but don’t worry. I won’t tell her you were here until you’ve gone. I’ll send some drinks up, too. Still a bourbon man?”

  He nodded and then led me upstairs. I could see down into the main area and was fascinated by the woman on stage working the pole. Holy shit, she could be a gymnast the way she contorted.

  Colby chuckled at my wide-eyed observation and pulled on my hand to move me along.

  Once we went inside the door of the private room, we found a large area with dim lighting. I realized the big window taking up an entire side of the space overlooked the stage down below. A comfortable-looking sofa with a ton of cushions, a pole on a small stage, and a low table completed the room. A girl who couldn’t be much older than eighteen rushed in with a tray holding a bottle of bourbon, and some assorted juices. “Anything to eat, Mr. Singer?” she offered in a throaty voice.

  “No, thank you.”

  She gave me a quick glance, smiled, and then left us alone.

  “Estelle, huh?

  He chuckled. “I don’t need to come here in the future with anyone and have the staff mention I was here with a McKenzie.”

  “You could’ve given me a sexy made-up name instead of using my two-hundred-year-old great aunt’s name that you’re aware I can’t stand, Franklin.” I purposefully used his middle name to prove my point, but he merely smiled.

  “You aren’t here to be sexy. You’re here to see other women being sexy, and I’m giving you one hour.”

  “That’s hardly any time.”

  His eyes narrowed, looking stern. At least as stern as his baby face allowed him to. “That’s it. Take it or leave it.”

  “Fine, I’ll take it.” I crossed over and fixed myself a drink heavy on the bourbon, light on the sour mix. I then poured him a highball glass neat, which he took with a thanks and walked back over to the window looking down onto the stage.

  “So what’s up with you and Simone? Bumpy breakup?”

  He hesitated, but then was candid. “No. However she’s a little crazy, not to mention aggressive.”

  We both sipped our drinks while I contemplated my next question. “So you didn’t have sex with her?”

  Annoyance flashed in his emerald-green eyes. “Contrary to popular belief, I haven’t slept with every stripper in Vegas.”

  I took no offense to his tone. “I didn’t ask about every stripper, only crazy, aggressive Simone.”

  His gaze was intense, the pulse in his throat visibly racing. “No, we didn’t, but I did give her an orgasm. Then she desired more.”

  My breath hitched as we’d never had such an openly sexual conversation. I thought it interesting that he’d drawn a distinction between giving pleasure versus if he’d received it. Deciding to up it a notch, I asked, “How?”

  “How what?”

  “How did you make her come?” Was it just wishful thinking, or was he looking as turned on as I was? The air felt thicker suddenly, my heart was pounding in my chest, and we were mere inches apart.

  Then the spell was broken when bubbly voices came through the door in the form of two girls. I assumed they were Jazz and Daisy.

  Colby retreated quickly, separating himself from me both physically and mentally.

  Evidently displaying blunt curiosity was working a lot better than any prior attempts at trying to be sexy.

  Taking a look at the girls, I was dumbstruck. I wasn’t a jealous or insecure person by nature, but having two stunning women come into the room in barely anything was intimidating. If I’d ever wondered what the fuss was about in these clubs, I, even as a heterosexual woman, got it now.

  Jazz was the older of the two, with blond hair, big boobs, and a confidence that instantly made her likeable. Daisy was younger, petite, and with the most beautiful mocha skin I’d ever seen. Her eyes flicked from Colby to me, and she smiled. No cattiness here, which made sense because this was their business, and the last thing they needed to do was piss off the women who might accompany men here.

  Both women sashayed towards me, each taking one of my hands.

  I could only stand there a little stunned and then blurted out, “You’re both gorgeous.”

  Jazz lifted a brow. “You’re sweet. Please tell me you’re into girls.”

  I glanced over towards Colby, who had taken a seat on the sofa and was now sporting a smirk as if to say, this is your gig.

  “Uh, no, I’m not, although I maintain life might be a little bit easier if I was.”

  Daisy leaned in. “Have you ever kissed another woman? I bet that would turn your man on, wouldn’t it?”

  “This is all about her, ladies. I’m merely the babysitter.”

  My cheeks flamed in embarrassment; particularly sensitive to the b-word. Then I decided to make the most of it. “Actually, Mr. Babysitter, I’d prefer for you to give me thirty minutes alone with the ladies, please.”

&
nbsp; His eyes widened. “Not happening.”

  Daisy’s hand petted my hair. “We’ll guarantee she has a good time, handsome.”

  “That’s not the deal, Kenz.”

  “Don’t you mean Estelle?”

  His jaw ticked at my flippant response. “Still not happening.”

  “With you adopting the big brother role, I assumed you didn’t wish to sit there watching as I experiment a little.” Of course what I had in mind was asking them for some advice on being sexy and to teach me some tricks on the pole, but he didn’t need such information.

  “Wh—What?” he stammered.

  “Oh, boy, someone doesn’t want to miss out on the fun,” Jazz whispered.

  “I want to learn some things,” I hedged, taking great pleasure when he turned the cutest shade of pink. I may never master the art of seduction, but pushing him out of his comfort zone was a lot more amusing, not to mention proving to have an effect on him.

  He cleared his voice. “What on earth do you want to learn? You already said you’re not into kissing girls, right?” His voice broke on the last word as if he was about to have a heart attack over the idea.

  I smirked but was honest. “No, but I am interested in other things.”

  “Like what?”

  Both Jazz and Daisy seemed to be anticipating my answer, too.

  “Okay, for instance, how do you get your skin looking soft and smooth? I mean, seriously, it’s amazing.”

  Both girls laughed and Jazz spoke, “I sure love this girl, Colby.” Then she turned towards me. “It’s shaving with lotion that does it. It will go through the razor blades quickly, but it’s totally worth it.”

  Huh. That beauty hack was worth the trip in and of itself.

  He shook his head. “You want to swap beauty tips—is that it? Well then exchange away, ladies.”

  I sighed. “No, I have some other things I wish to ask. Private things.”

  “Like what?”

  I hesitated at first, but then decided to go with the flow of upping the personal information exchange. “Fine, if you really need to know, I want to learn how to do a good striptease. And hang upside down on the pole, maybe even spin around it.”