by Shay, Janna
“No, you seem to have covered everything. Thank you for recommending me for this job. I really appreciate it. I intend to do everything in my power to make sure I don’t disappoint you.”
“No thanks needed. Besides, I know you’ll be perfect for the job.”
When Kathy left, Dani stretched her arms out to the side and twirled around in glee. “I can’t believe this is my place.”
She picked up the phone and called Julie. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing, just cleaning my apartment. Why?”
“You’re not going to believe what’s happened.”
“Okay, I’ll bite, what?”
Dani plopped down on the couch. “I got promoted to casino host and along with the job comes a suite in the hotel-casino with all the amenities. You have to come over and see it.”
“Oh my God! I’m so happy for you. Give me ten minutes to get dressed, and I’ll be over. I’ll bring a bottle of wine to celebrate and you can tell me all about it.”
“Okay ... hurry.”
Stretching as she woke up, Dani thought of the day ahead and grinned. She started her new job today. She jumped out of bed and turned on the radio. As the music played, Dani danced around the apartment while she got ready for work. Before leaving her suite, she took one last look in the mirror and nodded, satisfied that she looked professional. Promptly at ten she walked into Kathy’s office anxious to start the day.
After closing the door, Dani spun in a circle and asked Kathy, “Am I dressed okay for the job?” The sleeveless teal dress flared slightly as she turned, revealing a tantalizing display of leg. Made of a soft, silk blend, it clung to her curves and ended three inches above her knees.
“Perfect. You look ready to take on the whole casino,” Kathy teased.
“I feel so good today. I think I could take on the whole Vegas Strip.”
Kathy laughed. “Your day will be great then, because you only have to handle one whale today as it’s your first day. In a few minutes we’re going to the hotel lobby where you’ll meet him. His name is Jonathon Freeman, and he is the owner and CEO of a cellular phone company. He has a portfolio that’s worth roughly around two billion dollars, which we hope to decrease after some gambling. It’s your job to make sure he has everything he needs so he can relax and enjoy himself.”
Kathy picked up a cell phone that had been sitting on her desk. “Talk to him and find out which tables he wants to play during his stay here, and make it possible for him to gamble as much as he wants. As you walk him to his room, find out if there’s anything in particular you can get for him to make his stay more enjoyable, or if he’d like to see a show. Find out what time he wants to gamble, then make arrangements for a table to be available for him.
“Give him your cell phone number, which I’m going to give you in a minute, and tell him that he can call you anytime with anything that he needs, and let him know that you are available 24 hours a day. When he comes down to the casino, bring him to his table. You don’t need to stay with him the whole time he gambles, unless he specifically asks you to stay. Just make sure to check in on him once in awhile to make sure he’s doing okay and doesn’t need anything.”
“What do I do when I’m not taking care of him?”
“That’s your free time, but you have to be available in case you’re called.” She handed Dani the smart phone in her hand. “This is yours so your whales or any of us can contact you, so keep it on you at all times. It’ll also come in handy when you need to look something up on the Internet, like a phone number you or he may need or to make arrangements.”
Kathy handed her a stack of business cards. “You can give these to your whales. If you need more, let me know, and I’ll have some made up for you. Because this is your first day, you’ll have a little time on your hands. But after today, you’ll have more than one whale, so you’ll be busy most of the time. Take your meals whenever you want, which are at no cost to you. As you become more familiar with the job, you’ll be meeting people who’ll be able to help you fulfill your whale’s needs. Keep their names and phone numbers in your phone because you’re going to need them. The job will get easier as you go along. Be friendly and efficient, and you should get a good bonus for your efforts.”
Dani took a breath and let it out quickly to fortify herself for her first whale. “Sounds fantastic.”
Kathy placed her hand on Dani’s shoulder as they walked to the door. “There’s no doubt in my mind you’ll be great at this job.”
Dani angled her head quizzically when Kathy reached over and grabbed her other shoulder. “Okay, now slowly take a deep breath through your nose, then release it just as slowly through your mouth.”
When Dani did as she’d asked, Kathy nodded in satisfaction, then let go of her shoulders. “Now you’re ready. Let’s go meet your first whale.”
As they neared the hotel registration desk, Dani spotted Jace talking to one of the employees. At their approach, he turned with a smile. “Hi, Dani. Did Kathy fill you in on what’s expected of you?”
Dani’s heart jumped at the sight of him, and her body hummed as his deep voice resonated through her body. She struggled to keep her reactions hidden. Due to the nature of her new job, she knew they’d come in contact with each other often, so she had to deal with him in a businesslike manner. “Good morning, Mr. Diamond. Kathy told me exactly what is expected. I won’t let you down.”
He reached for her hand and met her gaze. “Jace,” he said as he raised his eyebrow.
Her first instinct was to jerk her hand away quickly, but because Kathy was next to her, she kept her hand in his. “Jace,” she said hesitantly. She tried to withdraw her hand gently, but he held it firmly in his, letting her know with his smile that he wasn’t going to let her go that easily. He turned toward Kathy. “Since this is her first day, I’ll help her with this one.”
Kathy’s gaze bounced from her to Jace, then back again. She arched a slim brow at Jace. “Okay, if you’re sure. I have a couple of things I need to get done. You know how to reach me if you need anything.”
As soon as Kathy was out of earshot, Dani spun on Jace. “What are you trying to do? Kathy looked at us as if there was something going on between us. Have you completely lost your mind?”
“You can lie to yourself all you want, but there’s definitely something between us, even if you won’t admit it. Ignoring it isn’t going to make it go away.”
“I wish you’d stop this idiocy. I keep telling you there can’t be anything between us.”
He stepped closer. “Have dinner with me tonight?”
Getting peeved at his adamant behavior, but not wanting to add fuel to his fire, she reverted to business matters. “I’m anxious to get started. Could you please introduce me to my first whale?”
“We’ll play by your rules, for now, but later ... we’ll be playing by mine.”
Before she could respond, he looped her arm through his and headed for the lobby. “Come with me.”
They approached a man who looked to be in his forties. He stood approximately six feet tall, with light brown hair and cool blue eyes. When he saw them approach, he grinned.
Dani attempted to extricate her arm, but Jace refused to let her go. He introduced her to Jonathon Freeman, but kept her arm through his as they exchanged pleasantries. After a few minutes, he said, “I’ll leave you in the capable hands of Dani. Go easy on her, John. This is her first day. Enjoy your stay and good luck.” He winked at Dani as he left, a silent promise that sent her heart racing.
She quickly glanced at Jonathon to see if he’d caught Jace’s wink, but thankfully he appeared preoccupied with his luggage.
Her heart rate refused to slow as she thought of Jace. What was it about him that caused her mind to turn to mush and her knees to jelly? Her body gravitated toward him as if it had a will of its own. Afraid of her reaction to him, she forced her thoughts back to business.
Dani waited until Jonathon was done. “Are you ready
to go?”
As they rode the elevator up to his room to get him situated, she inquired, “Is there anything I can do to make your stay here more enjoyable?”
He smiled, creating fine lines around his eyes. “I don’t suppose you’re available are you?
She laughed nervously. “No, I’m afraid not. But if there’s anything else you need, I’ll try to accommodate you.”
“Can’t blame a guy for trying. Right now, what I’d really like to do is go to my room and just rest for a while. It was a long flight. If possible, I’d like to have dinner at six in the steakhouse, then play some blackjack. Can that be arranged?”
“No problem. I’ll take care of it for you.” She handed him one of her business cards. “Here’s my phone number. You can call me anytime day or night if you need anything while you’re here with us. Enjoy your rest. I’ll see you this evening.”
As Dani was passing the cashier’s desk, she saw Julie working and stopped to talk to her.
“So, how’s it going so far?” her friend asked.
Dani put her elbows on the counter. “Great. It seems like it’s going to be so much fun.”
“Heard a rumor that the boss man has his eyes on you.”
Alarmed, Dani straightened up and frowned. “Where did you hear that?”
“Through the grapevine. Any truth to it?” Julie smirked.
“Absolutely not. It’s strictly business between us.”
“Hmm ... we’ll see. If you want my advice, jump his bones if he even glances at you. That’s one fine man.” Julie picked up some papers and raised her eyebrows as she teased. “Don’t know if I should ask, seeing as how you’re hot stuff now, but later a few of us are going to the club for some dancing and, hopefully, some hot, mind-blowing sex afterward. You game?”
She put her elbows back on the counter and leaned forward. “Dancing sounds fun, but I’m not sure if I’ll be available. What time are you going?”
“Not until around midnight. If you can get away, come on over. Who knows, you might get lucky,” she said with a twinkle in her eyes.
Dani straightened. “Okay. Which club are you going to?”
“Hot Ice. Since it’s here in the casino, it gives us more time to party.” A customer walked up to the desk. “Gotta go. Try to make it,” Julie said as she went to the window to help the customer.
“I’ll try. Depends if my whale needs me or not.”
It turned out he didn’t. After losing about $100,000, Jonathon decided to call it a night. Dani glanced at her watch. 12:30. Still time enough to go to the club.
Jace had been watching Dani on the monitor. She’d checked on Jonathon every half hour or so and conducted herself in a completely professional manner. After Jonathon stopped gambling, he spotted Dani on another monitor heading into Hot Ice. Tonight a new DJ was spinning the music so the music should be good. Maybe he could persuade her to dance with him. As he entered, he noticed a VIP table not in use. Since it had the best view of the bottom level, he decided to check things out. The club was jumping, the music blaring and people were dancing, just the kind of atmosphere the casino promoted. As he scanned the club, he caught sight of Dani dancing with a man.
As Jace watched her body sway in time to the beat, his senses came alive. He felt his body answer her alluring call with a mind of its own. Desire flared as he felt the need to feel her enticing body next to his, filling him with the touch and taste of her. Not being able to stay away from her a second longer, he tapped her partner on the shoulder. “Do you mind?”
“No, of course not,” he stammered and stepped aside.
Normally Jace didn’t use his position to intimidate people, but in this instance he felt justified. He’d been trying to get Dani back into his arms since their intimate encounter on the rooftop.
Dani continued to dance, her body writhing to the beat of the music, seeming to beg for his touch. Her gaze met his and darkened with desire, mesmerizing him with their intensity. He gathered her close, and the heat radiating from her body permeated every part of his. Her scent swirled around him and imprisoned him until every thought was of her.
When the music ended, Dani tried to move away, but he held her hand as he brought her along with him to the outside of the club. He gathered her close to him as he leaned against the wall, needing to feel her body melt against his.
“Jace.” Dani put her hand on his chest to move away, but he caught it in his hand and in one deft movement, he switched their positions trapping her between the wall and him.
Her lips twitched. “You’ve done this before.”
“Maybe once or twice.” He gazed deeply into her eyes as he tried to decipher her thoughts. “You have bewitching eyes. I get lost in them every time I look at you.”
Her eyes widened. “No one’s ever said that to me before.”
“Fools.” Jace lowered his head and captured her lips in a sensuous kiss, taking his time to savor the sweet flavor of her mouth. His tongue traced the outline of her lips, relishing the softness before exploring the recesses of her mouth. As his lips and tongue joined with hers, he tasted the sweetness of her lips mingled with the blistering heat of her passion. A dark sultry flavor that fueled his desire.
Dani let out a low moan of desire and snaked her arms around his neck, drawing him closer. Encouraged by her response, Jace cupped the curve of her butt as he hauled her body snug against his, knowing she could feel the evidence of his desire pressed against her. Passion filled every pore of his body as his heart quickened sending his blood surging through his veins.
“Open your eyes,” he commanded.
Her eyes opened slowly, misted with desire. He pierced her with his eyes, compelling her to surrender everything to him. His body ignited with savage passion as he crushed her mouth to his. His kiss, no longer soft and coaxing, became ruthless and ravaging as he demanded a like response from her. His vision blurred as his need for her became acute.
Desire as Dani had never known, blazed a path through her body, incinerating everything in its wake. She felt her bones melt and liquefy as Jace continued his onslaught of her senses. The only thing keeping her upright was his embrace. Her body moved restlessly against his, searching for relief from the exquisite torture.
Her blood heated and rushed through her body at an alarming rate, scorching her with the intensity of her passion. Her body answered his with a will of its own, pleading with him to extinguish the fire devouring her. She lifted to her toes, trying to fit her body closer to his, needing him more than she needed air to breathe.
“I want you. Come with me and let me love you,” he implored.
She dropped her head on his shoulder. She’d lost all will to resist and wanted him with a fervor that frightened her. She knew that if she gave in, he’d brand and devour her, stripping her to her very soul, taking more than she could safely surrender to him. He had the power to shred all her defenses and ferret out the secrets she so desperately needed to keep. Secrets which would give him the ability to completely annihilate the fragile existence she had created. Digging deep for self-control and with a strong sense of preservation, Dani struggled to free herself from his embrace. Jace let his hands drop from her body but did not move completely away.
She planted both hands on his chest, but he still didn’t budge. She had to figure out a way to convince Jace that he needed to forget about her. “What don’t you understand about I’m not interested?”
Jace peered at her with his unfathomable eyes. “Your body is on fire with wanting me and yet you deny it. Why?”
“Don’t you understand?” she pleaded. “I’m not able to be with you. Why can’t you leave me alone?”
“Can’t you see that’s impossible? My body aches for you. The more I taste you, the more of you I want, and I know you feel the same way. You’re not married or engaged, are you?”
As desperate as she felt, she couldn’t bring herself to lie to him. “No.”
“So why aren’t you able to be with m
e?”
Not able to truthfully answer his question, she used the only excuse at her disposal. “You’re my boss. Don’t you understand? It’s not right.”
“Fuck our business relationship. This has nothing to do with that, and you know it. I won’t let you use that as an excuse. I won’t relent. This is too important.”
She pushed on his chest again. This time he took a step back. “I’m sorry. You don’t understand. This can never work out.”
Turning, she fled, not back to the club, but to the elevators, intent upon locking herself in the safety of her apartment. She had to hurry. She didn’t want him to see the tears streaming down her face. The one thing Jace didn’t understand, that she couldn’t afford to let him understand, is that she wanted him, too.
Jace followed her flight with his eyes and smiled grimly. “One thing you’ll learn, Dani, is that I never give up.”
For the next two days, Dani avoided Jace as much as possible, making sure she was never alone with him. The hotel was booked solid, making it easier for her to stay clear of him as she was kept busy taking care of her whales. Although she’d still see him a couple of times a day, her treacherous body instantly recalled how it had felt to be held and kissed by him. All the feelings he aroused with those mind-numbing kisses, jolted back into her with lightening speed. Was she making a mistake not trusting Jace? Not only did she yearn all during the day for the feel of his arms holding her and his lips moving sensually on hers, but also all through the night when even her subconscious betrayed her. Her dreams were filled with thoughts of him, preventing her from getting any restful sleep. Should she just sleep with him and put an end to her misery? But even if she tried to keep it casual, sex with Jace wouldn’t be that simple. He wouldn’t stop until he branded her as his and possessed her, body and soul. That she couldn’t allow for so many reasons, the most important being the danger of discovery. Discovery that would land her in jail.