by S. M. Dapelo
“Actually, I did,” Ethan smiled at Tanner, “Remember, I told you when I got back. I’m going to marry your sister.”
“I didn’t think you meant it. And I sure as hell didn’t know you two were …” he looked between us.
“It doesn’t matter,” I repeated myself. “We’re married. It all worked out.” I thought for a second, “When it comes down to it, I’ll work Berto over to get him to stop the group games with Lyssa.”
Tanner gave a small smile. “Finally, someone with some sense,” he said under his breath as he walked out of the room.
Chapter 38
“What did Lyssa pick up for you?” I asked Ethan as we started to walk into one of the huge bedrooms decorated in whites and browns.
“Something to help with your memory,” he smiled.
“You figured out something that would get my memory back?”
“No, I decided to rebuild a few.” He walked me over to the bed. On it was the same dress I asked Berto to replace the pink monstrosity in our wedding photo with.
I frowned and looked at him, “I don’t understand.”
He took my left hand and lifted it to his mouth, kissing it. “Samantha Lafferty, will you marry me. Again?”
My mouth dropped open. “I …we …this isn’t something we need to do,” I blurted out.
“I disagree. This was one of the most important moments in my life. I want it to be one of yours as well, but it can only be that if you remember it.” He smiled, “We’ll do it right. We’ll go to the courthouse and get the license, have a minister say the vows. Everything but the rings since we already have them.” He wiggled his left hand at me.
I smiled at him, “Does it mean that much to you?”
His face was serious, “It does.”
I closed my eyes for a second, then smiled up into his, “Fine. We’ll get married again. When are we supposed to do this?”
“We pick up the license tomorrow morning and have the ceremony here tomorrow evening.” His smile was huge as he leaned down to kiss me. “I already ordered the flowers, cake, and hired the photographer.”
“No wonder Berto and Lyssa hightailed it out of there when I started talking about intentions.”
“It made them think,” agreed Ethan. “They needed to. They’ve been playing this game a long time. Since she was nineteen and he joined the group.”
My mouth fell open, “Really?”
“Oh yeah,” he nodded. “I told you, nothing gets past me.”
I smiled, “Good to know. So where are you sleeping until the wedding?”
“What?” His smiled dimmed, “I don’t under…”
“I can’t sleep with someone until I’m married. What would my brother think? Guess you three guys are bunking together.” I tried to keep a straight face.
“Sam, we’re already married. I don’t see why …”
“To make Tanner feel better. You saw how he looked when he realized when we started having premarital sex. I just can’t do that to him,” I smiled sweetly.
He held up a finger. “Sam, this needs to stop now,” he growled.
“Just a sec.” I opened the door, “Tanner can you come here a minute,” I yelled.
Ethan’s face no longer had a smile, his jaw was jutting out. “Yeah, what’s up?” Tanner asked as he walked in.
“I was just explaining to Ethan how I thought he should sleep in your room, until the wedding tomorrow night. You know, so you don’t feel uncomfortable with us having pre-marital sex,” I said. Tanner quickly turned away from Ethan. He pressed his lips together to get control before he burst out laughing.
It only took a second, then he turned back to Ethan, “She’s right you know. I would be mortified to think the two of you were doing anything without a wedding.”
“Oh, you think this is funny,” Ethan wagged his finger at him. “It’s not.”
“Yeah, but Samantha doesn’t remember the previous wedding. I’d like her to start these new memories out on the right foot.” He took a fist and knocked it against Ethan’s shoulder. “So, sure buddy, you can stay in my room. Berto can couch surf,” Tanner smiled broadly.
Ethan grabbed the bridge of his nose, “I’m not staying in your room, I’m staying with Sam. We’re done playing this game. Tanner, grab everyone and have them in the living room in five, no make it ten minutes. We need to go over plans. But first I need to have a talk with my wife about whether she wants to keep the picture of that magenta dress. Because if she expects me to sleep somewhere else, I’ll just be happy with what memories she has.” He looked up and smiled at me as I narrowed my eyes.
“My work here is done,” Tanner said walking out. “I’ll have everyone in the living room shortly.”
“That’s mean,” I pouted.
“No meaner than having me sleep somewhere else. I can’t sleep without you,” growled Ethan.
I sighed, and played with the buttons on his shirt, “Well, I can’t sleep without you either. So, I guess we’re even.”
Ethan gave a small smile, leaned down, and kissed me. “So glad we agree. You unpack and I’ll get this meeting with the guys over quickly.”
“Wait. What?” I asked. “I thought I’d be involved in this. I discovered the fact that I was the only girl. I can help.”
Ethan’s face closed off, “No. You’re on medical leave. You don’t get to do anything but relax and be a tourist.”
“This is about me,” I argued. “I can help.”
“This is about you,” agreed Ethan. “That’s why you’re staying safe. This is non-negotiable.”
“What am I supposed to do?” I crossed my arms, “Just sit around here by myself and wait for them to come after me?”
Ethan’s jaw ticked, “I thought the whole family would go to dinner tonight at Old Homestead, hit one of the clubs, maybe a show. Then tomorrow, after we pick up the license, Tanner and I have a couple of places to investigate. You can hit the spa then if you want. When we get back, you and I’ll go to dinner alone.”
My eyes narrowed, “I’m starting to think you need to sleep with Tanner again.”
He looked at me calmly, then gave one of his charming smiles, “Not happening. You know I’m right, deep down.”
“It must be bottomless, because I’m not feeling it.”
He leaned over and pecked my cheek, “Then try harder. I’ll get this wrapped up quickly so we can walk the strip for a bit as well.” He walked out of the room as I seethed. I put the gown up in the closet, then laid down, closed my eyes, internally reviewing everything I had seen in the files. When I opened my eyes I was smiling. I knew my game plan.
Chapter 39
I was putting the final additions on my outfit when Ethan walked in. He took one look and gave a low whistle. “I forgot how you look when you wear that dress.” He walked over and kissed the side of my neck. I was wearing a black dress with a fold-down collar that fit me like a second skin along with some ankle boots and several band bracelets, made from turquoise and silver.
“You packed it, not me,” I shrugged. “I looked up this restaurant online. Seems pretty fancy.”
“Yeah, it has great food.” Ethan grabbed a suit and started changing. I watched him for a few minutes, enjoying the view.
“And it just happened to be the general’s favorite,” I smiled at him. Ethan froze.
“Sam,” he warned, turning to face me. “This is just dinner. It’s not like we’re planning on running into anyone. It’s a lot of people’s favorite restaurant.”
I gave a small shrug, “So just you, me, Lyssa, Tanner, and Rich?”
He finished buttoning up his shirt, “Plus Berto, Xavier, and Thom.”
“Thom?” I frowned at him.
“He and Xavier are on a date,” he smiled at me and started adjusting his tie.
I walked over to help. “I’m surprised you don’t have Xavier staying in the villa with us.”
“There’s no room or I would.” He grabbed his jacket and stepped i
nto his shoes. “Most of the guys will be here well into the evening playing pool. They started some sort of tournament.”
“There’s a pool table?” I asked. Ethan just nodded at that question.
“Anyone special showing up to the wedding tomorrow?” I asked.
Ethan frowned at me, “Just family like the last time, plus we’re adding the men. Why the third degree, Sam?”
I sighed, “I’m bored. Just trying to get a feel for what’s happening, that’s all.”
Ethan chuckled, “You are the only person who could be bored in Las Vegas.”
“Maybe if you’d include me …”
“Not happening,” Ethan’s voice was firm. “You are on medical leave. Possibly permanent medical leave.” He glanced down adjusting his cuffs, “That reminds me, Rich wants to check you out before we head to dinner. It’ll only take a minute.”
“Fine,” I acquiesced. “You said something about a club tonight. Can I choose? I’ve been searching about all the tourist destinations here.”
He gave an indulgent smile, “Sure. Whatever you want.” He leaned down and kissed me.
We walked into the living room with everyone sitting there. The men in expensive black suits, white shirts, and black ties. Lyssa was in a short black romper cut down to her navel. “Why are we wearing uniforms?” I asked.
“Uniforms?” Tanner scrunched up his nose, which caused me to cross my arms.
“You six guys are wearing the same thing, and you have Lyssa and me in black as well,” I replied snottily.
“Just a coincidence,” shrugged Rich, looking through his bag. I stared at him a moment. He was lying. “I need to check you out before we leave.”
“Fine,” I said shortly. “Let’s get it over with. I’m hungry.” I walked over and answered his questions. I let him take my pulse and look in my eyes.
“Rich, could strobing lights cause me to have any issues?” I asked.
He nodded slowly, “They could. Why do you ask?”
“Ethan wanted to go to a club tonight. I’m thinking a lounge might be a better idea,” I sighed.
“I would absolutely avoid clubs right now,” Rich leaned back. “I don’t know of one around here that doesn’t do strobes or laser shows. And they’re so loud they’re deafening. A lounge would be safer.”
“Well, that helped me decide between my two choices,” I smiled at him. Then I turned, and Ethan grabbed my hand, leading me out the door.
“So where to after dinner?” Ethan nuzzled the sensitive spot behind my ear as we waited for the private elevator.
“Rich said the flashing lights in the clubs could cause me problems. Do you mind going to a lounge instead? There’s one I read about that’s supposed to have great drinks and fantastic views.”
“You had me at the drinks,” answered Tanner. “Besides, we’re getting a little old to go clubbing.”
“Speak for yourself,” sniffed Lyssa.
“Do you want to hit XS?” Berto asked carefully.
“Hell yeah,” said Lyssa, smiling at him. “We’ll ditch everyone after dinner.”
I rolled my eyes, and Ethan laughed. Tanner was turning red. “Xavier,” Ethan started, “Samantha will be with Tanner and me. Why don’t you and Thom go enjoy yourselves afterward also? I can make sure all of you are on the list at the club.”
“Thank you,” Xavier smiled. “That sounds like a plan.”
“Especially since you’re babysitting me tomorrow,” I muttered under my breath.
“He’s keeping you safe, so I don’t have to worry and therefore won’t make any mistakes,” Ethan whispered in my ear. “Plus, he likes you. You need a friend you’re not related to, and your only options are Berto, Xavier, or” he thought for a moment, “maybe Amber.”
“That’s just mean,” I glared at him as he gave a smile that let me know he knew he’d won. I cuddled up against him and let him think that he had.
Dinner tasted fantastic, and it was interesting watching the interaction. Berto and Lyssa, while they agreed to go clubbing that night, were still walking on eggshells with each other. Tanner and Thom were arguing over which was better exercise, parkour or throwing huge tires around. And Ethan and Rich were discussing the merits of which studs to pair with which mares. Xavier turned to me, “Are you going to give me a tough time tomorrow?”
I shrugged, “Define a tough time. I thought we could do some shopping, maybe go swimming, then hit lunch.”
He blinked for a second, “That sounds almost normal.” His eyes narrowed, “What are you up to?”
I smiled, “I didn’t bring a swimsuit, so I need to go shopping, and did you see the pictures of the pools they have here?”
Xavier slowly nodded, “They do seem like they’d be enjoyable. Okay, I’ll meet you back at the Villa after you pick the license up.”
I smiled innocently, “Sounds good.”
After dinner, we waved off the other four and Ethan, Tanner, Rich and myself started walking down the other direction. “I looked this place up,” commented Rich. “It has some magnificent views. Where’d you find it?”
“I googled best lounges and clubs. This is one that came up,” I smiled.
“You know you’re not drinking, right?” Ethan glanced at me.
“Yes, I figure one of us has to be responsible.” I smiled up at him, “We know it’s not going to be Tanner.”
“Hell, no it’s not,” Tanner agreed. “I looked at the whiskey selection and Ethan’s paying. You’re going to be carrying me back.”
We got in easily enough and were quickly seated at a comfortable leather sofa with a spectacular view of the strip. “Looks like we know who our new event planner is.” Ethan kissed me and stood, “I’ll make sure my cards on file and start a tab.”
“I’ll buy the first round,” Rich stood and followed them.
I had checked the layout quickly when we walked in. “I need to visit the ladies’ room,” I smiled at Tanner as I started to stand.
“Just a minute,” he pulled me back down and grabbed my wrist. “Ethan wanted me to take this,” he pulled a bobby pin from the bracelets, “and grab your clutch before you head anywhere. Do you think we didn’t recognize this place from the file?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I sighed. “That book you gave me to read on the plane told me to carry a bobby pin. Now let go,” I stared him down.
Tanner’s jaw twitched for a moment, then he smiled, “Good to know your reading what I asked you to. I’m watching you.”
I leaned over, keeping the smile on my face. “You do that,” then yanked my arm away and walked toward the bathroom. Why do men only assume we would carry things where they do? I walked past the bathrooms and glanced back. No one appeared to be watching, and I looked around, no cameras were pointed at the door I was aiming for. I reached back and pulled two bobby pins from under my hair, near the nape of my neck and straightened them.
Then I counted to five. When no one else came out or down the hall, I quickly picked the lock like I had Lyssa teach me earlier in the week, opened the door and quickly slipped in. I took in everything in the storage room and headed to a desk in the back. All the drawers opened, and there were no false bottoms. Then I took a breath and absorbed where everything was and closed my eyes for a second, looking for the pattern.
I opened them frowning. I couldn’t figure it out. I accessed what I’d read about the General then nodded and headed to a case that claimed it held a forty-five-year-old scotch, the general’s favorite. This thing was so expensive, I’m sure it only came out occasionally, so they wouldn’t have to hold on to more than a few at a time. Sure enough in the box holding the two bottles there was also a file. I grabbed and opened it, reading it at my usual rate.
“It works better if you take pictures,” came a soft voice next to my ear. I swung instead of shrieking, but it was blocked. I was glad it was because hitting Ethan probably would have only pissed him off more than he already was. “Give me t
he file. You never pay attention when you’re speed reading.” He grabbed it from me and started taking pictures with his phone of each page.
“I already have it my head,” I whispered.
“Well, since you’re not coming tomorrow that won’t help us, will it?” he ground out as he finished his photography and stuffed the file back where I found it. He grabbed my hand and headed to the door. “Come on. You’re going to sit there, be charming, and behave. When we get home, Tanner will read over what was found, and we’ll deal with it from there. Where did you even learn to pick a lock, and how did you when your brother grabbed the hairpins?”
“Lyssa taught me, and Tanner didn’t even think to check my hair. You know, where bobby pins should be. This is his fault,” I shrugged. I got an angry glance from him for that. Ethan carefully opened the door and pulled us through, leading me down the hall and back to our table.
Tanner was silently shaking his head and staring at me. “Tell me she didn’t,” he said to Ethan.
“Next time check her hair.” Ethan sat me down and handed me a drink. “It’s a mocktail,” he said to me.
I took a mouthful. “Like that’s the only other place I hid things,” I rolled my eyes.
“You two know you should involve her some. That way she won’t feel left out,” Rich remarked.
“Yeah, like talking to me instead of about me,” I said into the drink. Rich cringed as Ethan glared.
“We are not discussing this here,” Ethan hissed. “We’re having a few drinks, enjoying the view, and while we’re walking back, we’ll take in the fountain show at the Bellagio. Then when we get home, we’ll discuss it.”
“Can I suggest a forty-five-year-old Scotch? I know I can’t drink, but it sounds fantastic,” I was feeling petty.
Tanner appeared to not pick up on my sarcasm, “Oh, well Ethan’s paying so I’ll give it a try.”
Ethan grabbed the bridge of his nose, “Tanner …”
Tanner burst out laughing, “Dude, I know what she’s doing. But hey,” he shrugged, “I want to know what $450 a glass gets you.”