“Yes. The more people who know about you, the more dangerous it’s going to be. The thought of you doing this alone . . .” She paused and put a hand over her mouth, eyes wide. “Oh my God, you’re not alone. Jason’s with the FBI too?”
I shook my head. “He’s an undercover cop I had the privilege of meeting when I took on this case. As soon as it’s all over, we’ll go back to our regular lives.”
“But you’ve fallen for him, haven’t you?” Diane inquired.
Averting my gaze, I focused on the city view sweeping past the windows. I hadn’t known Jason long, but my heart hurt knowing that one day soon I wouldn’t be with him anymore. At least for the time being, I didn’t feel alone. It was an amazing feeling. “It doesn’t matter. I’m here to do a job. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right?”
“Jason?”
I glanced over my shoulder at the younger version of Drake Blackwell. “Blaine, right?”
He held out his hand. “The one and only. I heard you were coming by today. Where’s your lady friend?”
I shook his hand and laughed. “Doing what women love most.”
“Ah, shopping. I know how that goes. If you want, you can follow me. I’ll take you to my dad’s office.”
I followed him down the hall until we got to the end. He opened the door just as Drake finished a call and stood, extending his hand. I shook firmly, smiling when I felt his knuckles crack.
“Got a hard grip there don’t you, son?”
“You know better than I do, you can’t be a limp-wristed bitch in this business.”
Tossing his head back, he bellowed, “You’re completely right. See, I knew I liked you. I didn’t take you away from the poker tables this morning, did I?”
“Nah, I figured I’d take a break. What can I do you for?”
“I thought I’d see if you wanted to catch lunch with me and some of the guys. You interested?”
“Sure. Where we going?”
Waggling his brows, he reached for car keys. “You’ll see. Come on. You can ride with me and Blaine.”
As we made our way to the door, Blaine excused himself. “Actually, I have a meeting with Tim Forrester on his new building project. I’m supposed to meet him in fifteen minutes.”
“Good deal, that’s what I like to hear.” Blaine nodded and disappeared down the hallway. “Ready to go?” Drake asked.
“After you.” I followed him to the elevator.
“Where’s Aylee today?”
We got in and the door closed. “She’s spending the day with Diane Randall.”
“That Diane is a looker too, isn’t she? I’ve always told Randall he was a lucky man.”
“You’re wife is beautiful as well,” I told him. Well, she would be if she wasn’t as fake as a plastic doll.
He snorted. “You want her? I’ll trade her for Aylee.”
“Nah, that’s okay. I’m happy with my choice.”
We got off the elevator and walked out to the parking lot, straight to a black Maserati. “How long are you going to be in town?”
Opening the car door, I got in and he started up the car. “I don’t know. Probably not much longer, why?”
“Just curious as to how long you’ll be keeping Aylee to yourself. I have a list a mile long on the men who want a piece of her.”
Clenching my fists, I focused on the fact that nothing happened between them. “Are you one of them?”
He chuckled. “How could I not be? She was the best fuck I’ve had in a long time. I don’t see how you ever agreed to let her go.”
“Trust me, I didn’t want to, but she has a fiery temper to match that hair of hers. Besides, I’m not her owner. She’s free to make her own choices.”
“I’m having another party Saturday night. Do you think she’d be willing to be the prize again?”