Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 73302 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73302 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
I winced as I heard Remington’s voice in my head telling me he was counting on me. I knew I needed to investigate this man, not get involved with him. If he was working for Ivanov, I didn’t want him touching me, anyway. I wanted him dead.
You could use him first. It’s not like you’re that selective.
I told that devilish voice to fuck off. I didn’t want anything to do with a man like that. I’d fucked some evil guys, but what Ivanov did crossed every line I had.
I switched my focus back to the live screen, watching as the sexy man won hand after hand. It was time to end his winning streak and start my investigation.
“Pull him and bring him to my office.”
“Yes, sir.”
The guard got on the radio and let a few of the officers on the floor know I wanted to see Mr. Gorgeous Card Counter. I watched as they approached the table where he was playing. He protested and tried to charm them, then got angry and tried to pull away as they grabbed his arms. One of them pinned his arms behind his back and shoved him forward. I wished I were the one manhandling him.
Play had stopped at tables around him as everyone watched. I tapped an intercom button and made an announcement. “Everyone, return to your play. The situation is under control. Enjoy your evening at Casino Fortuna.”
Slowly but surely, people went back to their drinks and their games.
I waited, watching a different camera where I could see the security guards cuff our cheater’s hands behind his back, then march him down the hall. I enjoyed the confident way he moved. It was almost like he wanted to get caught.
That thought bothered me. What was his game?
Please don’t let his motive be getting a foothold for Ivanov.
When I reached my office, the two security guards were there with Mr. Gorgeous held between them. His hands were still cuffed behind his back. It was a good look on him, but I wanted him to feel more relaxed while he talked to me.
“Check him for weapons, then uncuff him and leave the two of us alone.” The guards looked at each other like they weren’t sure that was a good idea.
“We don’t want to put you in danger, boss,” one of them said.
I scowled at them. “I can hold my own with one unarmed man, I assure you.”
“Yes, sir.” They hurried to obey.
They extracted a small pistol from an ankle holster and a switchblade from his pocket. How the hell had he gotten in here with those?
“Should we wait outside the door, boss?” the same guard asked after their search was complete.
“No, I want to have a private conversation with this gentleman.”
“Yes, sir.”
I waited until their footsteps moved down the hall before gesturing to the chair in front of my desk. “Have a seat.”
He did as I said, and I leaned against my desk, looking down at him. The fucker was almost as tall as me when he was sitting down. A picture popped into my head of his long, lean body stretched out in my bed. I forced out a long breath and let the fantasy go. Business first.
The man didn’t look concerned to be alone with me. His posture was relaxed, his expression neutral. He had been in this situation before or one similar to it. What did that mean? Maybe he was simply a professional con man.
Or he could be working for a man who made me look like a candidate for sainthood.
“Did you really think we wouldn’t notice you? I hope you don’t think that’s how we run this place.”
The fucker smiled at me, and I hated that my cock responded.
“What’s your game here?”
“I came here for a few friendly hands of blackjack, but I keep getting harassed.”
“You’re being harassed because you’re a fucking cheater, and no one cheats me.”
He didn’t flinch. Most men would have. I knew how unhinged I looked, and if he knew anything about this place and my family, he knew we weren’t to be messed with.
“Let’s say you’re not an idiot, although the fact that you would come in here and flaunt your cheating says otherwise. If you’re not stupid, you’d look for cameras, yet you put yourself right in line of one a few days ago and again tonight.”
“So you know about that night?” he asked.
“I know about everything.”
He lifted a brow. “Do you?”
Was the fucker flirting with me? Maybe. Did I like it? Fuck yes, I did, so he better not be a fucking evil bastard.
And what are you if not evil?
I didn’t traffic children, and I didn’t fuck anyone who didn’t want it.
“I know everything that goes on at this casino. I know about men like you and how you think.”
He lifted a brow, somehow looking even hotter. “Do you?”