Claimed for the Master's Pleasure (Guilty Pleasures #5)(14)



Jake smiled, his lightness of heart returning. “For the last three years I’ve worked so hard, I haven’t even allowed myself time to think, let alone grieve. I’ve been busy building the Arabian Nights into the finest casino in Vegas. I’ve succeeded, but I need more, Lia.”

He took a deep breath, enjoying her closeness and the emotional connection and empathy they now shared. “Shall we make a move? I’d like to show you the casino. Perhaps play a little.”

Lia nodded, her lashes closing slowly over her gorgeous green eyes. This clearly submissive characteristic turned him on even more. “Sounds good, Jake. But I wouldn’t know how to bet in a casino, so I’ll just watch.”

Jake stood and shrugged on his jacket. “Come, there’s so much I want to show you before this wonderful evening has to end.” He held out his hand, noting with a certain amount of satisfaction that she readily took it. For the first time in three years he felt whole again. He felt like he had a second chance at life. Maybe even a new beginning. Whatever the outcome of the evening, he would always be grateful for their meeting, however difficult the circumstances. He knew now he would do everything in his power to reduce her father’s debts. If it were in his ability to make them disappear entirely, then he would find a way.

The casino was already in full swing as he led the way across the floor to the craps tables. The designers had done a fantastic job, fully implementing his ideas for an intimate venue. The lighting was low, and subdued, and between the tables he’d created space to sit and talk. With all the extra alcoves and small enclosures around the tables it meant having more staff to keep an eye on things. It cost more to run per square foot than the average casino. But what the hell, Arabian Nights Casino was a runaway success. It made lots of money for him and his shareholders, and that was the bottom line.

There was a group of about ten people around the large, waist-high table. The shooter threw the dice onto the table to yells and shouts. They rolled, coming to a complete stop on the green baize surface. “Craps was your father’s favorite game, Lia. He liked all the interaction.”





Chapter Nine



“Bring me luck, Lia.” Jake held the dice out for her again, and she blew once more into his hand. He smiled into her eyes and then, without breaking eye contact, cupped the dice in his fist and then blew on them himself. When he turned and threw them onto the table, a cheer went up.

“Did you win?” she asked eagerly. “It sounds as though you did.” She was having fun, and it felt good. Jake was on a winning streak.

“I just can’t seem to lose with you here, Lia.” He grinned. The night had taken on a surreal quality. Jake was such a charmer. She knew he wanted to take her to bed, and f*ck her senseless. Every time he looked at her, his eyes told the same story. They burned with a passion she’d only ever seen with Joe. Her * simply ached for him.

It had come as a huge surprise, finding out that Jake and Hannah had been into the same scene as Joe and herself. This morning, when she’d been unceremoniously dragged to his office by a couple of his gorillas, she hadn’t thought for a moment that they would have anything in common. Her initial impression of Jake Benetti was not a good one. He was just another seedy Vegas club owner, out to make a quick buck. Yet, after being in his company for only a few hours, she already felt totally at ease with the man.

The dealer pushed his winnings toward him. “Congratulations, Mr. Benetti. You win again.”

Jake smiled and scooped up the sizeable stack of chips.

A quiver of excitement washed over Lia, as Jake turned to her and slipped his hand possessively around her waist. The way he squeezed her flesh left her in no doubt about his intentions. As he began guiding her from the casino, he asked, “Enjoying yourself, Lia?”

“Jake, you bet. The casino is so exciting, especially when people win.” Her perception of casinos was becoming more positive, rather than the wholly negative one her mother had drilled into her as a child. Arabian Nights was far more sophisticated than she could ever have imagined, and it was fun, too. You remember having fun, don’t you, Lia?

Jake held up the thick stack of chips before squeezing them into her hand. “For you, pretty lady. I couldn’t have won without you.”

“Oh, no, Jake, I couldn’t. How much is here?”

“Oh, I don’t know. About fifty thousand bucks, I guess.”

“Fifty thousand…bu…” She was shocked. The words just wouldn’t come.

A broad grin spread across his lips as he stared intently at her mouth. Then he raised his cool blue eyes to hers, turning her legs to jelly. “I think we should take things further, Lia.”

“Yes, Jake, but where?”

“My penthouse suite, of course.” He leaned in and whispered against her ear. “I want you.”

Her whole body spiraled out of control. Her * throbbed, tightening into a coil of anticipation. She knew her panties were soaked through with her feminine juices. It had been nearly a year since her fiancé had died. Joe would always have a place in her heart, but it was time to move on. At this moment in time she needed a real, flesh-and-blood man. Jake Benetti was that man. She would always treasure the memories she and Joe had shared, but tonight she needed something more.

Then she remembered the million dollars she owed.

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