Claimed for the Master's Pleasure (Guilty Pleasures #5)(8)

“Good luck, Libby.”

“Oh, thank you, Mr. Benetti. You’ve made my day. I can’t lose now. I’m on a roll.”

As they continued walking Lia commented, “Does that happen often?”

“All the time,” he replied. “I don’t know why they think I’m gonna bring them luck. For Christ’s sake, I’m the guy who hopes they lose.”

A large man with a ruddy complexion walked toward them. He held out his arms. “Boss, good to see you.”

“You, too, Paulie.” They vigorously shook hands before parting company.

“Who’s that?” Lia asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

“That’s Paulie, the floor manager. The best guy in the business. He’s been with me since the beginning.”

Lia observed him smile and make small talk as they continued their progress. Although she never once saw the happiness from his smile reach his eyes. Whatever had caused his melancholy, it was deep rooted. Stop taking so much interest in this guy. Jake Benetti was going to separate her from her rightful inheritance. It was something he’d probably done to a number of people. She guessed he wouldn’t lose much sleep over it.

A well-dressed doorman pushed open a large glass door as they reached the entrance. “Good morning, Mr. Benetti.”

“Good morning, Sam. How’s Rose? Not long to go now.”

“Real soon, Mr. Benetti. It’ll be our third. I’m hoping for a boy this time. As you know, we’ve got two girls already.”

“Yeah, Sadie and Jessica must be growing up fast. If you need time to be with your wife, you just let me know, Sam. Right?”

“Sure thing, and thanks, Mr. Benetti.”

A stretch Mercedes limo drew up under the entrance canopy. Sam stepped forward and opened the rear door.

“Allow me, ma’am.”

Recognizing a chance to air her feelings, she commented, “Thank you, Sam. You’re very helpful. I’m so sorry, I can’t give you a tip, but your boss has just taken me for every cent I have.”

Sam nodded politely, but didn’t respond to her comments. “Pleasure is all mine, ma’am.” Lia thought she saw a hint of amusement in his eyes. She hoped her cutting remarks would become common knowledge with all Jake Benetti’s employees.

The incessant noise of the casino suddenly vanished when the limo door closed behind her with a satisfying thud. She took a moment to enjoy the luxurious cream leather interior. A glass privacy panel slowly closed, separating her from the driver. The car oozed wealth and status, something she would never be able to enjoy. Not now that she had to settle her father’s debts.

Jake took the seat beside her. “You didn’t have to tell Sam your life history. He’s a loyal guy, been with me eight years. Knows from experience I’m not the bad guy you seem to think I am.”

“Just letting him know the type of boss he works for. And just so you know, I have a very low opinion of you and your trashy lifestyle, Mr. Benetti. I’d rather we didn’t speak. I’d sooner we remain silent.”

Jake shook his head and mumbled something she couldn’t quite hear as the driver smoothly maneuvered the limo away from the casino entrance.

“Did you say something?”

“Either you want a conversation or you don’t.” He seemed irritated.

“Jesus, no need to take offense. Your secretary was right. You’re like a bear with a sore head.”

He breathed in, then said more calmly, “May I call you Lia?”

“No, you may not.”

He smiled broadly for the first time that day. He had perfect teeth. “Lia, please believe me, I’m sorry for the way things have turned out.”

“Sorry? You’re not sorry at all.” She knew her words carried venom. “You make the excuse that certain things are beyond your control. According to you, everything comes down to profit and keeping your shareholders happy. But I don’t believe that for a moment. I can see that you’re clearly your own man, and could easily write off the debt if you really wanted to.”

They drove along in total silence for a few minutes. She absently glanced through the window as the car sped down the Strip. Casinos littered both sides of the road. Very quietly, in almost a whisper, she said, “Funny how Vegas looks so gray and dreary during the day.”

“Vegas is a nighttime, good-time city. It can be a city of dreams. So many ordinary people working for minimum wage want to change their lives. That’s why they play the slots and the tables. They hope that maybe, just maybe, they can hit the jackpot. Even when they lose, most of them still enjoy the glitz and the glamour, and the sense of occasion we offer.”

“The slots in your establishment didn’t look remotely glamorous to me when we just walked past them.”

“You need to see the tables. That’s where the thinking gamblers tend to congregate. The slots are just pure luck, most of it the casino’s.”

Lia shook her head. “I just can’t see it. Wasting all that money, and for what?”

“They’re paying for the buzz, the thrill and excitement. People don’t always have to win to enjoy themselves.”

“Mr. Benetti, I was brought up to believe that hard work was the key to a better life. Not simply sticking a dollar in a slot and hoping to become a millionaire. I’m sorry, I can’t change the habit of a lifetime. It’s just the way I am. In my opinion casinos are crass, seedy joints that should be closed down to save gullible people from themselves.”