Nico (Ruin & Revenge #1)(45)
“I’m not his woman.”
“I don’t mean any disrespect, ma’am,” Big Joe said. “And I don’t have a woman of my own, so I could be wrong. But since I’m supposed to sit outside your place all night to make sure you’re safe under pain of death, I think you are.”
TWELVE
Mia wound her way through the crowds on the Freemont Street Experience with Jules in tow. Like most locals, she usually avoided the five full blocks of pedestrian heaven featuring a huge arched canopy of computerized lights, a massive sound system, shows, live bands, a slot machine-inspired zip-line attraction and free-flowing booze. When she wanted to game or play pool, she headed to the smaller, local casinos or occasionally to the Strip.
She pulled Jules to a stop outside Casino Italia. It had all the glitz and glamour of its predecessor, but with a modern touch. A massive banner hung over the sleek chrome and glass facade, advertising the hotel’s current show—a hip-hop rapper who was in high demand.
“He owns this?” Jules smoothed down her little black dress, a radical departure from her usual T-shirts and jeans. Mia didn’t think she’d ever seen Jules dress up before, and certainly not in heels.
“I knew mobsters had money,” Jules continued. “But this takes it to another level.”
Mia didn’t want to admit she’d also been shocked to discover Nico owned the casino. Over the last two years, she’d heard rumors about the renovation of the old Lucky Duck hotel, but she’d never considered it might be mob-financed and especially not by a capo as young as Nico. With the money now required to set up a casino in Nevada, most of the renovations and new developments were handled by large corporations or foreign investors, with the mob taking their cut through deals with regulators, unions, legislators, and developers.
“Come on. Don’t stand outside gawking.” Jules tugged on her arm. “It’s Friday night. I want to party and meet your man, not necessarily in that order.”
Mia bristled. “He’s not my man.”
“Then what are we doing here?”
“It’s business.” At least that was what she told herself when she convinced Jules to join her.
In the three days since Big Joe had escorted her home, she’d had second thoughts about billing Nico for a service that hadn’t been completed, so she’d taken a second look at his system and flagged a few areas of concern. When neither he nor his casino manager returned her calls, she’d decided to pay him a visit.
After all, she’d been hired to do a job, and her professional reputation depended on doing it right. If that meant she had to see the misogynistic bastard again, well she did owe him a thank-you for dealing with the Wolf. Not that she needed him to come running to her aid, but it had been nice to know someone had her back. She was still waiting for the fallout from that disastrous visit. So far, the newspapers hadn’t reported the discovery of a body, but she knew without a doubt her father would have something to say when he got out of hospital. Too bad she couldn’t bring Nico along.
“I’m calling bullshit on that one,” Jules said. “Look at you all dressed up in your short black dress, laced up the sides, with that naughty crinoline underlay, the bare shoulders, and your long sexy socks. Men go crazy for stuff like that. If it was business, you’d be wearing a suit. You like him.”
“He’s insufferably arrogant, condescending, controlling, bossy, violent, and dangerous,” Mia shot back. “He does what he wants regardless of what people think or feel or what the consequences might be, and he’s pretty much as off-limits as a man can get in my crazy, fucked-up Mafia world. He kidnapped me, hustled me at pool, and then it was all hands on deck to claim his prize. I mean, who does that? And after I let him into my office and…” Her voice hitched. “Showed him my stuff, does he ask what I think about leaving after he beats the crap out of the Wolf? No. He says, ‘Get her out of here.’” She paused for breath, and Jules laughed.
“So that’s a yes, you like him. Guess I’m here as your wing woman tonight.”
“It’s business,” Mia insisted as they walked into the casino. “You’re here as my associate.”
“Well then I’m gonna get hammered, and I’ll write off my drinks.”
Mia opened her mouth to refute Jules again, but she had to accept that Jules was right. Despite all her protests, and all the reasons why it was wrong, she wanted to see Nico again. It just wasn’t easy to let down her guard. The security test gave her an excuse to step out from behind the walls that had sheltered her for so long, to open herself up, to take the one risk she had always been afraid to take.
“Looks like we’re gonna have to buy you a few drinks, too.” Jules gave her arm a squeeze and they walked inside.
Casino Italia was a mix of old and new. Shades of gray and red dominated the upscale decor. Mia liked the unique mix of young/hip and retro Rat Pack Vegas vibes with live entertainment and vintage slots with levers; not so much the scantily clad dealers busting out of their skintight outfits as they leaned over the gaming tables.
In addition to sound effects and other noise—clapping, cheers, bells, sirens and whistles—the casino played a mix of soft, repetitive and easy listening music, as well upbeat and stimulating Top 40 hits, all psychologically designed to manipulate customers into dropping the maximum amount of cash.