Chapter 6
Evie
The knock on the door has my stomach fluttering.
Torch has come to get us for dinner, only, Caleb still isn’t back.
I texted him ages ago and he said he was coming, but he’s probably still sitting at the poker table.
I’m almost hoping he’ll miss dinner. It’s been nice and quiet since he left for his massage.
“Wow,” Torch says as I open the door. “You look beautiful.”
I’m in jeans and a bodysuit with a pair of converse high tops on my feet. Not sure if I’m even dressy enough for the restaurant we’re going to, but he said you could get away with wearing anything in Vegas, so I opted to be comfortable.
“Thank you.” I smile, feeling that blustery feeling taking over again. “I feel like I might be underdressed.”
He’s in a black button-down and slacks with his shirt sleeves rolled up, showing off more of his sexy ink. I can’t even look at him without my cheeks blushing.
“Should I go put on a dress?” I ask.
“No, doll. You look perfect. Are you and your… boyfriend ready to go down for dinner?”
It’s almost as if it’s a struggle for him to say the word. It’s a struggle to hear it honestly. If I were smart, I would’ve ended things with Caleb before this trip because he’s already ruining my vacation.
“Caleb is down in the casino. He said he’ll meet us in the bar.”
“Sounds good. Shall we?” He offers his arm like a gentleman. A gesture Caleb has never once done.
The entire casino is alive. The sounds, the lights, the laughter. Now that my head isn’t pounding, I can actually take it in.
“This place is pretty spectacular.”
“We think so,” he says, placing his hand on my lower back and guiding me through the crowd. Everywhere he touches lights up with tingles. It’s like he electrifies me with some kind of current.
“What’s that?” I ask as we pass a room with what looks like two security guards standing watch.
“That’s the Elysium. It’s a private casino. Members only.”
“Don’t tell Caleb that. He’ll be demanding entry,” I tease, but it’s not a joke.
He seems to think he owns the place by proxy of dating me.
Even I wouldn’t ask to be let into the exclusive parts of this place.
“I’m sorry for the way he was acting earlier, by the way.
He really does have a problem with saying everything on his mind. ”
He texted me after his massage and told me that the massage therapist made him so hard he was laying with a boner the entire time she worked on him.
Of course, he added in that she was staring at it the entire time.
It was as if he was intentionally trying to make me jealous, but all it did was make me disgusted.
“You two seem like an odd fit. How’d you get together?”
“We met at the gym. He came over and helped me fix one of the machines I was using.” I thought it was a sweet gesture, but now when I’m at the gym, he spends the entire time correcting me on my form. I don’t even like going there anymore. Not when he’s working at least.
“And that’s all it took to get your attention?”
“He was nice and charming, and he wasn’t trying to impress me because of who my father is.” Unlike Torch and the rest of the guys that I’ve met. They all have an angle and I’m merely a pawn in their game to get to my father.
“If I can speak frankly, I think you deserve better. Not because you’re Hemsworth’s daughter or because you’re one of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever met, but you seem too sweet for the likes of him. You need someone who’s going to protect your softness, babe.”
My stomach goes crazy. A fantastical burst of excitement explodes from within. I don’t think my pulse has ever raced so fast. That’s one of the most charming things anyone has ever said to me. He would be the perfect one to protect my softness. Just look at how strong he is.
We enter the bar and my dad is sitting across the room in a corner booth.
And just as I expected, he has a girl half his age draped over him.
She looks like all the others he has dated.
Young, beautiful, dressed like a total skank.
I don’t know where he gets these women from, but he manages to pick the same money-grubbing type every time.
For once, it’d be nice to see him with someone his own age. Someone who actually cares about him.
“I’d protect you,” Torch says at my ear, leaving his words tingling over my skin, running along my spine. He steps over to my dad’s table, but I have to catch my breath before I can join them. For once, Caleb’s assessment was right. He does seem interested in me.
“Evian, sweetheart.” My dad smiles, drawing my attention. “It’s good to see you.”
He leans over to give me a kiss on his cheek, but it’s nearly impossible to greet him with the slut clinging to his side. “This is Portia.” He squeezes her waist earning a giggle. “And that’s Lauralyn and Deuce. Would you like to join us for a drink?”
I’d rather not. Watching the slut rub her hand over my dad’s crotch curdles my stomach. Couldn’t she save it until after his daughter has left the room?
“We’re actually late for our reservation,” I lie. “We better get going so we make it in time for Cirque du Soleil.”
“That sounds like fun. Thank you, Torch, for taking such good care of my daughter while she’s in town.”
“It’s my pleasure, sir.” Torch gives me a smile. He’s scrambling my thoughts with the look in his eyes.
“Have to say I’m surprised you didn’t bring…”
Right before he finishes his thought, Caleb comes bouncing up to my side, practically jumping on me.
“Yo, Pops!” He gives the air a high five. “This place is amazing. You really know how to pick the spots.”
My father bristles at Caleb’s arrival, giving me an annoyed expression. I should do the same. His date isn’t much better. At least mine is the same age as me.
“And damn, where’d you find the hottie?” Caleb holds his hand out for Portia, spending an extra-long time drooling over her tits as she shakes it. Meanwhile, her other hand is trying to stroke my dad off. Disgusting.
“Caleb,” my father grits, nodding tightly. “I didn’t realize you were here. I assumed you had to work.”
“Nah, wouldn’t miss it, Mr. H. This place is sick. Almost won me the jackpot at one of the slot machines.”
Almost being the key word.
“Yeah, well, try not to spend all of my daughter’s money,” my dad says. “I won’t be giving her more until she’s married.”
He thinks he can lord his money over me, but I’m going to school to make my own money. I’m not going to let him dictate who I marry. He certainly doesn’t take my input on the matter. I could’ve spared him four divorces if he had.
“I don’t need your money, Dad. We both have jobs. Now, we better get to dinner.” I look toward the whore who’s practically sucking my dad’s neck off. “I’m starting to lose my appetite.”
“Working at a gym will not pay the mortgage.” My dad has to add one final dig.
He’s done this every time he’s seen Caleb.
As soon as he learned that Caleb was a personal trainer, he wrote him off.
It’s probably one of the reasons I agreed for Caleb to move in with me.
It was to spite my father. And now if I break up with Caleb, Dad will think he can be this rude and get away with it.
“Come on, Caleb. We need to get to dinner.”
I turn and storm from the bar, seeing Torch coming up to my side. I’d forgotten our chaperone was here to witness that entire exchange. Now he knows that my father doesn’t approve of my choice in men either.
“His comments don’t bother me, babe. Once we’re married, and you get access to the rest of your trust fund, I’ll be able to buy my own gym. I’ll own a whole chain of gyms, and we’ll see what your dad has to say about me then.”
He really isn’t helping his case. And as far as marriage goes, it’s never happening.
The idea makes me cringe. Unfortunately, after we get back from this trip, my father is getting his wish because I’m done.
This is not the same guy I fell for at the gym.
This man cares more about my money than he does me.
“So, where are we eating?” Caleb turns to Torch. “I’m starving.”
Even Torch looks annoyed by his response. That headache is once again starting to creep in.
“We have a Michelin restaurant on site. They have the best caviar on the market.”
Caviar? Gross.
“I’m sorry. I’m not really up for this tonight. Is it okay if I go back to my room and order room service? It’s been a long day and I think I’d rather relax.”
“What? That’s so boring,” Caleb whines. “We’re in Vegas, babe. You can’t just stay in your room all night. Don’t you want to go see that circus shit?”
It’s not shit. And no, I’m no longer up for it.
“I’m sorry, Torch. I know you went to a lot of trouble to arrange it. I’ll pay you back for the tickets.”
“Nah, sweetheart. Nothing to apologize for, and there’s no paying me back. If you want to go another night while you’re here, I can arrange it. And we have the best room service menu, but if there’s something you don’t see that you want, I can arrange for it to be delivered.”
I shake my head. “I’m good, thanks. You’ve already gone to enough trouble.”
“Well, fuck that.” Caleb shakes his head. “I’m going to go get me some caviar and a steak. Then I’m going to go hit up the slots for a while.”
Fine. Whatever. Just as long as it keeps him out of the room, I’ll be happy.
The knock on my door must be room service. I ordered the greasiest burger on the menu with loaded fries. Not the healthiest meal, but Caleb isn’t around to tell me how many hours I’ll need to spend in the gym to work off the calories.
“Torch?” I open the door.
“Just wanted to check on you. You looked upset downstairs. Is everything okay?”
Funny how Caleb didn’t even bother asking if I was alright. He ran off to go get his free dinner in the restaurant and hasn’t even texted me to see if I’m feeling okay.
“I’m okay.” I nod.
“You’re not a very good liar.” He smirks.
“I’m sorry. My dad just pisses me off sometimes.”
I turn and walk into the suite, and Torch follows. The place is like a mini apartment. It’s grand and lavish and cold. Everything opulent tends to feel sterile to me. There’s no color. No signs of life. No excitement.
“His comments were a little brash.” Torch is at my back, so close I can feel his breath on my neck and smell that rich cologne.
It makes him smell rugged. His hand slides down my back—the faintest touch.
Making my body tingle. Sending a flick of heat up my spine.
“But it’s obvious he’s worried about you.
He thinks you deserve better, baby. I’d have to agree. ”
My body melts back into his touch as the air labors in my lungs. My mind is racing with a million thoughts. All of them circling around this man.
“You deserve a man who’s going to look out for you.
Who’s not going to leave you to your lonesome while he sits at the poker table.
If you were mine, I would’ve brought you up to this room and spent hours trying to lift your mood.
” His hands trace up and down my arms as his lips slide along my skin, teasing goosebumps over every inch.
“I’d have kissed you until you felt all better. ”
The knock on the door startles us both. I pull away, shaking my head, as he turns to answer it. This time, it’s room service.
“Looks like someone’s got their appetite back.”
I take a deep breath, thinking it may have disappeared again. I’m a flustered mess.
“Watching Portia try to jerk my dad off right in front of me was a little nauseating,” I state, plopping down on the couch. “No girl wants to watch her father make out with a skank.”
“I’m sorry you had to see that, babe. Even I wanted to yank her off your dad and talk some sense into her.” He brings the tray over, placing it between us on the couch. “I wish I’d known you liked burgers. I would’ve taken you for a ride to the best burger place in Vada.”
“You know you don’t have to spend all your time with me. I’m not going to mess up the deal for you guys.”
He swipes a fry from my plate, chewing it down—with his mouth closed—before he speaks.
“I’m not worried about the deal, pretty girl.
I’m worried about you having a good time while you’re here.
Me being here, in this room, is because I want to spend time with you.
Now, eat up, so when you’re done I can take you to get milkshakes.
I know the best place in town for those too. ” He winks.
“There’s always room for ice cream.” I smile, sinking my teeth into the juicy, greasy burger.
I moan as the flavor hits my tongue. It’s been so long.
At home we eat dry fish or chicken and veggies almost every night.
Eggs for breakfast. Tuna for lunch. Caleb is regimented with his diet.
And if I sneak a piece of pizza, I swear he can smell it on me.
“You like it?”
“It’s so good.” I take another mouthful, savoring every moment.
He laughs and snags some more fries, and I realize he hasn’t eaten either. We were supposed to be having dinner together. A man of his size must be starved.
“Will you share this with me? There’s no way I can eat all of this, and I hate letting food go to waste.”
“You’re breaking every rich kid stereotype, babe. You know that?”
“First of all, I’m not a kid. Second of all, what does that mean?”
He scoots closer and the butterflies in my stomach fight against the burger for space.
“I’m well aware you’re not a kid.” His eyes trail down.
Burning slowly. Sparking everywhere they land.
“I’m used to heiresses coming in and acting pretentious.
But you don’t fit that mold. You don’t like caviar.
You don’t like spa treatments. No Britney.
You eat hamburgers like a frat boy instead of picking on lettuce.
And…” His eyes drop lower. “You prefer sneakers over heels. What else am I going to learn about you this weekend?”
“I think you’ll learn that I’m not pretentious at all.
At least, I try not to be. Just because my father has money, doesn’t make me feel like I’m better than anyone else.
In fact, sometimes I wish I wasn’t a billionaire’s daughter.
Most of the time I feel like people are only spending time with me because of who he is and how much they can get from me. ”
Even Caleb has jumped onto that ship.
“Nope. You’re nothing like I expected.” He leans forward and takes a bite of my burger, giving me another wink as he chews slowly.
He’s not what I expected either. I thought the moment I told him I wouldn’t interfere with the deal, he’d be rushing out, excited to be off the hook of babysitting duty. Because I’m gathering that’s what this was. He’s supposed to spend time with me while my father conducts his business.
But he stays. And he eats. And he lifts my mood right up.