1. Frost
FROST
Vegas hits like a punch to the senses the second we step inside the casino.
The air smells like perfume, booze, and desperation, and the flashing neon lights are promises of terrible financial decisions.
Slot machines scream for attention, and the carpet looks like it was designed by someone on a bender.
The bright colors blend together, giving the illusion that time stands still.
Death’s Gambit floods the lobby in leather and ink, boots echoing off polished marble as tourists in flip-flops part like the Red Sea.
Hope squeezes my hand and squeals with excitement as we head toward the reception desk.
Amy stalks through the lobby like a woman who’s been personally wronged by security, still bitter about not being able to bring her bat.
She glares at a decorative pillar like she’s considering using it as a weapon.
“Still don’t understand why I couldn’t bring Big Lil’,” she mutters.
I chuckle. “Based on the way you’re looking at the column over there, I think it’s safe to say we were right.”
Check-in is a mess of IDs, credit cards, and the front desk clerk’s smile slowly dies the longer she looks at us. Hawk takes in the poor woman’s frantic appearance and takes mercy on her. “Put it all on my card, sweetheart.”
The receptionist gives him a grateful smile and finishes checking us all in, and begins activating the key cards. Hawk swipes the plastic card off the counter and hands it to me.
“Here’s your key,” he says as a grin spreads across his face.
Hope reaches around me and plucks the keycard from his fingers and wraps her arms around his waist. “Thank you, Hawk.”
“I’ll call you when it’s time to get this party started,” he says, patting her back. “Chaos, here’s your key.”
Chaos steps forward to claim his key. “Who am I rooming with?” he asks.
Hope looks between Dad and Chaos, covering her mouth to keep from laughing. Everyone is in on the secret except Chaos.
Hawk jerks his chin toward the hellraiser. “Amy.”
“No fucking way!” he scoffs. “I’m being punished for something, aren’t I?”
“Full house this weekend. We could only get so many rooms. You knew you’d get paired up with someone,” Hawk says.
“Why can’t Amy and Hope room together?” he pouts. “I’ll room with Frost.”
I shake my head. “Fuck that. I’m sleeping with my fiancée.”
Chaos rubs a hand over his face. “Amy will never agree to room with me.”
Amy saunters forward, mischief written all over her face. “It was my idea.”
“Why the fu—”
“You said I could live without my… What did you call it… my emotional support weapon?” she asks.
“Yeah,” he responds, confused.
“Well, Chaos,” she draws out. “Looks like you’re inheriting the title for the weekend.”
“Fuck,” he mutters.
“And you’re sleeping on the couch.”
“Figures,” he says flatly.
Hope laughs, looping her arm through mine. “Relax, Chaos. Amy is actually a really good roommate to have, unless you wake her up with loud snoring.”
“I don’t snore,” he counters
She raises a brow. “You’d better hope for your sake you don’t.”
“What happens if I snore?” he questions.
Amy steps up next to Chaos. “Be thankful I wasn’t allowed to bring my bat.”
Chaos throws his hands up in the air. “Thanks a lot, Hawk.”
Our entire group breaks out in hysterics as Amy leads him toward the elevator with all of us trailing behind.
The elevators are packed, and we have to break into smaller groups to give other patrons a chance to reach their rooms, too.
One by one, everyone files out on their designated floor except for Hope and me.
“What level are we on?” Hope mumbles.
The doors open to a private, luxurious suite with plush carpet and rose petals leading the way through the foyer. The suite is massive with a full kitchenette, wet bar, and a bed big enough to land a helicopter on, and a view of the Strip that looks like it’s on fire.
Hope drops her purse and spins once, smiling. “Wow.”
I toss our bags on the couch and wrap my arms around her middle as she stares out the window. “Happy?”
“Very,” she says sweetly.
I spin her around and cup her face, lowering my lips to hers. She grips the back of my neck as she deepens the kiss. Her tongue strokes mine, and my cock hardens instantly. My fingers trace her back in a teasing fashion while she leans into me more. I begin to lift her shirt when my cell rings.
“This better be fucking good,” I say, answering the phone.
Hawk’s voice filters through. “Meet in the casino, ten minutes.”
“Seriously?”
“What’s the matter, son?” Hawk taunts. “Did I interrupt something?”
“Funny,” I respond dryly. “We’ll be down soon.”
Hope straightens her shirt and applies a fresh coat of lipstick. Once she deems herself presentable, she slings her purse over her shoulder, excitement buzzing around her.
As we head for the door, she grins at me. “Try not to lose everything.”
“No promises,” I say, opening the door. “But if I do, I’ll blame Vegas.”
The casino floor is packed when we enter, and the sounds of slot machines fill the air. The club gathers near the center like we planned. Amy is the last one to join us, and by the look on her face, she’s still pissed about being empty-handed.
“I feel naked,” she declares, eyes tracking a group of drunken frat guys like she’s calculating the odds. “I hate it here.”
“You hate everywhere you can’t legally assault someone,” I say, and she doesn’t deny it.
We split up fast because self-discipline lasts approximately three minutes in a casino. Hawk and a few of the guys hit the craps tables, drawn by the noise, while Chaos heads for the roulette wheel with Colt by his side.
“Amy and I are going to head to the slot machines.” Hope pushes me toward the guys. “Have fun and stay out of trouble.”
I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “No promises.”
Amy slides up to Hope’s side. “If I lose money, I’m stealing something.”
“How about we don’t do anything illegal?” I suggest.
Hope leads Amy away, both of them laughing as they stop at the first slot machine they see.
I step in between Colt and Chaos and place my bet. The wheel spins, and the ball clicks between the red and black spaces. Everyone holds their breath as they wait for the fate of their bets.
“Black thirteen,” the croupier announces.
I won. “Hell yeah,” I crow, scooping the chips toward me. “Vegas loves me.”
Chaos bumps my shoulder. “Don’t get cocky. That’s how it gets you.”
The air suddenly shifts, gaining my attention. Heads turn as a line parts near the bar. Walking straight toward us is Saints Outlaws MC. Their president, Vegas, marches straight for our small group. Onlookers take in the sight with bated breath as if they’re waiting for a brawl to start.
“Heard you assholes were coming,” Vegas says, pulling me in for a one-arm man hug.
Chaos nods. “Eagle call?”
“Yeah.” Vegas glances around. “Where’s your ol’ man?”
Chaos shrugs. “Said he had some business to finish up, but he’ll be on his way in the morning.”
Hope inches her way toward me while Amy slides up to Glitch, her hand twitching.
“Who’s this, Frost?” Hope asks.
“Darlin’, this is Vegas,” I announce. “President of Saints Outlaws and one of our allies.”
“Pleasure to meet you.” Hope holds out her hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Good things, I hope.” Vegas’ gaze softens when he looks at her. “Heard about the wedding. Congratulations.”
I dip my chin. “Thanks, man.”
“Club’s throwing a party tomorrow night in your honor,” Vegas says. “Thought Death’s Gambit might want to celebrate the upcoming nuptials properly.”
I glance at Hope. “What do you say? Want to go party with the Outlaws?”
She smiles. “That sounds amazing.”
Amy brightens. “Do you have any bats?”
Vegas chuckles. “You must be Amy. I’ve heard about you.”
She cocks her brow. “And?”
Vegas winks. “I think we’re gonna be good friends.”
Amy’s lip curves. “Good answer.”
Hawk enters the fray. “Can’t say I’m surprised to see you here, Vegas.”
“Hey, Hawk. Eagle called and gave us a heads-up last week.”
Hawk nods his head. “Figured he would.”
“Passing along the invitation for a real party tomorrow night at our clubhouse to celebrate the newlyweds.” Vegas extends his hand to him. “No pressure, but hope you all can come.”
Hawk shakes it. “We’ll be there.”
Vegas nods, then melts back into the crowd like he was never there at all.
Chaos turns back to the table, chips in hand. “Alright,” he says. “Who’s ready to lose money again?”
A server comes over with a tray of shots for everyone. “Vegas said to enjoy yourselves.”
Hawk lifts his glass as everyone takes one. “To my son and his future wife. I couldn’t ask for a better daughter-in-law.”
Hope’s eyes fill with tears as Amy thrusts a shot into her waiting hand.
“Enough sappy shit,” Amy declares. “It’s time to gamble!”
Everyone throws back their shots and cheers.
“You heard the woman.” I take Hope’s hand. “Let’s gamble.”