2. Bianca
Chapter 2
Bianca
T he clink of glasses fades as the master of ceremony places a hand around the microphone, his smile as polished as the gilded fixtures surrounding us at The Oasis ballroom. The dim lights showcase his perfectly coiffed hair, along with the glimmering gold decor of the atmosphere.
I smooth the silk fabric of my dress, each thread a testament to the empire I’ve built.
“Welcome, esteemed guests.” The announcer’s vocal timbre is the perfect pitch to slice through the murmur of the audience. “Tonight, we celebrate the luminaries of Vegas nightlife.”
Zack’s amber eyes glint as he leans into my ear. “Good luck.”
A hint of stubble accents Zack’s chiseled jawline, adding to his rugged charm. He’s a wildfire in my controlled world. His closeness makes my belly flip flop.
Heat stirs inside me as I feign a smile. “Likewise.”
The presenter’s gaze moves between me and Zack. ”We’re all eager to see who will emerge as this year’s Best Nightclub in Vegas. Among our distinguished nominees are Pulse Club Downtown and Fitzgerald’s.”
A surge of pride for Fitzgerald’s shoots through me. It’s my creation, and I’ve worked damn hard on making it a huge Vegas success since opening last year.
Zack’s success mirrors mine, but his relentless energy runs all over my ironclad composure.
Without looking, I sense his savage grin. I inhale a deep breath, hoping it’ll relax some of my anticipation. “Quite the lineup.”
“May the best club win.” His voice is a low thrum that resonates deep within me.
“Indeed.” My reply is light and poised, yet the flutter in my stomach betrays my calm exterior.
This is more than business. The two of us are like flames and ice—total opposites, but Zack Wolfe is the only one who has ever come close to melting the barriers around my heart.
Zack leans in again, his warm breath tickling my ear. His mouth carries the faint scent of mint toothpaste, blended with a spicy cologne that makes my mind spin. “So, Bianca, ready to surrender to the nightlife king?”
I try to focus on the announcer’s voice, but Zack is an enhanced distraction, his sparkling eyes fixed on me with that playful arrogance I find infuriating—and intoxicating. The air simmers with the energy of our unspoken war, and every nerve in my body awakens to the challenge. I flash a quick glance at him. “Never.”
The master of ceremony clears his throat. “Attention everyone. We have an unprecedented situation.”
Zack leans into me again and his warm lips brush against my temple while his soft exhale of air resonates in my ears. “Sounds serious.”
I shiver, cursing myself for letting him breach my defense wall. Zack’s sharp jawline takes up my entire visual field and sends a tingle through me, like the taste of something sweet and forbidden.
The master of ceremony continues, his announcements muffled by the rapid beating of my heart. “Both clubs exemplified excellence in nightlife entertainment.”
Zack bites his lip. “Bet it’s a tie.”
His vocal tone is smooth like velvet, but I try to push past it.
I shoot a look at him. “Can you be quiet, please?”
“And the award for Best Nightclub in Vegas goes to…” The anticipation in the room swells to a crescendo, mirroring the storm inside me as we await the final verdict.
“Fitzgerald’s and Pulse Club Downtown!” The declaration hits like a thunderclap, reverberating through the crowd.
Zack flaunts a victorious smirk. “It’s a tie.”
My pride battles the irritation at sharing the top spot with him. But as our gazes lock, everything else blurs, and all I can see is the fire in his eyes, a mirror to the blaze he ignites within me.
The pop of another champagne bottle cuts through the applause. Zack’s grin is as sharp as the crystal flute he hands me. Why does he stir so much turmoil within me?
I sip the drink, letting the coolness settle my nerves. “Looks like we need a tiebreaker.”
“Agreed.” He leans in, the aroma of his cologne a threatening undertow. “Any ideas, Miss Fitzgerald?”
A corner of my mouth drags downward. “None that involve you winning.”
He laughs, his seductive eyes alight with the thrill of competition. “Ouch.”
I tilt my head, appraising him. “Perhaps a dance-off? Or we could let the numbers do the talking. Revenue from tonight?”
My suggestion lingers, wrapped in silk and edged with steel.
Zack shakes his head before waving over a waiter. “Too predictable. Let’s up the stakes.”
The server stands before us with a notepad in his hand.
Zack looks up and gives his order. “Two tequilas.” He gestures toward my sister but keeps his attention on me. “Is she having any?”
Olivia’s nervous eyes flick between me and Zack before she shakes her head. “I’m good. Nothing for me. Thanks.”
The waiter nods and retreats.
Zack leans in and penetrates my eyes. “The truth serum will reveal all our secrets, Bianca.”
I lick my lips and deliver a good retort. “Or just your poor judgment.”
His laughter wraps around me, warm and infectious. “Touché.”
Shots arrive, lined up like soldiers on the table. Zack slides a tequila over to me before picking one up for himself. It’s reckless. It’s madness. And I can’t look away.
He raises his glass, the liquid gold almost spilling over the edge. “Here’s to a game-changing tiebreaker.”
“To the last person standing.” I clink my shot against his and throw it back. The tequila burns like smooth fire down my throat, and I welcome the heat. I like the way the alcohol dulls the edge of his presence, even though it’s only halfway. Even through the haze, he’s sharp.
He signals the waiter again. “Another round.”
The surrounding room seems to tilt and spin, the lights blurred into hazy orbs. I swallow and regain composure. “Confident, but confidence doesn’t equal victory.”
“Caution doesn’t either.” He downs his next shot, eyes never leaving mine. There’s a promise in that gaze—a silent vow that this game is not done.
The warmth spreads through me as I chuck my tequila shot too. “Maybe not, but I’m not the one who will lose.”
“Keep telling yourself that.” Zack’s smile is pure sin as he orders yet another round.
Olivia leans in and her flowery perfume floats to my nostrils. “I’m calling it a night.” Her eyes are soft with understanding. She knows the toll this rivalry takes on me.
A loose laugh emerges from my throat. “Sure you don’t want one more drink, Olivia?”
While I joke with her, my shoulders tighten because her departure leaves me alone with Zack.
“Nope. Love you, sis. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” She winks before slipping away into the crowd. With her goes the last bit of restraint I have.
Zack’s attention snaps back to me, his smile savage. “And then there were two.”
My mind spins as voices and sounds blend into a pleasant murmur. “Yes. Two rivals with unfinished business.” My tone is firm despite the tequila blurring the edges of my world.
“Exactly.” He slides his chair closer. The heat radiating from his body is a far cry from the cool luxury of the Oasis Hotel. Our knees brush and a spark jumps between us.
“Care for a wager?” His question drips with an invitation to something more than a bet.
My pulse quickens, betraying my calm facade. ”Depends on the stakes.”
His confidence is intoxicating, as heady as the alcohol in my veins. “Simple. Whoever has the longest line outside their nightclub at sunrise wins.”
“Wins what?” I demand, leaning in, drawn by the thrill of the gamble and his wild scent.
He grins like a beast who’s sure of his prey. “Bragging rights. And a favor.”
I crave to wipe that smugness off his face. “Deal.” The word slips out, reckless and hungry.
He raises his glass, and I mirror him, the liquid fire ready to fuel our folly. “Let’s seal it with a shot.”
The tequila ignites a blaze that has nothing to do with the bet and everything to do with Zack Wolfe. I clink my glass against his. “Cheers to pushing limits and seeing who’s left standing by the end of the night.”
The tequila scorches my esophagus, and everything tilts around me as my pulse hammers a reckless beat.
Zack’s amber eyes hold mine, a challenge simmering in their depths. “Come on, Fitzgerald.” He stands with a fluid grace that belies his intoxication. “Let’s take this to the next level.”
I push myself up, feeling the giddy lightness in my head. The marble under my feet grounds me while my heels click against the floor.
“Lead the way, Wolfe.” My tone is steady, but inside, I’m all wildfire.
His hand brushes against my back, sparking a warmth that spreads through my pelvis while we weave through the crowd.
As we head through the buzz of the casino floor, the muffled sounds of laughter and clinking glasses drift through the door to remind us of the magical energy of Vegas.
I feel light and floaty, as if I could easily be pushed or pulled any which way. “Where are we going?”
“Somewhere… fitting.” The corner of his sly male lips lift, and I follow his lead, drawn by the thrill.
Zack grabs my hand, and we’re moving faster, down the sweeping escalator to the lower levels of the Oasis.
The sound of an Elvis song drifts up to greet us. Surreal.
A laugh bubbles from my throat, and I don’t suppress it. I’m breathless, intoxicated by more than alcohol. “Are you crazy?”
He winks, pulling me past the last step, into a glowing chapel. “Maybe.”
“Welcome to the Oasis Wedding Chapel,” booms Eddie King, a glittery figure in a white, sparkling sequin suit. “Care to make a lifelong bet?”
The hair sprayed man stands before us, his smile captivating as the lights of the chapel cast a blue glow on his jet black mane.
“Zack!” I protest, but it’s weak, a whisper lost in the absurdity.
A wide grin spreads across his face. “Too late, gorgeous.”
The music of another Elvis song fades into the background as Zack watches me. My limbs tingle with a warm sensation, and I sway along with the room.
“Fine.” I square my shoulders, meeting his challenge head-on. “Till sunrise do us part?”
Zack nods and laughs a low, rumbling growl. “Deal.”
A faint smell of cigarettes and champagne hangs around Eddie King, adding to his aura of extravagance. His drawl wraps around us, rich and velvety, as he begins the ceremony. “We are gathered here today under the neon lights of love and luck to witness a special moment in the heart of Sin City.”
The wedding continues and we slur marriage vows from our mouths amidst uncontrollable laughter. We’re spinning like stars colliding in the neon night.
Eddie’s eyes sparkle. “By the power vested in me by the state of Nevada. I pronounce you—”
“Wait.” Zack suddenly looks serious, holding my gaze. “This is real. You’re real.”
The intensity in his eyes sears through me. “Always have been.”
His thumb brushes my knuckle. ”Then I’m all in.”
I lean toward him while the universe narrows to just us. “Me too.”
Eddie looks at both of us and then nods. “Man and wife.”
“Kiss the bride,” Zack murmurs before his claiming lips land on mine, sealing the deal.
I return the kiss, devouring his lips with a ferocity born out of desperation, my body aching to receive his touch. In this moment, it’s as if everything has ceased to exist and all that matters is the chemical connection between us.
While our bodies meld together in raw passion, the room spins around me like a carnival ride, the edges blurring and the lights becoming one.
The King croons on, but all I hear is my heart pounding a new rhythm called Zack Wolfe.