Chapter Thirty-Three
Earn It
Juliet
“ Y OU SURE YOU’LL be okay?”
Standing in the penthouse living room the next day, I looked over my shoulder to where Marco and Dan—one of Moonlight’s security guards—stood. “Yeah, I think I’m covered.”
Even with my reassurance, Maximo looked hesitant to leave. “Why don’t you come with me?”
After a phone call from his realtor, Maximo had shared he was expanding Black Resorts with a new casino. Unfortunately, he’d yet to find the right land, which was one of the usual bullshit frustrations he’d been dealing with.
The realtor had found a handful of possible locations, and as much as I loved spending time with Maximo, sitting in the hot car and touring empty lots left a lot to be desired. More than that, though, it was important for us both to see I’d be safe alone.
Well, alone minus a bodyguard, security guard, and undoubtedly someone else watching on the cameras.
“I’m fine here, I promise. I’m going to sit by the pool and read. Maybe take a spin or fifty around the lazy river.”
Maximo tugged his suit jacket on before pulling me closer. “I’ll only be a couple hours.”
“I know.”
“I can come right back if there’s an issue.”
“I know.”
“Keep your phone on you at all times.”
“I know.” At his narrowed eyes, I smiled and put my palms to his chest. “I’ll be okay.”
“I know,” he said, stealing my line. Lowering his head, he kissed me like other people weren’t in the room. “Be good.”
“Never.”
He grinned and let me go. “Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I watched him get into the elevator before turning around. “He’s gone. Let’s throw a rager. Hookers, blow, the whole nine.”
Dan’s eyes went comically huge, but Marco didn’t even blink as he said, “Go get changed.”
I sighed. “Party pooper.”
But I did as he said, stripping out of my sundress before pulling on my favorite feather print suit, a coverup, my aviators, and flip-flops. I got my iPad and headed for the door before backtracking to grab my new phone—Mugsy had shattered the old one.
All geared up, we went down the elevator to the main floor and out to the pool.
Marco led the way to a roped-off area that had one lounge chair, a giant umbrella, and a small table. I rolled my eyes, but truth be told, I was grateful for the seclusion.
I was okay.
I was safe.
But I was still on edge.
As soon as I sat down and got situated, my phone buzzed.
Daddy: Making sure you have your phone.
Me: You changed your contact name.
Daddy: Yes.
I shook my head but did it smiling.
Daddy: And now I’m disappointed you have it because I wanted an excuse to spank your ass raw tonight.
Me: Give me time, the afternoon is young.
Inhaling deep, I held my breath as I quickly typed out a message.
Something I’d been wanting to ask.
Something I’d been dying to try.
Something that terrified me just as much as it thrilled me—a common theme when it came to all things Maximo.
When my lungs began to burn, I exhaled as my finger hovered over the send button.
And then I pressed it.
Me: Then maybe after my ass is raw, you might want to fuck it?
Daddy: Christ.
Daddy: Jesus fucking Christ, Juliet, don’t say shit like that when I’m not there with you.
Daddy: I nearly shot my load in my pants just reading that.
I grinned, loving that I had that kind of power.
Me: It was just a thought.
Daddy: Now it’s a promise.
Daddy: Are you at the pool?
Me: Yes.
Daddy: Send me a pic.
Me: Don’t you have work to do?
Daddy: And it’s going to be frustrating, so seeing my hot as fuck little dove and thinking about fucking her tight little ass will make it better.
Well, how can I argue with that?
Going for inconspicuous, I took a quick picture. Then another quick dozen because I kept making a stupid face. I finally got a decent one and sent it just as a shadow descended over me.
I jolted, both from embarrassed guilt and being startled. When I looked up, Marco was there, holding out one of those tall, twisty cups. If he was judging my subpar selfie skills, he gave no indication.
Of that or any other human emotion.
“Is it rum?” I asked as I took the cup.
“No.”
“Ah. Vodka then.”
He shook his head and turned around to take a seat in front of me next to Dan.
My phone vibrated.
Daddy: Christ, how did I get so damn lucky?
Me: I ask myself that same question every day. Especially after I’ve come all over your tongue.
Daddy: Fuck, you’re trying to kill me today.
I settled in to read another of Ms. Vera’s Highlander recommendations in between drinking my virgin pina colada, dirty texting Maximo, and taking dips in the pool to cool off—from the heat and the messages.
A couple hours later, I was on my fifth rotation around the lazy river when Marco called, “Time to go, Juliet.”
Damn.
When I reached the exit point, I gracelessly hauled my butt off my inner tube and exited the pool.
Marco was waiting with a towel. “He texted you.”
We went back to my lounger, and I grabbed my phone.
Daddy: I’m going to be a little longer than planned. Did Vera pack you a dress?
Me: Just the one I was wearing.
The floral sundress was one of my own creations and the piece I was most proud of. The thin straps and high slit were perfect for the Vegas heat. There was a peekaboo cutout right under my chest that’d taken forever to get right, but it’d been worth it.
It was pretty, but casual.
Daddy: Go to Hilda’s for a new one. We’re celebrating tonight.
Me: You found a location?
Daddy: I found a location.
Me: Yay!
It wasn’t my company, yet I felt a surge of pride and excitement.
“Apparently, we’re going shopping,” I told Marco.
He was his usual robotic self at the news.
Dan, however, had a face full of dread, as though he were in the midst of traumatic flashbacks involving endless hours at the mall with a girlfriend.
I’d have laughed had it not been for the glare Marco shot him.
Uh-oh.
Going up to the room, I showered and got ready before putting my sundress from earlier back on. We rode the elevator to the main floor, and I made a beeline for the boutique.
The woman behind the register smiled as we entered. “Hi. Welcome to Hilda’s. Let me know if I can help you find anything.”
A lot different than last time when I was ignored.
“Thanks,” I said.
Within minutes, I found exactly what I wanted. Dark gray and completely off the shoulders, it was simple yet sexy.
As soon as I took it off the rack, the attentive sales associate gestured to an archway. “The changing rooms are right through there. Shout out if you need a different size.”
“Thanks.” Going into a stall, I tried it on to find it was perfect. I’d probably take the hem up an inch when I got home, but it wasn’t the dress’ fault I had short legs.
There was a soft knock before the saleswoman asked, “What size shoe are you?”
“Seven.”
“Okay, hold on. I have a pair of pumps that would be perfect.”
She returned a minute later and slid the box under the door. As she’d said, the gray suede pumps were perfect.
Switching back into my clothes, I opened the door to find Marco waiting. “All set.”
He lifted his chin and took my purchases to the front.
As the woman rang me up, her gaze went to my outfit. “I love your dress. Where’d you get it?”
“Uhh, I made it.”
“Really? What pattern did you use?”
“Just my own design,” I muttered, wondering if she was mocking me.
I remembered how some of the mean girls in school used to ply their victims with compliments that were actually thinly veiled insults.
And, even though I was the one being judgy, the picturesque brunette looked like she could be queen mean girl.
“That’s so impressive.” She gestured around the store. “Most of what we sell is on consignment from designers. If you’re interested, I’d love to carry that dress. I can’t guarantee it will sell, so you might not make any money, but I bet it will. It’s perfect for this time of year.”
Stunned excitement roared through me even though I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
My dress.
My favorite dress that I labored and obsessed over for weeks will be for sale.
In a store.
A store in Maximo’s resort.
The same store he told me to go to.
My heart went from racing to freezing, and my stomach dropped.
Oh.
Duh.
“No thanks,” I forced out, disappointment choking me.
She gave me a kind smile. “No worries.”
Marco signed for my purchases as I silently seethed. Once he had my bag, he asked, “Do you want to go anywhere else?”
I shook my head, growing angrier by the second.
I remained lost in my thoughts as we returned to the penthouse. Even though I changed into my new outfit, I no longer felt like going out. I stayed in the bedroom, pacing as my thoughts darted and my anger stewed.
Muffled voices came from the living room before the door swung open and Maximo filled the space. His eyes seared as he scanned my body. “Christ.”
I opened my mouth to say hi, but that wasn’t what forced its way out. “Why would you do that?”
“Do what?”
“You know what.”
His eyes narrowed. “Attitude, Juliet.”
“No,” I snapped back. “I’m used to you being underhanded and manipulative. Most of the time, I even like it because I’m fucked up. But you’ve never been mean. This was just mean .”
“Watch the way you talk about yourself.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Then start from the beginning because I’ve got no fucking clue what you’re talking about.”
I studied him, looking for signs he was lying, but all I saw was confusion mixed with anger.
Uh-oh.
“Hilda’s wants to carry one of my dresses on consignment,” I shared, still watching closely.
There was a hint of surprise and more than a bit of pride. “That’s amazing.”
I still didn’t believe him. “Last time we were there, no one said a word to me. But today, she just happened to be chatty and offer to carry my dress?”
“Last time, people were told to leave you alone so you could shop in peace.”
This wasn’t his doing?
“I was there with Marco. Maybe she put two and two together and figured out who I am,” I said as I fought to suppress my ever-growing hope.
Maximo shook his head. “Marco pulls guard and tour guide duty to VIPs on occasion. No one would think anything of it.”
There was no holding it back. The excitement I’d had earlier bubbled through my veins, but it was accompanied by a sense of panic. For all I knew, I’d blown a once in a lifetime opportunity by turning her down.
Not to mention, Maximo looked ready to take me over his knee—dinner plans or not.
Shit.
I messed up.
“You really didn’t have anything to do with this?” I checked.
“No, I didn’t have to. If you want to keep sewing for fun, that’s fine. You deserve fun. But if you decide to take it further, I knew you could do it without my help.” He gave me a cocky smirk. “And I was right.”
“Unless I blew it,” I whispered.
Maximo stepped closer, menace and tenderness in his gaze. “Gotta work on your confidence, Juliet.”
I had no doubt part of that would involve him spanking me until I begged and then fucking me until I came undone.
And I wanted that.
Just not right then.
“Later,” I said, closing the distance between us. I grabbed his hand as I moved and continued toward the elevator. “I need to go talk to that woman before dinner.”
“This isn’t over,” he rumbled as we descended.
Filthy anticipation mixed with my excitement. “I hope not.”
We got off on the main floor and I continued like a woman on a mission, dodging and weaving people. When we got to Hilda’s, I scanned the storefront, but the woman was gone.
“Damn,” I whispered.
“I’ll have Cole locate her number.” At my unsure look, he squeezed my shoulder. “Sometimes connections are good.”
“Yeah, okay.”
I was about to turn around when she came out from the back and stopped. A smile spread across her face as she scanned me. And then it froze and her jaw dropped when she saw who I was with.
Okay, no way did she fake that.
“Hi. Hello. Uh, sir. Ma’am,” she sputtered, flustered.
“Is the offer about consigning my dress still open?” I asked.
“Yes, of course. Definitely.”
Probably more so now.
“Then I’d love to do it.”
“I was hoping you’d change your mind.” Going to the counter, she grabbed a business card and handed it to me. “The pieces we carry in different sizes sell best. The sooner you can get them to me, the better. If you have any questions, call me anytime.”
Clutching the card, I grinned. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I look forward to seeing them.”
Maximo took the card and slid it into his pocket before taking my hand. “Enjoy your evening, Hilda.”
“You, too, Mr. Black.”
Hilda.
This is her store.
And she wants to sell my dress in it.
Once again, how is this my life now?
Maximo and I remained silent as we backtracked to the elevator. Once we were closed inside, he pressed the button to take us to the garage before yanking me to him.
Brushing my hair over my shoulder, he looked down at me. “You were right.”
“About?”
A wicked smile curved his lips, and I braced even before he said, “I gave you time, and you earned that heated ass after all.”
Oh no.
But also…
Yay!