15. Expect the Worst, And You’ll Never Be Disappointed
“Easy, sunshine, it’s just me.”
Cracking a lid, I peeked up to see Ash sitting close in one of his pristine suits.
After getting back from the best Mexican food to ever touch my tongue—which wasn’t hard when the competition was frozen burritos and value menu Taco Bell, but still—I’d done the smart thing.
I’d locked myself in the bedroom like a coward. Alone.
Veronica hadn’t been behind the attack and, even more shocking, she’d repaid my money. There was no nefarious plot. It’d been random bad luck—the only kind I ever had.
I would still stay for another couple of days if Ash let me, but pretend time was officially nearing an end. I would be able to return to my apartment. Maybe get a new one if I found a job quick enough.
I could move on.
Which meant I needed to prepare for that. No more binging shows with Ash. No more sleeping in bed with him.
No more building up fantasies in my head that his tender affection meant he wanted to kiss me.
He’d had enough opportunities and hadn’t. Not only did I need to get the message, I needed to reread it until it sank in.
I also needed to find out why the door was no longer locked, and I was no longer alone.
I tried to rub the sleep from my eyes, but my wrist was firmly in his grasp.
“You’re quick with that right hook.” Ash released me when I gave my arm another tug. “You ever think about joining the boxing circuit?”
Since I had the upper body strength of an overcooked spaghetti noodle, I would’ve laughed at that hilarious joke had it not been for the fact my brain and sense of humor were both still asleep.
“What’s going on?” I croaked.
“Hate to wake you, but we’ve got to get to Moonlight.”
“’Kay, have fun.” I flopped back, my eyes already closed. I knew it wasn’t that early, but after a restless night—filled with sexy yet unsatisfactory dreams—I was still exhausted.
“You’re coming with me.”
I caught myself before I asked why. It was likely the same reason he’d brought me to Sunrise the day before, and some suspicions were better left unconfirmed.
“Get ready, and I’ll make you breakfast for the ride,” Ash said.
I waved my hand and listened to his retreating chuckle before I bolted upright to call, “And coffee!”
After a quick shower, I came out to find another sundress on the bed. I scowled down at it.
It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with it. It was lovely.
But I would never be able to repay Ash. Adding even more to my tab made my stomach clench like debt collectors were already calling.
I walked by the bed and went to the closet to find my shorts and hoodie from the first day. They weren’t exactly chic, but I wasn’t going to Moonlight as a guest. Even if I was, there was always a mix of overdressed, underdressed, and barely dressed in Vegas.
And since I’d likely be stuck in a room or penthouse again, what I wore didn’t matter.
Except my clothes weren’t in there. A few other floral dresses and skirt sets were hung on the mostly empty rack next to Ash’s loaded side.
The man had a lot of suits.
Not wanting to be an ungrateful brat, I hurried to get dressed before I made Ash late.
“Ready?”
I hadn’t even realized we’d parked until Ash had spoken.
Reaching over, he undid my seat belt and turned me to face him. “You feeling okay?”
“Just tired,” I said. He likely wouldn’t have believed the lie—he rarely did—if it weren’t for the actual yawn that accompanied my claim.
He climbed from the SUV and came around to open my door. His hand stayed on my lower back as we entered the lobby.
Walking through Moonlight was a completely different experience that time.
I was still out of place among the gamblers, tourists, and glitz, but it didn’t matter. I wasn’t trying to fit in. I didn’t need to avoid security. Ash was there to work, and I was there because…
Well, because he’d said so.
He steered me toward a private elevator, and as we rode up, my stomach and heart fell. I mentally prepared for another day alone.
I should’ve taken Juliet up on her offer to borrow the iPad.
I thought about my reaction to the book and the dreams it’d caused.
Never mind.
Sure enough, the elevator stopped at another penthouse. We stepped out, and Ash immediately turned back around. I thought he was going to make a quick escape like at Sunrise, but he tapped some buttons on a control panel as he spoke. “The bedroom is through the door on the right. There’s a full bath in there, too. There’s a large pool downstairs, but there’s also a small infinity pool out on the balcony.”
“All the way up here?” I didn’t mind heights and would actually be intrigued if I knew how to swim. But I was pretty sure I’d want to see when it was last inspected and check the builder’s credentials before I even dipped a toe in.
As if it wasn’t an insane feature to have, Ash simply raised his chin. “Room service menu is on the kitchen counter near the phone, but if you want something from one of the restaurants, text me and I’ll have it sent up.”
“I don’t?—”
Ash took a cell from his pocket and tossed it onto a little table. “You’ve got my number, plus Cole’s and Marco’s. If you can’t get through to me, text one of them. Juliet Black’s number is also in there. She’s here today and driving me fucking nuts wanting to hang out with you.”
“What? Why?”
“I’m guessing she wants a friend who isn’t a goon.”
“What’s a goon?” I asked.
“Me.” He grinned. “And Marco and Cole, but I’m the best one.” Grabbing my wrist, he pressed my thumb to the scanner, touched a few buttons, and pressed it again. “If you don’t want to hang with Juliet, I’ll tell her to drop it. But I think you’d like her. You have a lot in common.”
I didn’t know what I could have in common with his boss’ pretty, glamorous wife other than possibly our ages.
“I’ll text her,” I said because the idea of staying cooped up all day made me claustrophobic.
My motives were selfish, but the pleased smile Ash shot me would’ve made me agree to it anyway.
Because I was an idiot.
Needing to break the spell, I turned and studied the kitchen like it was the most interesting one I’d ever seen. It didn’t last long, and Ash wrapped a hand around my hip to turn me back.
I’d heard wild, mystical tales that there were some people who were just comfortable with physical touch. Ash was definitely one of them. Usually, I didn’t mind it.
Fine, I liked it.
But things were different.
“Did you forget that I said I could move myself?” I snapped.
“Nope, I remember,” he said, though his hand stayed right where it was. “Your print is in the system now, so you can come and go. Text me before you leave the room. And if I text you, I expect an answer.”
I tried to twist away from him, but he grabbed my chin. Since I was still in the process of moving, his fingers squeezed my cheeks, forcing my lips to part. He bit out something that was rough and quiet, but I couldn’t hear what over the blood rushing in my ears.
I’d literally spent the night harshly reminding myself that my crush on Ash was stupid and a disaster waiting to happen. The mean voice in my head had helpfully added that I was pathetic for misconstruing his pity in the first place.
After everything, I would’ve thought some sense of self-preservation would kick in.
It didn’t.
I held my breath. Waiting. Hoping.
Needing.
And again, I felt like a silly little fool when all he did was drop his hand and say, “I mean it. I don’t care if you’re just running down for a coffee and a hand of blackjack. You text me, sunshine.”
Since distance wasn’t possible with his firm hold still on my hip, I crossed my arms to put some space between us. The fact it also hid my hardened nipples was just a bonus. “Adding a cute nickname doesn’t undo your bossiness.”
“Get used to it, little girl.”
“And that not cute nickname definitely isn’t helping.”
“Get used to it, too.” Letting me go, Ash stepped into the elevator.
“Maybe instead of owing me lobster stories, I’ll go back to junk punches.”
A smirk curved his mouth. There was an edge to it that kind of scared me. But mostly, it thrilled me in a way that definitely scared me.
As did his rumbled, “Can’t wait.”
And then the door slid closed.
I should tellher something came up.
Or that I’m ill.
I’ll say it’s my stomach. No one asks follow-up questions about that.
After Ash left for work, I’d checked out the penthouse to see it was as barren as the one at Sunrise. There was no real color to the primer beige palette. Not many furnishings. Even less decor.
But it had a freaking balcony pool.
It was a sad waste of potential.
Juliet’s iPad had been sitting on the table again, but I hadn’t touched it. My hormones didn’t need the smutty boost.
When there’d been nothing else to see—and I’d stalled for as long as possible—I’d finally texted Juliet.
I’d wondered if Ash had been exaggerating her interest in hanging out with me. Based on the multitude of texts she’d quickly responded with, though, it seemed like he’d been underselling it.
I’d never had a lot of friends. Even as a little kid, it’d been too hard to explain why their lovingly concerned parent couldn’t talk to mine before I came over for a playdate. Or why I could never have them over to my house. It’d been easier to keep everyone at arm’s length.
The instant I’d agreed to meet her at the pool, regret and my nerves had kicked into overdrive. Juliet wasn’t just some random coworker or acquaintance. She was Ash’s boss’ wife. If I did something wrong—and, let’s face it, I was likely to put my foot directly into my mouth—it wouldn’t just be an awkward disaster to suppress from my memories. It could have ramifications for Ash.
Hence my mental freak-out as I rode down the elevator.
The door opened, and I stepped out onto the first floor. Juliet had offered to meet me, but I’d assured her I could manage. There was more than enough signage to make her detailed directions unnecessary.
With my focus elsewhere, it took me longer than it should’ve to realize I was being followed. Acting like I was just taking in the lights and excitement, I glanced quickly over my shoulder to see a uniformed security guard walking a few steps behind.
My chest tightened.
My palms began to sweat.
Anxiety skittered down my spine like a million tiny spiders.
Turning a corner, I looked back again to see he still followed. With my luck, he’d been there to witness my pickpocketing and was about to belatedly bust me.
Run.
Holy shit, run.
It’ll make a scene, but getting hauled into the security office would be far worse.
I inhaled deep, slowly releasing the breath as I reminded myself that I was allowed to be there. That I wasn’t doing anything wrong.
That I wasn’t back in the past.
It’s nothing. He’s probably coincidentally headed the same way as me. He isn’t actually following me.
And if he is, it’s probably to make sure I don’t sneak onto a slot machine.
I pushed outside, and the warm sun heated my clammy face. I inhaled slow and deep as I took a path past a drink stand and towel racks, hoping the fresh air would help.
It didn’t.
Another peek showed security continued to trail me. But his focus was aimed elsewhere as he scanned around.
Oh. Duh. He’s probably on patrol or whatever it’s called.
It wasn’t an overly hot day, but the pool area was packed. Loud laughter and conversation filled the courtyard to create a constant dull rumble. Every cabana seemed to be rented out. Kids splashed around and squealed near a fountain in the middle of the pool. Clusters of people lounged, floated in the pool, chased their kids, drank icy cocktails, and chased their kids while drinking icy cocktails. I thought finding Juliet would be impossible, but she stood alone in a far corner.
Weird.
When I hurriedly approached, I saw why the crowd wasn’t near her.
Because it couldn’t be.
A whole section of the deck was closed off around her. A small cabana was behind her, but a couple of loungers were out in the sun.
I felt like I was lined up to gawk at a celebrity. She was certainly pretty enough to be one. The floral cover-up she wore over her white bikini had slid down one shoulder. It was very classic Hollywood. I was glad that I hadn’t been able to find my torn shorts and hoodie after all. I was intimidated enough, making me second—or third or twentieth—guess myself.
But I continued forward since ghosting people was wrong.
For some reason.
I still might’ve done it if I hadn’t known she wanted to see me. Her enthusiastic texts had made that clear even before I watched her scan the crowd. Once her gaze landed on me, she grinned wide and waved me over. As soon as I got close enough, she opened the barrier and greeted me like we were best friends. “Mila! I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me, too.” And it wasn’t even a lie.
Not a full one.
Or maybe just not yet.
“Sit. Sit.” Like a natural hostess, Juliet waited until I sat before she did, too. She reached behind her to grab something off the lounger, moving it onto a small wicker cube. I didn’t pay too much attention until she asked, “Did you finish it yet?”
“Finish what?”
She gestured to the iPad she’d just moved—obviously one in a collection since another sat in Ash’s penthouse. “The book you started yesterday.”
I shook my head. “I, uh, haven’t had time.”
“I hope you can finish it soon. Then we can talk about it after.” She smiled again. “Like a book club.”
“That’d be fun.” I meant it, too. Even if I barely knew her, there was already something likable about Juliet.
A gut feeling that was proven correct the longer we talked. She peppered me with questions without making it an interrogation.
My favorite food.
My favorite color.
What I liked to do for fun.
Superficial things that were far easier to answer than ones about my family, my past, or even my future.
And I got the feeling that was exactly why she was doing it.
Juliet was even more glamorous up close. Her hair was in another high ponytail, and she had a smattering of freckles across her face. She was a couple of inches taller than me, but she wore her confidence in a way that made her seem taller. Older, too.
People likely took one look at her and assumed she was vapid. An attractive face with not much happening behind her eyes. A trophy wife in a white bikini and floral cover-up. That she was…
Dumb.
They probably thought she was dumb as a rock garden and twice as nice to look at.
But they would be wrong. And dumb themselves for underestimating her. A sharpness in her green eyes seemed to take in everything around her.
It made me remember Ash’s claim that Juliet and I had a lot in common. I wondered about who she was beyond just cheery and sweet. Since I didn’t want to answer any probing questions, I also didn’t ask them.
I wanted to, though.
She moved the iPad off the cube and opened it to reveal it was actually a cooler. Grabbing two water bottles, she handed me one and kept the other for herself.
I took a refreshing sip.
“Last time I was out here and didn’t hydrate enough, I ended up with a major dehydration headache and a sore, spanked ass.”
And then I choked on the refreshing sip.
“Sorry,” she said, though she didn’t look it in the least. “I figured I’d address the elephant in the room. Or the Daddy.”
My body heated in a way that had nothing to do with the Vegas sun and everything to do with thoughts of Ash.
Because, again, I was an idiot.
“I saw your surprise about Maximo and me, and I didn’t want it to be a whole thing.” Juliet’s words might have been nonchalant and conversational, but the way she watched me was anything but.
She’s definitely more perceptive than she lets on.
I had no issue other than a swirl of jealousy so strong, it might as well have turned my skin green.
Since those were my own problems and not a judgment of her life, it was easy to keep my expression neutral.She didn’t volunteer any more information, and I didn’t want to push. Well, I wanted to, but I wouldn’t. I did allow myself to ask one thing because otherwise, I might’ve died of curiosity.
I might die from the answer, too.
“Does Ash…? Like, is he…?”
“A Daddy?” At my nod, she shrugged. “No idea.”
That doesn’t help.
With that in the open, the conversation returned to lighter topics, and we both relaxed.
A while—and two bottles of water—later, Juliet’s phone rang. A content smile pulled at her mouth. “It’s my husband.” She sighed. “I’ll be right back.”
When she stepped into the cabana, I stood because she wasn’t the only one getting a call. In my case, though, it wasn’t a gorgeously devoted husband calling.
It was nature.
I left her little corner of solitude and weaved through the crowd. That time, it didn’t take me long to realize I was being trailed again. A quick look behind me proved it was the same man.
What the hell?
In case Juliet was off the phone and watching, I didn’t acknowledge security. I didn’t want to bring him to her attention. I definitely didn’t want her to witness a confrontation that might or might not involve accusations of a wallet I might or might not have stolen. I played it cool. I didn’t make a scene. I lifted my chin and kept walking.
“Miss Price.”
Thatwas harder to ignore. I stumbled and barely caught myself before I flopped into the pool.
Did I imagine that?
Like I’d spoken the question aloud, the man repeated, “Miss Price.”
I spun my freaked-out gaze his way.
The older man smiled and gestured toward the row of doors on the far side of the building. “The restrooms are through there.”
I could’ve come up with a million reasons to explain why he followed me. But his knowledge and use of my name narrowed it down to one.
Ash sent him.
I’d already suspected Ash didn’t trust me. Hell, on some level I’d been suppressing, I knew he didn’t.
But the confirmation nearly took me to my knees.
And that was what finally did it. What killed my crush. What hardened my stupid heart.
What severed the glimmer of hope that there could be something more.
There would never be more.
It wasn’t just the confirmation that Ash trusted me so little that he had security follow me.
It was because he was right to feel that way.
We’d met when I’d tried to steal a wallet. He didn’t even know about all the times I’d succeeded.
That I’d gotten attacked and was able to play pretend for a while didn’t change anything. Not who I was or what I’d done.
People like me could venture into the opulence. Our buses could pull next to the chauffeured cars. Our penny slots could be right outside the high roller rooms. Our simple burger restaurants could be down the hall from the upscale steakhouses, where the overpriced meals didn’t even include sides.
The windows of our budget hotels—The Roulette and others like it—may have faced the same direction as their luxury resorts, but the views were not the same.
We could be in the middle of it. We could enter and spend time there, but it wasn’t for us. We didn’t belong.
We belonged in the slums and dives and abandoned blocks. Where trash lined the ditches, windows were boarded over, and apartment elevators never worked.
Where stale crackers and peanut butter were a treat.
My skin suddenly felt too tight. The pit in my stomach grew to a bottomless abyss. Mortification froze me in place. I probably looked like a deer caught in the headlights.
It would’ve been comical had it not been for the fact my pride was no longer wounded.
It was eviscerated into nothingness.
Before I could figure out what to do, the man’s gaze went behind me. I turned to look at the far end near the doors I’d come out of.
Like a torpedo locked on its target, Ash stared me down as he easily made his way through the crush of people who darted out of his path.
With security distracted and Ash headed right for me, I did the only thing I could.
I ran away.