7. Drevi

M y eyes roam over the poker tables from my suite that overlooks the casino floor. As soon as she steps up to observe an older lady at a slot machine, I'm hooked.

I can't tear my eyes from her. The gown she wears is perfectly cut, showing all her curves. Blonde hair with streaks of blue is normally a turn off for me, but on her, I long to run my fingers through her silky locks.

The wonder on her face is a sight, as if she's never seen a slot machine before. When the lady playing wins a jackpot, she moves on toward the tables.

Her steps stop at a craps table when a cowboy halts her to blow on his dice. She looks almost amused as she obliges.

As soon as her mouth nears his hand, my blood begins to boil and the plants resting on the shelf next to me start to dry up and crumble.

Mine. It's the only thought in my head as I clench my fists and give into the urge to intervene.

Leaving my office I head toward her. It takes everything in me to force my breathing to slow, and it returns to normal as my feet hit the casino floor. At least, until the cowboy grabs her arm.

It's not mutual, the look on her face tells me that much. Even as she pulls away, his grip only tightens.

Without a single ounce of hesitation, I step in, telling the cowboy to pack his bags and leave. He tries to argue, but I stand cool, calm, and collected.

It's not an easy task with her so close to me. I want nothing more than to take her in my arms and whisk her away from all of this.

After the little chat, the cowboy is on his way, and I have a dinner date with the mystery woman. I didn't believe my brothers when they told us about her, but I'm acting as if I'm a lost puppy who's just found his master.

My eyes follow her as she heads toward the ladies' rooms. Once she disappears inside, I finally snap out of the trance I was in.

I head to the bar for a quick talk with Frank to give him a heads up about my date. I nod to the hostess as I pass. The brunette's cheeks flush as she nods back. My brothers and I all seem to have that affect on people. Women, more often than not.

Chuckling to myself, I stop at the end of the bar and give a little wave to Frank. He grabs a drink for the redhead in front of him and then bids her goodbye as he heads my way. She gives a slight pout at his quick exit but thankfully doesn't follow.

"Bro, don't you have a casino to run?" Frank jokes as he sips his drink, one eyebrow raised as he waits for me to speak.

"I have a date."

Frank nearly chokes on his laugh. "Like that's new?"

He's not wrong. We're not afraid to choose a quick fling that we have no intention of repeating. But this woman… she feels different.

"It's with the mystery woman. She was in the casino and needed rescuing from a cowboy."

"Oh, and that wouldn't be her in the entrance?" Frank motions behind me, eyes darkening as he studies her.

She never truly needed to freshen up, but somehow the woman looks even more radiant than before. The need to be close to her is so strong I don't bother trying to resist.. I palm the bar and head to greet her.

Over my shoulder, I hear Frank say, "Easy, Tiger."

I stalk toward her as if she is my prey. Once I get closer to her, a smile breaks out upon her lips. Fighting back the urge to press mine to hers, I return a smile and offer her my arm.

She steals glances at me as I escort her to my favorite table, that over looks the pool area.

"We didn't get a proper introduction. I am Drevi. And you are?"

She gives me a little smile that is far sexier than it should be.

"Hayden."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hayden. What made you decide to stay here?"

"My friend said it was a new hot spot, so I booked it and here I am."

"Oh? Where are you from?" I ask, leaning forward, curious.

"I'm from the south. It's pretty isolated where I live, but I don't want to bore you with the details," she says, waving her hand as her icy blues stare into my very soul. "This is a wonderful place you have here. Have you always wanted to manage a casino?"

Hayden thought that she could change the subject. It was a smooth transition, but I need to know more about this gorgeous woman in front of me. She had no idea just how stubborn I could be.

"My brothers and I have dreamt of it for a while now. What is it that you do?"

Hayden smiles. "I work in HR. That's one reason I'm not big on people. Tell me, how did you decide who runs which part of this wondrous place?" Her hands gesture wide at the casino but it was never that serious with me and my brothers.

"We drew straws," I say flaty.

Hayden bites her lip, seeming like she's trying to suppress laughter.

Gods, does she know how sexy that is?