Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

E vangeline

I was rarely surprised any longer, but Gage wasn’t exactly what I’d thought he’d be. The truth was, other than being around my besties’ parents from time to time, I knew no other rich people up close and personal. And I had no doubt when I searched further the man would be considered one of the wealthiest in the country if not the world.

Yet for all the money and toys I was certain he had, there was a slight sadness about him. Maybe there was truth to the adage money didn’t buy happiness. I couldn’t lie. It would be nice to try to find out for a little while.

But we’d chatted, had a second drink together, and he’d allowed me to ask him questions that meant nothing in the scheme of life. What color was his favorite. Food. Drink. The answers always gave me a decent insight into the person. The funny thing was that he seemed hesitant to answer simple questions when I had a feeling I could grill him about what sexual proclivities were mostly catered at the club and the answer would come easily. With excitement in his voice. He didn’t like talking about himself. I guess I was the same.

“So, my caustic lady,” Gage teased. “What do you do when you’re not risking your life saving someone else’s?”

I’d chosen a long time ago never to fully explain what I did for a living. It always seemed foreign, their curiosity about how I could make money generally becoming overbearing. Plus, I loathed drawing attention to myself. “I work mostly on the internet helping advertise for various companies, including travel corporations. Which is funny since I almost never go anywhere.”

“Well, you are always welcome here,” he said in a perfectly sultry voice that was far too arousing. Even the way he was looking at me was too tempting. Wanting him was easy.

Fearing the closeness was as well.

As we stared into each other’s eyes, I gathered with a single nod I could easily be in his bed. My throbbing pussy and rock-hard nipples wanted to let go. But my mind was determined to win out. “It’s late, Gage. We have a full day of being girls, including an early massage. Somehow, I think Heidi is going to need the relaxation.”

We both laughed. He stood up first. “Mark, make certain Evangeline’s drinks are on my tab.”

“Aye aye, Captain,” he said as he winked.

“You didn’t need to, Captain. I do have some money.”

As I stood, he took my elbow, leading me away from the bar. “I enjoy spending time with a beautiful woman so thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I enjoyed getting to look past the rich fa?ade.”

We were both laughing again as he continued walking me to the other side of the pool. All seemed quiet, very few guests remaining.

“Touché,” he said in a very husky voice.

“What a shame more people aren’t out enjoying the gorgeous stars in the sky.”

“Well, they are otherwise engaged.”

“Hmmm… Must be nice. Thank you for your time.” As soon as I started to walk away, he pulled me close, so much so the wafting scent of his aftershave became almost instantly intoxicating.

“As I said, enjoying time with a beautiful woman is rare in my world.” He was sincere about his statement, which is why I didn’t pull away.

When he cupped the side of my face, the hold slightly possessive yet not terrifying, I found myself leaning in. Maybe it was the stars overhead twinkling as if they were guiding me or the perfect amount of liquor in my system, but as he lowered his head, I knew I needed to push him away. But the attraction was too strong.

He captured my mouth, holding our lips in place. So much of me knew this was wrong, so very wrong but the feel of him, being able to cling to his shirt, the building heat was irresistible.

I was swooning, which meant I was lightheaded with my own set of colorful stars floating across my periphery of vision. I’d always made fun of women who acted as if a single kiss could rival all the rest of the moments of intimacy they’d had in their lives, but it was true.

As he swept his tongue inside, I was forced to accept I’d never been kissed like this, which meant it was as if I’d never been kissed at all. He was dominating yet longing to please me. I could sense that in the way he tasted me, exploring every inch of my mouth. For a precious few moments, I could let everything go in my life.

The court battle.

The threatening phone calls.

The wretched emails.

The worry that kept me awake at night.

Nothing mattered except right here and now. And it was joyous.

He shifted one arm around my waist, pulling me tightly against his overheated body. I’d known he was hard as a rock but feeling it, having it pressed into me was something else altogether. Electricity shot through us like wildfire, enough current to light up an entire city. A large city.

When he finally broke the kiss, he continued to hold my face close, both our breathing actions labored. I rolled one hand up to his shoulder, grasping it. He was even more muscular than I’d believed. Seeing him in shorts was a welcome sight. Or maybe I was just horny.

I enjoyed every second of being with him, but knew it was time to end this before it went too far. I wasn’t the kind of woman to run away from anything, but I was terrified of the need and desire furrowing deep inside. I pushed back, still taking ragged breaths.

We searched each other’s eyes and it was another moment where I knew if I even blinked, we would be going to his room.

So I didn’t.

There was no sense in risking my emotions, especially not my heart. This trip was about Heidi.

I pushed him away even further, touching my lips with one hand. After that, I did something that would forever surprise me.

I turned and ran.

Gage

To say I’d managed to drive Evangeline out of my mind would be a lie.

The kiss had been amazing, so much so I’d almost broken my own rule, escorting her to my suite. Even now, almost a full night later, I could still taste her.

Damn it. Being attracted to a guest wasn’t in my best interest. I had business to take care of before I left to hold in person meetings with some clients in San Diego. Rich men and women were funny. They didn’t appreciate or value Zoom meetings, especially when discussing their finances and investments. I couldn’t blame them.

Our firm had specialized in very personal care, and given Valerio’s and Braxton’s relationships, I’d been forced to pull back enough clients were grumbling.

But I had to admit one night with her would rock my world.

I adjusted my cuffs as I walked through the lobby, appreciating how crowded we were for the upcoming weekend.

“Boss. We have an issue,” Travis said as he came up to me.

“It wouldn’t be a Thursday night without an issue. What this time?”

“One of our good clients is accusing one of the dealers of cheating.”

I hung my head. That I didn’t need. “Who is it?”

“You’ll hear as soon as you walk into the smaller casino.” Travis was already laughing. We’d both seen our share of disgruntled customers over the years. I might be cut from the same wealthy cloth as so many of them, but their arrogance and entitlement were bothersome.

“Then let’s go.” We both took long strides in that direction. There were times, especially when rules weren’t followed, that I grew more irritated than I likely should. I had a feeling I would soon be getting too old for this.

Travis was correct. All we needed to do was to walk into the room and I could hear a commotion. Sighing, I buttoned my tuxedo jacket and headed for the gruff voices.

“Sir. I think it’s best you come with me.” One of my other security professionals was actively trying to get the man to leave with him but the two men in the limited party were having nothing to do with it.

“Leave me alone, son. Get her out of here. She’s a cheat and a liar.” The main guy’s accusatory tone had drawn quite a crowd.

I weaved my way through the crowd, trying to determine the best way of handling this without escalating the situation.

All bets were off when he punched my security guard smack in the nose. It was easy to tell he’d broken it. I didn’t realize until I was within a couple of feet the members in question. While Zach Campanella had caused a few issues over the years, there’d been nothing this egregious.

I moved between the security guard and Zach as several guests gasped. They were likely splattered with my guard’s blood.

“Zach. Why don’t we go to my office to talk about this.” It wasn’t a question or a request but a command and I could tell by the look in his eyes he knew I meant business. “You’ve terrified Anita and I assure you she is extremely trustworthy.”

On this night, he chose to ignore my demand. “Fuck you, Gage. I’m the client here. You will do as I say.”

Then he did the unforgivable thing of daring to throw a punch. At me.

I might not be a fighter on a regular basis, unless you took into consideration the boxing I’d done when I was younger, but the fucker set me off big time. Without thinking of any consequences, I snapped one hand around the fist coming in my direction. Using the other, I punched him directly in the jaw. If bones cracked, it was his teeth giving way.

The crowd actually went wild, clapping in appreciation. My illustrious guests didn’t like having their evenings interrupted by anyone.

Especially a pompous asshole.

But as I suspected he’d do, Zach tried to throw another punch. I had my arm wrapped around his neck, half dragging him through the other casino players toward one of the exits. Travis was following closely. He was always amused to see how one of the brothers would handle a difficult situation.

Not that I was an expert, still acting on emotion a portion of the time. This would be considered one of them. But Zach needed to learn I couldn’t care less if he’d caught any of my employees stealing red-handed; there were certain protocols that were required. That was a portion of the membership paperwork they’d signed themselves.

That’s why having my arm around his throat felt like the right thing to do.

“Let go of me,” Zach hissed, struggling as I thought he’d do.

“Not until we have a little discussion.” I dragged him into the lobby and far enough away from the crowds of people where hopefully others wouldn’t overhear. Then again, what did I care? This was my resort.

When I pushed him away, he acted as if I’d choked the life out of him. Not a chance. “You bastard. She needs to be arrested.”

“Why don’t you tell me what she did?”

He was acting haughty, which I was used to. “She refused to let me play a hand.”

“And that’s cheating?”

“You don’t say no to the customer.”

“If what you want to do is against the rules, then yes, the dealer is given full autonomy to do what’s necessary to ensure every guest has a memorable time.”

“You always side with your employees.”

“Not always but usually because nine out of ten times, they are correct in their actions. Now, I don’t like my employees, or anyone for that matter, being berated. So for the time being, you’re banished from the casinos.”

“You can’t do that!” He made yet another mistake of planting his index finger against my chest, pushing.

“Would you prefer banishment from both islands?” All I did was grin when I really wanted to break his finger instead.

He was befuddled, his face red as a beet as he swore he would sue me.

“Go ahead, Zach. I assure you that the Royal brothers have an entire firm of attorneys who just might make your life a living hell. Got it?”

Perhaps he finally realized he was caught between a rock and a hard place, his usual tactics in his business with his employees not working with me.

He adjusted his tie and huffed. “Fine, but you’ll hear about this. I promise you that.” He took one last moment to accost me, still using the same index finger to push me again. But before I could do anything else, he turned on his heel and took long strides away from me.

“You scare people, boss. I like that about you.” Travis was laughing as I readjusted my cuffs.

“I hope that’s the only incident of the evening.”

“Well, unfortunately not. Remember that bachelorette party I mentioned? It seems the party is being crashed, especially since some of our female guests heard there were male strippers.”

I dropped my head, groaning. “I’d almost forgotten about that, the day long and arduous. Well, let’s go see if we stop a riot.”

“The group was given the special smaller ballroom and it’s already overflowing. The DJ turned up the music too. It’s only a matter of time before other guests start to complain.”

“Perfect.” I’d purposely shoved aside the thought of seeing the lovely Evangeline again. Especially since she’d run away from me, doe eyed and seemingly tongue tied. While I was a dominating man, some would say sadistic, I’d never forced a woman into doing anything.

Kissing her was the closest I’d ever come.

The taste of her was suddenly back. This could prove to be difficult and more personal for me.

The ballroom was rarely used, mostly because we weren’t well known for having these kinds of parties just yet. All we had to do was start to walk down the lavish corridor and the music was fairly overwhelming. The closer we got, the clearer the announcer became. He was egging the women on, providing just enough details about the men so they could live out a fantasy.

And the women were off the chain.

The room was overflowing, drinks being served at a rapid rate. We had to push our way through. There was a stage in one corner, men parading themselves around in very skimpy attire. Very skimpy, as in sequined thongs. Some had cowboy hats on, others a hardhat.

And in the middle of the group of dancers one of the men was gyrating in front of a guest sitting in the limelight in a chair. The girl’s face was dangerously close to his crotch, pretending she was biting and ripping off his bikini. I had a feeling if this wasn’t stopped, that’s exactly what would be happening very soon.

I powered my way through the crowd but before I could step onto the stage, a hand reached out, snagging my arm.

When I turned, I wasn’t expecting to be up close and personal with Evangeline so soon. I took a deep breath, partially because I’d been right in that her perfume was completely different tonight, more exotic. She was the vision of seduction in a red dress that had a low-cut bodice, a slit up the entire length of her leg and made of a material that hugged every curve as God had intended.

In addition, she’d curled her hair, giving it a slight up-do, curls floating against her shimmering face. Her makeup was different too, creating a sultry look that rivaled any model.

“Don’t do that. Not yet,” she said. There was no venom in her voice as I’d expected, no hatred. Just a plea that surprised me.

“I can’t have your party disturbing the other guests.”

“Take a look around you, Gage. Have you ever seen so many women of all ages whooping and hollering together as if they were teenagers?”

I did as she asked, honestly surprised just how many of the socialites that usually only acted this way in private were crazed with desire and enthusiasm. Some of them had even managed to grab pieces of the strippers’ clothes, which they were proudly wearing.

All I could do was laugh. The casinos were full of lively people at times, but this was the most fun some people had experienced in a very long time. “I’ll make you a deal. Turn the music down a couple decibels and I’ll let it go for now. But if I get complaints, I’ll need to shut it down.”

Her eyes lit up like a firecracker. She held out her hand for a shake like this was a business arrangement. I accepted anyway, wanting nothing more than to have time to touch her.

I only wished it was under different circumstances. The shake was cordial but the look in her eyes was anything but. She’d wanted me as much as I’d craved her. Some people just had a tough time letting go. I suddenly wanted to learn everything possible about her, even if it would mean nothing.

I had my sources. That shouldn’t prove to be but so difficult to do.

“Good girl,” I said automatically, as if that was an appropriate thing to say.

Her eyes did a little flicker like she liked being called that.

God, I wanted so much to ask her for a drink, if for no other reason than being able to spend time with her.

However, two of her friends were headed in our direction. By the expressions they wore, I could tell they were eager to drag her back to the core of the event.

“I’m always a good girl. But I’m not certain you can stop Grandma over there.” She pointed casually toward one of the women crowding the stage, encouraging the boys to come forward so she could stick a little money in their thongs.

They didn’t seem to be bothered at all, dancing toward her as if the gray-haired woman was the hottest woman on the planet. I was fairly certain she was going to grab one or more of their crotches. Instead, she reached under her dress, ripping off her own thong. After swirling it in the air, she tossed it in one of the men’s faces.

“God. Some things you don’t want a mental picture of.”

Evangeline laughed. “I agree. I’ll do my best to keep down the music.”

We both looked at each other longingly for another few seconds. “I’ll leave you to your party.”

Maybe she wanted to ask if I’d stay. Maybe she didn’t. Staying wasn’t good for my reputation or my libido.

As I walked out, I noticed Raleigh was talking with Travis, the girl also quite animated. I headed toward them, my instinct telling me we had yet another issue.

“Dare I ask what it is this time?” I threw out.

Raleigh took a deep breath, even fanning her face. “You’re not going to like this.” She was holding her iPad as if the damn thing was a lifeline.

“Okay. Maybe not but if you think it’s something I need to see then I need to see it.”

I glanced at Travis who was doing his best to keep from laughing. Oh, this should be good.

“I was surfing the various social media sites as I do as part of my job,” Raleigh said.

“Which I appreciate. Did you find something?”

She was still sheepish, nodding to my question.

“Let’s see it. Whatever it is, we can deal with it.”

“I don’t know, boss,” Travis said, his voice holding far too much of a lilt.

As soon as she handed the iPad to me, she cringed.

“What am I looking at here?”

“Instagram. She has over two million followers. You should see her TikTok account. Whoosh. She’s a heavy social media influencer. On all platforms too.”

I glanced from Raleigh to Travis before really taking a serious look. Almost immediately, my blood boiled. They were pictures, recent pictures of the resort. While most were innocent enough, pictures of the beach and the pool area creatively done too, that wasn’t the point. Any level of guest, whether or not they were members, were required to sign a nondisclosure.

That included no pictures on any internet program. None.

Damn it, Evangeline.

Sighing, I was ready to give the computer back to Raleigh. Finding out the woman I was very interested in was working the event burned my ass. Evangeline hadn’t lied to me directly when asked what she did for a living, but she’d skirted around it enough that she knew better than to post a single picture.

“Look at the comments and keep scrolling. It only gets worse.” Now Raleigh was trying to keep from laughing.

None of tonight was funny on any level.

Raleigh was correct in that the comments were a bit out there. Worse was Evangeline had answered some questions, including a few details regarding the rumors the resorts included private kink clubs. Thank God she hadn’t been provided with access to the various BDSM floors. But what she was saying was bad enough.

Once again, I almost handed the computer back to my employee when she pushed my hand. “Keep going.”

It took all of a minute to find what she was referring to. Very open and very telling photographs of the stripper event. Shit. It made us look like we were a trashy organization. I couldn’t have that.

This time, I did hand it back to her, tipping my head to stare at the room as more women came and went. “Both of you, pay attention to the damn party. Shut it down if it gets too noisy or if you get a single complaint. I’ll handle this. My way. Send the links to my address so I’ll have more time up close and personal.”

“Of course, boss. I’m sorry to ruin your evening,” Raleigh told me.

And my way was a method I knew Evangeline wouldn’t like, but I didn’t like being deceived by anyone. It tended to piss me off tremendously.

“You’re just doing your job,” I told her.

“Sure, boss,” Travis answered. I was glad he could find some amusement in the entire thing. I certainly couldn’t.

I headed back into the room, taking my time to find her. All I did was beckon her with a single finger before turning and walking out.

If she didn’t obey me, her punishment was going to be a lot worse.

My fingers tingled from the thought.