Unspoken Obsession (Casino King #4)

7. Frankie

FRANKIE

H e has been watching me all night. And from the moment I locked eyes with him, I had this crazy feeling that I knew him from somewhere.

I needed to pay attention to the game, so it was a little distracting having him there - but I didn't mind.

What I am trying to figure out though is why he seems so familiar to me.

Is he one of my father's men? I wouldn't be surprised if my father had people watching my every move.

I play it cool all night, but I keep glancing up to meet his gaze. Those intense blue eyes cause my stomach to flutter.

Fuck. He is gorgeous.

I keep thinking of that old saying - and it makes me smile.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Maybe it's just some excuse my mind is making up so that I've got a reason to spend time with this man - but I've decided that if he is one of my father's guards - I want to keep him close, then I can keep tabs on him in the same way that I assume he has been sent to keep tabs on me.

Ever since I came back to Las Vegas, I can sense I am attracting attention whenever I walk into the casino. It's because I am doing too well at Blackjack. People tend not to like that and become suspicious.

It's not good - and it's making it harder to keep my true identity hidden - but card counting is my only form of escape and for now, I need it. Although - I should play a lot less.

It was a risk to come to this game tonight, and I was irresponsible taking it. But - I can't stay locked away in that apartment all the time - and this is Vegas - what else can I do but the obvious - play cards.

In the casino over the past week, I've already seen several faces I know. Faces I don't want to see - and people I hope won't recognize me. Allies and enemies of my father. People I want nothing to do with. Lucky for me my father kept me locked away most of the time, so most people don't have any idea who I am. But if I keep playing cards and I attract any more attention, I am going to create problems for myself. Ones I don't need right now.

I should remove myself from the game and bow out, but I'm feeling cheeky and daring so, I stay in and take second place.

The man is watching me the entire time. His heated gaze sent shivers through me.

A delightful tease of my curiosity and my body.

When I leave the table, I congratulate the other player on his win, then walk towards the bar. I need a drink. And I am curious about whether the gorgeous stranger will come and talk to me.

I lean forward to order a whiskey from the bartender and when I glance over my shoulder, he has made no moves towards me, but he is still watching.

Another man, one of many who was watching me tonight, comes over and stands next to me, grinning down at me. I assume they don't see a woman playing Blackjack and winning very often.

"Can I celebrate with you? Will you let me buy you a drink?" Again, with this.

smile at him. He's cute. Dark blonde hair and a friendly smile. For the briefest moment he reminds me of Jake, and I feel sick to my stomach as memories flash through my mind -- blood stains, and fighting for air, no thank you.

I can't be with a man like him. Besides, he is not the man who has caught my eye this evening.

"Thank you, but I am waiting for a friend." I'm polite but reject him.

"Are you sure? I don't mind if your friend joins us for a drink - or dinner - I would just celebrate with a gorgeous lady."

"Thank you, again, but I've got plans. Perhaps another night."

He gets the message, and with disappointment in his eyes, he steps away. At least he wasn't annoying or creepy about it. Some guys who've tried to pick me up in this casino were creepy - or flashy with their money - thinking that dropping their Aston Martin keys on the counter would impress me. I guess it works on enough girls that they keep doing it. I'm hard to impress.

I glance over my shoulder again, pleased to see the man who I want to share a drink with is still watching. His gaze sends a thrilling shiver down my spine.

I turn my back. I won't beg him to come over, if he wants to, he will.

I am enjoying this little game we are playing.

I haven't even thought of being with a man since the night I spent with that beautiful stranger - Damion's father.

"A whiskey, neat." A deep smooth voice vibrates through me as he orders his drink from the bartender, standing a few paces way away.

Once he has it, he turns towards me, calm and full of confidence. His presence demands respect. And from the way he presents himself, I can see he is a man with power. I wonder what he does and who he is? Could he have been sent by my father to watch me?

"Congratulations, you played a great game this evening." His voice is divine, like caramel - salted and smooth.

"Thank you."

I look him up and down. My heart is racing. It will not slow down. I know him - but I can't place where from. He must be one of my father's crew. It would explain the expensive suit. But then why am I so drawn to him like this? I avoid those goons like STDs. No, I'm not certain it's that - it must be something else. Maybe I've just seen him around here?

"Are you staying here?" He asks me, his eyes locked onto mine.

"No. Are you?" I need to keep my answers short and sweet. The less I say the better. I don't need him finding out who I am if he doesn't work for my father.

"I am staying at a different casino. I came here to watch the game tonight, and it wasn't disappointing." He grins, a dark sort of mischief playing in his eyes.

"Mm. I rather enjoyed the game myself." I laugh.

"If you aren't busy right now, I'd love to take you to dinner. I know the perfect place."

I glance at my watch. "I've got an hour or two, and I am hungry." I shrug, playing it cool. I should not have agreed to this. I should go home and be a responsible adult. I should not be playing with fire. I have a crazy father who'd kill the guy just for asking. But then again, what harm can come of dinner with a handsome man? It's just dinner. That's all.

"Excellent. The decision is made then."

He holds his hand out to me, and I narrow my eyes at him as I place my hand in his. My skin burns as we touch and electrify runs through me body.

Control yourself, Frankie.

"Wait," I say, almost pulling my hand back. "What is your name?"

"I'm Dan." He smiles.

I would not make that mistake again. No more mysterious men are going to disappear from my life. I'd rather just ask upfront.

"I'm Frankie." I grin.

"I know," Dan says. "Are you ready to go, Frankie?"

I nod.

He leads me away from the bar, and I think we are going to go somewhere inside the casino. There are so many places to choose from, but he takes me out of the casino, and we climb into his car and drive to a restaurant on the outskirts of the city.

"Why here?" I'm curious.

"Sometimes, even if I am staying in the casino, and it's a lot of fun and there's a vibe, I like to get away from all the noise -- especially when there is such a beautiful woman to give my attention to. I don't need the flashing lights, and jackpot sounds to know I've won."

I giggle. He's smooth, I bet he says that to all the girls.

He's a charmer. A smooth talker. He knows how to get what he wants from women. I need to be careful with this one because his charming tactics are working on me.

I shouldn't be playing games like this when I've got a son at home to worry about.

As long as I get back home by midnight - there is no harm in letting my hair down for a while. I do need to relax. Otherwise, I'll go insane.

Sitting at the table overlooking a horse ranch on the outskirts of the city is peaceful. It's beautiful out here and reminds me of the tranquility I experienced when I stayed in the little cottage with Damion - away from this noisy city.

I take a deep slow breath, letting myself relax into the moment.

"Where did you learn to play cards like that?" Dan asks once we've ordered a mixed seafood platter for two.

"No one really taught me, to be honest. My dad was always too busy, and I didn't really have a mom. The housekeeper showed me once. After that, Blackjack was just something I started playing to relax - and then figured out I'm good at it."

"You're brilliant. Those men didn't stand a chance. You could've come first if you wanted to."

His questions sound like more of an accusation than curiosity.

He keeps glancing at his phone during dinner and every time he does his eyes darken. What is bothering him so much about the messages he's receiving so late at night? He probably has a wife who wants to know where he is. His mood swings from attentive and alluring to cold and agitated.

My heart thunders as I wonder if he knows I count cards. It's unlikely though.

"I don't know what you mean. I played the best I could." I smile, tilting my head to the side and then looking away from him. I need to change the subject.

"What do you do, Dan? What brings you to Las Vegas? Who is texting you, your wife?"

"I've been here for a while now. I run an import-export company, and a lot of my clients are out here. So I stay in the penthouse at the Russo River Casino when I am in town. I don't have a wife; that is work."

At the mention of the Russo River Casino my memory jolts.

An image flashes through my mind. The man in the mask. A heated night of passion.

I clear my throat, pushing the images away. "It's a really exclusive hotel and casino; business must be going well."

It is the most expensive hotel in Las Vegas. And he's staying in the penthouse. He isn't one of my father's goons - that's for sure. They do not get paid enough for that.

"I do alright for myself. What about you?"

I smile, glancing down at my drink, swirling the pink gin so that it splashes and mixes with the fruit pieces and aromatics. "I just moved to Las Vegas. I lived in Canada for years."

"Canada? What did you do there?" He asks, sounding confused.

"I worked in a flower shop."

He rests his hands on the table, leaning forward when he speaks to me. He really is giving me his full attention.

I look into his bright, cool blue eyes. What is it about him that has me so captivated?

"That is a big change - the move from a quiet flower shop to Las Vegas. What made you do that?"

"Spreading my wings. Seeing the world." I shrug. "Flowers are big business here, lots of weddings."

"Mm." He smiles at me. His eyes speak to my heart.

Then he leans back and taps his fingers on the edge of his whiskey glass.

"Come join me for dinner at my penthouse - I'll cook for you."

"Was that an invitation or a demand?" I laugh, amused by his bold confidence. It wasn't a question at all. He glances at his phone again and his jaw muscles flex. I wait --trying to ignore the warning signs that this man is not what he seems. Should I be risking everything just to spend some time with him? What is it about him that makes me want to do that? His phone rings and he looks even more annoyed. "Please give me a second. I need to take this call."

Stepping away from the table and walking up and down a distance from me—I can still hear some of the conversation.

His voice is deep and carries far.

"Kill the bastards if you catch them." He snarls.

He hangs up.

He slides his phone back into his pocket and I watch as he adjusts his composure and the darkness lifts from his eyes. He smiles at me, walking back to the table like nothing happened.

"Sorry about that. Some issues at work." He sits down, "Well, I will not kidnap you and force you to eat my food if that is what you mean." He laughs, a warm sound that rumbles from his chest and causes my smile to stretch wider.

My heart is racing -- eating like drums in my head.

I should say no. Just like I should never have agreed to this dinner date.

The darkness that keeps shining deep in his eyes is a red flag I should pay attention to.

But my response is out of my lips before my logic has time to filter it.

"I would love to find out if you can cook or not."

"Great. Sunday night?"

"Sure." My heart flutters. I can't believe I am doing this.