Covet (Vegas Sins Series Book 2) Page 3

  A tired man stared back.

  However, there was a new light in that man’s eyes, one Alex hadn’t seen in himself in a while.

  It was all because of Dana, the beautiful woman who’d asked him to screw her in a tiki bar bathroom.

  Shit.

  She could barely look at him now. She regretted the moment, anyone with eyes could see it, and he couldn’t blame her. When she’d made her move, after confessing how her ex had broken her heart, Alex should have been the one to step back and keep a cool head. He should have known better, should have realized their quick fumble might have added to her pain.

  Unfortunately, when she’d whispered in his ear, he’d lost all sense.

  He just wanted to forget his own pain.

  Now Dana would think he’d used her for some cheap bathroom sex. In a way, maybe he had been using her. He’d done it because, even in their short time together, Dana helped him feel something other than the numbness he’d carried for so long.

  He needed to prove to her that he thought she was worth more than bathroom sex. If he didn’t make that clear, it would bother him.

  He liked their banter and the intelligence shining in her eyes. She intrigued him.

  To say nothing of the fact she was so fucking beautiful. Her cocoa skin was smooth and warm. Her light perfume made him want to breathe deeply. He wanted to bury his fingers in her curls and stare into her midnight eyes all night long.

  He was getting ahead of himself. That’s what happens when you remove yourself from the world. You get carried away.

  Maybe it was time to join the world again.

  He’d known it was time when he’d bought Vice from Liam Doyle. The casino hotel would be his lifeline. It would force him into the land of the living.

  Was he ready? Probably not.

  He’d felt ready when he was holding Dana in his arms. A man could get used to holding a woman like that. Although it had lasted mere minutes, he’d tasted her fire. She’d clutched at him, her fingernails scratching the skin under his shirt. When she came, she made the sexiest little noise he’d ever heard. It was something between a sigh and moan, and he became hard just thinking about it.

  Tommy really was an idiot.

  Checking himself in the mirror once more, Alex left the men’s room and waited for Dana in the bathroom hallway, just outside the ladies’ room.

  After a couple of minutes of waiting, he poked his head back into the bar area. Perhaps she’d gone back to their seats.

  There was no sign of her in the bar.

  Maybe she was still freshening up.

  He returned to the hallway and paused for another few moments. When his gut twitched, he knocked on the ladies’ room door and cracked it. “Dana? I’m just in the hallway.”

  There was no response.

  He entered. “Dana?”

  The cubicle doors hung open. Her handbag was gone.

  She had left.

  As a sick sense of desperation assaulted him, Alex ran out of the washroom and out of the bar. He looked up and down the street but couldn’t see her.

  She must have ditched him, thinking he was about to ditch her.

  After everything she’d been through today, it was the last thing he wanted her to think.

  When it became clear she wasn’t coming back, Alex grabbed his car keys and headed to the lot. Maybe he could find her and make it up to her.

  Only then did it hit him.

  He didn’t even know her last name and she didn’t know his.

  He’d been trying to protect his heart in remaining anonymous and he’d only succeeded in making things worse.

  Idiot.

  It seemed he had more in common with Tommy than he thought.

  Better this way.

  Dana would want a long-term relationship with a stable man, someone with a good heart.

  Alex was in no position to offer her any of those things.

  Chapter Two

  Two months later

  It had been over a year since Shannon’s death, but the newspapers wouldn’t let him forget.

  Hot shot developer seeks to escape his sordid past in Sin City.

  Sordid.

  No matter how many times Alex read the description, he still tasted sulphur.

  Maybe this was a mistake.

  Unfortunately, there was no going back now. As the Escalade approached Vice, Alex folded up the newspaper. A small cluster of reporters huddled at the door of the casino hotel, like a murder of crows waiting on a platter of carrion.

  Waiting for him.

  A trickle of perspiration materialized at the back of his neck. As the lone bead dripped into his shirt collar, he swatted at it, but another followed it.

  Photos flashed outside the car, causing bubbles of light to appear before his eyes for a moment. As he had been so accustomed to doing over the past year, he put his hand up, shielding his face.

  Stop it. You have no reason to hide. You’ve done nothing wrong.

  Right. The devil on his shoulder laughed. Tell that to them.

  This was supposed to be his new beginning.

  His driver Pierre glanced at him in the rear-view mirror. “Are you okay, Alex? You look like you need a stiff drink.”

  Ha. That was almost funny. No more stiff drinks for him.

  And no more hiding.

  Gritting his teeth, he dropped his hand and sat up straight. “I’m okay.”

  Hotel security guards corralled the paparazzi. Front and center was a wall of a man. If one didn’t know Wade Kennedy was head of security, one would guess it from his sheer bulk. His mere presence caused a couple of the less intrepid reporters to pale. Those who were daring enough to push forward immediately took a few steps back when he stared them down.

  Alex reminded himself to increase Wade’s salary.

  He should have guessed he’d arrive to this scene, should have known some would continue to doubt his motives. When the opportunity to acquire his new hotels had arisen, first and foremost, he’d seen it as a solid business decision.

  He’d also seen it as a sort of relocation therapy. Moving from New York to Vegas felt right.

  It wasn’t that he was trying to escape his past. He just couldn’t handle the constant reminders of Shannon anymore.

  Unfortunately, because Shannon’s family had tried to assassinate his character, a door had been opened. The Dean family had been vocal in their criticisms and speculations from the start, trying to lay blame at Alex’s doorstep. Their angry grief had allowed trashy reporters to pounce. If there was anything the paparazzi appreciated, it was the chance to obliterate a man’s reputation.

  God only knew the New York crew had already tried. Alex wouldn’t let the Las Vegas vultures finish him off.

  However, once again, he was confronted with the stark reality. There were people in this world who thought he was a cold-blooded killer, one who’d gotten away with his crimes.

  During his darkest moments, he wondered if they were right.

  Pierre slowed down. “Alex, I could pull into the underground garage instead.”

  “No. This is my hotel. I’m not skulking from anyone.”

  Pierre drove the Escalade up to the entrance. The reporters once again clamored, but Wade puffed out his chest and they backed down.

  Alex took a deep breath. His dad used to say, “When you’re nervous about walking into a room, pretend you own the building.” The philosophy had served Alex well.

  And, in this case, he did own the building.

  Pierre got out and opened the door.

  “Alex! Alex!” The reporters chanted his name, each one hoping to get his attention. “Over here, Alex.”

  Another trickle of sweat dripped down his back. His heartbeat sounded in his head.

  Wade stepped forward and held out his hand. “Mr. Markov. Welcome to Vice.”

  Alex grabbed Wade’s hand as if it was a lifeboat and he was about to go down in freezing waters. Somehow, he managed to return his firm sha
ke. “Wade. Good to see you again.”

  More flashes. It was amazing Alex hadn’t gone blind yet. He blinked several times and angled his face from them.

  “I apologize about the welcoming committee. They just arrived.”

  One of the reporters threw up his hand. “Mr. Markov! Shannon Dean’s father says you’re trying to run from justice by moving to Las Vegas. Any comments?”

  “Jesus Christ.” Wade glowered at the man. “Show some respect, you pack of hyenas.”

  Sticking close to Alex, Wade escorted him into the hotel lobby. A couple of guards from Wade’s team hovered at the door to keep the press out.

  Once they got inside, Wade apologized again.

  “It’s not your fault, Wade. The headline just broke. I figured it might bring the termites out of the woodwork. I’m used to it.” Only he wasn’t. Not at all.

  “Still, it’s your first official day here and you shouldn’t have to deal with that crap.” The security expert peered at him. “Are you…okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You’re really pale.” He handed him a plastic bottle of water from a nearby counter. “Here. Take mine. I haven’t cracked it open yet.”

  Alex nodded in thanks, opened it and drank half the bottle. His heartbeat steadied with each gulp. The coolness of the water calmed him.

  “Gotta love the press,” said Wade. “They’re bastards, aren’t they?”

  Alex managed a chuckle. “Not all of them. Just the ones who follow me around. Legitimate reporters don’t seem to be interested in my story anymore, just those pricks.”

  “What the Dean family has been saying about you…it’s awful.”

  “They’ve been saying the same things for a year now.”

  “You should sue for libel.”

  “I can’t do that, Wade. They’re grieving. I just wish they could move on. Thanks for the concern, though. And the water.”

  “Sure. No problem.”

  Alex blinked away the last of the light bubbles. “I appreciate you giving me the grand tour today. Do you mind if we start in my office? I could use a minute to stop sweating before I meet the staff.”

  “You bet.”

  Sweat or no sweat, they still had to walk through the massive Vice reception area to get to his office. Faced with the prospect of being on display, he tensed. However, the tone of the greetings changed once they were inside the casino hotel. In fact, Alex was met with numerous warm smiles and handshakes from staff members as they welcomed him aboard. In his first few minutes, he pressed the flesh of several front desk staff and their managers. He imagined he’d be shaking hands on an almost constant basis for a while. Even the wait staff at the bar across the lobby stopped in their tracks, colorful drinks poised on their trays, so they could bob their heads.

  It was nice. After the onslaught at the door, he felt a little more at home.

  Home.

  Could he really make a new home here? He certainly couldn’t go back.

  Several tourists pointed him out, unabashed. A few snapped photos.

  “That’s the guy,” one of them said out loud. “The one who bought this place from Liam Doyle. They say he offed his girlfriend.”

  Hearing the comment, Wade put himself between Alex and the tourist.

  For crying out loud. Every time he thought he’d left the insanity behind, the Deans thrust it back into his face. He’d been trying to take the high road for some time, but it was getting harder to keep his feet from falling into the ditches.

  Just don’t dignify the rumors. Once again, Alex’s father’s calm voice guided him.

  As he and Wade passed a couple of female tourists, the women checked him out.

  “Hmm,” one woman said, her gaze trained on his body. “Hey there. You’re even prettier in person, Killer.”

  Killer. Nice. He hadn’t heard that one in a while.

  Put it out of your head.

  He didn’t have time to wallow in the unfounded opinions of strangers.

  He was here to start over and he wouldn’t let anyone stop him.

  As far as Alex was concerned, his sole reason for living right now was his hotels. It was time to start making some improvements around Vice and he couldn’t wait to get started.

  Of course, one could argue Vice, the newest and grandest of his three Las Vegas casinos, needed no improvement. Neither did its sister properties, Sin and Luxe. In many ways, the former owner’s tastes matched Alex’s. His friend Liam Doyle had done a fantastic job, but that didn’t mean Alex didn’t want to put his stamp on the three hotels. After all, it reinforced the sense of ownership. Every new homeowner gave his house a fresh lick of paint.

  Alex had a few licks of his own in mind, which was why some rebranding was in order. Nothing drastic, but a clear shift in a new direction.

  His.

  As proprietor and operator of Vice, Sin, and Luxe, he was now in charge of the Strip’s busiest casino hotels. There were moments when he still didn’t believe it. The deal with Liam had been so quick and easy. Granted, he’d never known such a motivated seller as Liam.

  He hoped his old friend would be happy with his girlfriend, Kate. Alex didn’t know exactly what went on between the two, but it had been important enough that Liam had changed his entire life around.

  Being a good businessman, Alex had come in with a reasonable offer for the casinos, knowing there were other offers on the table. Friendship or no friendship, he’d expected a shrewd man like Liam to force him to up the stakes.

  But he hadn’t. He’d taken Alex’s first offer.

  Even as their lawyers completed the paperwork, Alex had called Liam on it. “You know you could make more money on these properties. Why didn’t you counter my offer?”

  “Because it was fair and because I trust you,” Liam had said. “I know you’ll take care of them. Besides, I just want it done. The casinos are my past.”

  “And Kate is your future?”

  “If she’ll have me.”

  Amazing. Liam had completely transformed his life and business, all for the love of a woman.

  Alex had been seeking his own sort of transformation when he’d taken Shannon on that trip to Bermuda a year and a half ago. Unfortunately, life had other plans for them.

  His transformation would begin today instead.

  Liam’s change of heart had worked to Alex’s advantage. The casinos would provide financial security. Liam had been clear about that. Alex would have to fuck up in a major way to end up in the red. However, bad things happened all the time. Businesses closed every day, even Las Vegas businesses, and he’d be a fool to think himself immune.

  Still, as Liam had made clear, the house always won. Alex wasn’t used to that concept. A nightclub owner and developer, he’d always lived with the reality of financial instability. There was always a new club springing up, new competition. His customers, as a species, grew bored easily. They were always in search of the newest, brightest diversion. Like kittens with ribbons, they could be led astray.

  Casino customers were a different breed. In this business, there was a sort of brand loyalty, even if much of it stemmed from the fact gamblers liked to sit at the same slot machine every time they played. All he really needed to do was keep the gamblers happy and provide entertainment for the non-gamblers.

  As it happened, Alex knew all about providing entertainment.

  Wade led him down the administrative hallway toward the executive elevator. “So this place has been buzzing with the news of your arrival.”

  “Oh, yeah? I hope the buzz hasn’t all been bad.”

  “You know how it goes. New boss and all. I think some staff members have been nervous.”

  “I’m glad the change in ownership hasn’t scared you away.”

  “Who, me?” Wade scoffed. “I’m not scared of anything.”

  “Really?” Alex teased. “Liam told me you were afraid to kick Kate off the property.”

  Wade rolled his eyes. “Mr. Markov, if I had kick
ed Kate off the property, Liam would never have lived happily ever after. Besides,” he said, grinning, “she’s his problem now.”

  “That she is. Oh, and didn’t I tell you to call me Alex last time we met?”

  “Yeah, you did.” Wade blushed. “Liam always insisted on first names too, just not in front of the guests. I’m glad you’re sticking with it. That was one of the things we all liked about him.”

  Going into this sale, Alex knew he would have to deal with the cult of Liam Doyle. His friend had been the toast of Vegas for several years. In addition, he was adored by his employees, even though he had run a tight ship. A sense of nostalgia over Liam still pervaded the place. Alex respected that but he would have to make it clear he was not Liam Doyle. “Liam speaks highly of you too, Wade.”

  “Thanks. He was a good guy. Is a good guy. I gotta stop talking about him like he’s dead.” Wade hit the elevator button. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “A lot of folks around here are worried about layoffs. Should they be?”

  The elevator arrived on the fourth floor with barely a whisper, opening directly into his new office space.

  “I like you, Wade. You speak plainly,” Alex said as they got out. “Look, I’m not planning any massive reorganisations. I know how Liam operated. We learned the business from the same people. If anything, I want to make a few improvements.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  “The casino business might be a whole new adventure for me, but in running my nightclubs, I’ve learned a thing or two. It’s time to tweak a few things around here.” He turned and opened his arms toward the fourth-floor office. “Starting with this.”

  Liam’s former office space was also his home away from home. A workaholic, Liam had designed his office to incorporate a luxurious living space as well. Alex knew his friend had spent many a night in his casino sanctum, rather than going home to his own condo. It had led to burnout.

  Alex preferred to live offsite and had been renting a luxury property in the nearby community of Summerlin. However, now that work was to begin in earnest, he figured it was best to live onsite. The workload was bound to be intense for some time, and it would be helpful to be in the thick of things. Still, Liam’s vision for the flat was nothing like his own.