The crowd laughs.
“Hey, I’m the life of these events,” he argues with a grin.
“I agree. Thanks for allowing me to tease you.” I feel a little giddy. I have so much planned for this weekend. “I’ll turn it over to Gillian.”
Gillian shares the rules and brings out her trusty velvet bag. “We have three tables. In this bag are three colors of chips. We’ll call people up based on how they ended the last tournament. New players will be added based on when they committed. Nate, since you won the last tournament, please start us off.”
I dip my hand in the bag and pull out a red chip. I show it to everyone and proceed to the table, where I pick the middle seat across from the dealer. When my table is full, I know it’s not going to be easy to move to the next round. I’m sitting with Tom Sutterland, Mason, Mia, Christopher Reinhardt, and Elena Tuskin, who owns a banking software company. Looking around, I see tables full of my friends—the people who’ve stood by me these last few years. I love being together with them.
The first night goes without a hitch, though it was a tough night for some—mostly the newer players. The shocker of the evening is when Landon loses in the first round. He’s usually a guy who makes it to the final six.
“What can I say? I’m blinded by love.” He leans down and gives Tinsley a passionate kiss.
It’s after three in the morning by the time we make it back to our suite. The girls are fast asleep in their room. Lilly has her own bedroom. I still can’t keep my hands off her, but we’re setting an example—or we’re trying to until we make things official.
I crash hard once I get back to the room.
What feels like about five minutes later, I feel the bed dip and smell coffee. I open one eye, and Lilly sits in front of me in her bathing suit and cover.
Bex stands next to her. “Time to get up, Daddy,” she announces, too loudly for my tired brain.
I moan. “Just a bit longer.”
“We’re meeting the Sutterlands at the Japanese steakhouse for lunch.”
“How much longer do I have?”
“You have twenty minutes until we have to be there,” Lilly reports.
Bex has left the room, and I groan. Lilly strokes me above the sheets, and I know I’d prefer to send the girls to meet the Sutterlands and stay with Lilly here all afternoon.
“Come on,” she urges. “I’m not ready to share this beautiful body with the world, but if you insist, I’ll work on my ninja skills.”
“Why would you need ninja skills?”
“When you walk through the lobby in your boxer briefs, you’ll cause quite the stir. I’ll have to make sure those women know you’re mine.”
I drag myself into the shower, and in record time, I’m dressed casually in jeans and a Henley and headed for the restaurant with a team of four bodyguards. I look over at my beautiful girls as we walk. This may not have been what I envisioned when Cecelia and I married, but I do believe she’s with us and knows we each miss her every day. I think she’d be glad we’ve found our happy place.
After some time to relax in the afternoon, tonight is the second round of play. Tom and I head back down to the private room while Judith and Lilly get the girls ready for their evening activities. We’ll play until the first six lose, which will take us down to the final six players.
It turns out to be a quick and easy process, and by the time Judith and Lilly catch up, we’re done for the night. Mason had a killer hand that took out his entire table, so we were down to six players in less than two hours. I’m still in, but I don’t have a lot of chips left. I went in heavy with William when I had a full house, and he had a higher-ranking full house. I would have preferred to have the night to make up my chip deficit. But that’s okay. I’m fine if I don’t win again this time.
I walk over to Lilly, who is standing with Judith. “How did the dinner with Francesca, Katrina, and Caroline go?”
“Incredibly well,” Lilly says. “Francesca and Katrina got some great advice. They want to go to the same school in the fall. Caroline made some good suggestions on how to have fun without making waves in the press.”
“We’re going to have a problem with boys,” Judith says.
“No, we won’t,” Tom says as he joins Judith and kisses her on the cheek. “Nate here is a trained killer, as is Jim. We’ll send the two of them after anyone who looks at them twice.”
I smile. “I like that idea.”
Judith leans in. “Would you be okay if we invited Bex and Katrina to stay with the girls in our suite tonight? Vegas is pretty boring for them, and they might be able to entertain themselves better together.”
“I think that sounds great. I wouldn’t mind a night alone with Lilly.” I look over at her, and she blushes. She’s so beautiful, and she doesn’t even realize it.
The room begins to empty out, and Mason and Caroline stop by to chat. “Both of you have really raised some smart girls,” Caroline says. “I gave them some pointers, but they’re already poised and confident.”
Lilly steps in and gives her a hug. “Thank you. I know it means the world to the girls to hear from someone who’s experienced a life similar to theirs.”
Caroline turns to me. “Rumor has it you may be considering a move.”
I shrug and try to remain noncommittal. “Nothing’s set in stone just yet.”
“Well, I was going to tell you the old French Embassy down the street from me—and not too far from Tom and Judith—is for sale, but not going on the market. Trust me, it needs some major work, but it would be ideal for you.”
I look at Lilly, and her eyes bulge. “That house is huge. I mean, like, ten offices, a ballroom for diplomatic events, plus a large residence.”
“It would need a good architect,” Caroline says. “I happen to know someone, if you were to buy it.” She winks.
“Thanks. We’ll think about it,” I tell her, already plotting how I can make it happen.
Katrina and Bex come running up. “Can we have a sleepover with Francesca and Alexandra?”
I nod. “That’s fine, but you know the rules. You don’t go anywhere without your detail.”
“We’re not going anywhere,” Katrina promises.
I give her the be-honest-with-me look.
“I promise.” She nods. “I won’t go anywhere without my detail. Francesca has her own detail too.”
“Fine. Call me in the morning when you get up. Maybe we can meet for breakfast.”
She smirks. “No promises on breakfast, but I’ll call you when I get up.”
The girls go running off, and Caroline and Mason have been pulled into another conversation, so Lilly and I walk toward the door and stop where Tom and Judith are having a drink.
“You’re welcome to join us,” Tom offers.
“Thanks, but I’m going to enjoy a night with Lilly all to myself. If the girls become too difficult, just give me a call.”
“They’ll be fine. Make sure you have her home by midnight.” Tom winks and chuckles.
I put my arm around Lilly. “So, I was thinking…”
“There’s a spot in the middle of my back I can’t reach that has a little itch. Would you mind joining me in our suite to help me scratch it?”
I nuzzle her ear. “As long as there’s a spot between your legs that my tongue can reach, I think we’ll be okay.”
I’m stopped by strangers who recognize me three different times as we make our way upstairs. Lilly walks ahead of me, and Trevor remains close. She makes it to the elevator before I do, and she’s gone.
When I finally arrive in our suite, I find Lilly standing in the most delicious pair of come-hither stilettos and a beautiful black lace bra with a matching thong.
She’s watching the lights of the Strip below. Damn, she’s beautiful.
I spin her around and kiss her hard. Her tongue meets me stroke for stroke. She presses her body against me as our lips clash, and my hands tangle in her hair. Her legs wrap around my waist, and I
grab her ass to support her, my palms squeezing her plump cheeks. I carry her over to the couch and we collapse, Lilly straddling my lap.
“Welcome home, sweetheart,” she breathes.
She grinds against my swollen cock, and I moan, a low, guttural sound. My thumbs rub over her erect nipples through the silk of her bra. She arches her back into me, and I press my face against her cleavage, inhaling her beautiful tits. They feel so soft yet firm, so perfect. I grab her ass and massage it as she continues to grind on me.
I pull off my shirt, and Lilly leans down and licks my nipples, biting at them.
“Mmmmmm…” I moan. I love it when she does that.
I reach behind her and unhook her bra. She looks at me, holding the cups in place as the straps slip from her shoulders. “Do you want to see these?” she whispers. She holds the weight of her breasts.
“Yes,” I say.
She gives me a peek—one and then the other.
“I want a snack,” I tell her. I flip the bra away and devour her breasts.
I suck her perfect, pink nipples deep in my mouth, teasing and suckling. Lilly throws her head back and continues to rock on my hardness, allowing the friction to build. She grabs my head and moans once more. My fingers hook her thong, and I began to slide it down. She stands, and I can smell her arousal. I want so much to enjoy her.
I fall forward onto my knees and plant small, gentle kisses on her legs, working my way up, biting softly at her thighs. She continues to moan, her hands taking fistfuls of my hair. When my mouth finds her pussy, she moans my name. I feel so strong and powerful as my tongue glides across her entrance, savoring how sweet she tastes—almost like strawberries. I part her lips and lap at her pussy, my patience disappearing. Her juices are addicting, and feeling her shaking at my work and moaning my name is beginning to drive me crazy. I circle my tongue across her clit, my hands kneading her ass as I suck and lick her to her pinnacle.
Lilly shoves my face into her pussy, grinding up against my tongue. The orgasm that had been building hits her like a semi-truck. She bites her lip to stop from yelling, her entire body convulsing and my mouth filling with her wetness. Finally, she pulls me back, allowing me to take several deep breaths. She stares down at me, panting, her body shining with sweat.
“Your turn,” she says, her voice raspy. “Sit on the couch.”
I do as she says, happy to take orders from my stunningly naked girlfriend. I watch Lilly get on her knees, take my hard cock out of my jeans, and rub it gently up and down. Her eyes look even prettier when she’s thinking about sucking cock.
She continues to stroke me, her mouth inches away, her breath hot on my shaft. “How often have you thought about this, Nate?”
“Too often,” I grin. “Now stop talking. Put this dick in your mouth, Lilly.” I grab her blond hair.
She doesn’t need to be told again. She swallows my cock, taking my entire length into her throat. Her skills make me feel cherished and loved. She gazes up at me with her beautiful blue eyes, and I’m in awe.
She runs her tongue around the head, while holding and squeezing my balls. She makes sure to lick every inch of my dick.
I suddenly pull her mouth off of me. She looks at me, her hair messy and her chin wet. “I need to fuck you.”
She smirks, placing her hands on my knees before she crawls up to me, kissing my chest while I caress her soft skin. Lowering her mouth near my ear, she hovers her naked body just above my lap. “How do you want this?” she asks softly.
My hands find her ass again. “Sit on my cock, Lilly.”
She laughs, sending shivers through my body. “Ask nicely. Ask very nicely.”
I lean in and our mouths meet, our tongues dancing. I grab her hair and tug it, looking into her eyes. “Please. Please fuck yourself on my dick, Lilly.”
We kiss again, and she begins to lower onto my lap, the head of my cock pushing against her opening. Her pussy is tight, and it’s all mine. It feels like a vice grip, and the fact that I don’t immediately come is a miracle.
Lilly’s eyes close and she rocks her hips to take me deeper. “You feel so good inside me,” she moans.
Finally, her shapely ass rests on my legs, the entirety of my cock throbbing inside her. She leans in and kisses me deeply, pressing her tits against my chest and raising herself slightly before lowering back onto my cock. I keep both hands on her hips, guiding her as she rhythmically bounces on my lap.
I suckle her breast, my tongue swirling around the beautiful pink tips. I can tell she likes it because her channel holds me tight. I mark each of her breasts with a love bite while I tease the nipples. The sound of our bodies crashing together and our moans of pleasure fill the room.
Lilly’s eyes glaze over as she gets lost in our bliss. I reach between us and stroke her hard nub with my thumb, giving her added friction to help her find her release.
Lilly’s movements grow erratic as she nuzzles her face into my neck. I wrap my arms around her and start to both lift her and thrust up. My cock’s slamming into her now, and she comes forcefully, her body shaking as she screams and moans. The sound of her panting pushes me even closer to the edge.
Lilly says quietly, her voice hoarse, “Come inside of me.”
That’s all I need to hear. I hammer into her one more time, burying myself all the way, and my cock erupts. Lilly’s climax continues to crash into her, and her impossibly tight core pumps me until I have nothing left.
As we relax, my seed drips out of her and around my cock. She rests her head on my shoulder as I collapsed back into the couch cushions.
“I love you,” she murmurs.
“I love you more,” I whisper back.
We sit connected for a long minute, the post-orgasm high still coursing through our bodies as we catch our breath. “This gets better and better,” she sighs.
She’s right. There’s only one thing that will top this, and we’ll have it by the end of the weekend.
We sleep with our bodies entangled, waking only to play with one another again.
My phone pings, and I glance at the clock. It’s already after nine.
Katrina: We’re going down to the pool. Meet you before the game tonight. And yes, I have my detail with me.
Me: I love you always.
She doesn’t respond, but she knows tonight our plan comes together.
After another round of great sex in the shower, Lilly and I order room service and relax all day before we head down for the final night of the tournament. Everyone will be there, whether they’re still playing or not.
As the games get underway, I make a small rebound before I manage to lose it all. Left after that are Mia Couture and William Bettencourt. William’s sister is married to Jonathan Best, who owns the Shangri-la, and I’m torn between the two. William has never won, but Mia is spectacular to watch.
Mia’s play is elegant. By far, her tells are the most difficult to read. I know she’s had a tough time since Viviana’s arrest. She was as gobsmacked by the news as I was. They were tight. It’s disconcerting when someone you trust is not what they seemed.
William manages to beat Mia’s two aces with three twos. And that’s that.
She shakes her fists in mock rage. “I can’t believe you beat me with three twos! Do you know I’ve been waiting for a pair of aces this entire tournament?” She’s smiling and not upset.
That’s what I like about this. We’re friends first.
William laughs. “I’m humbled that I was able to beat you. You’re the best player here.”
“It’s a good thing your wife is standing with you, or I’d think you were trying to get into my pants.” Mia winks, playing with him.
Quinn, William’s wife, laughs. “Mia, you can have him, but he comes with our three boys. If you can keep up with the four of them, you’re a better woman than I am.”
To crown his victory, I present William with a case of rum from Patrick Anderson’s estate. We’ve all been enjoying plenty of rum-based d
rinks this weekend, and he’s thrilled.
Then, finally, it’s my turn to close down the tournament, and suddenly my stomach is in knots—much worse than when I did this the first time.
I stand and tap a spoon against my glass. Then I step up to the little platform so everyone can see. The room is quiet and all eyes look at me. I find Lilly, and she’s grinning. I love the support she gives without saying a word.
“As your host, I want to thank Jonathan Best and Gillian Reece for having us back here in Las Vegas again. The Shangri-la is a wonderful place to play.”
“Here, here!” comes from Mason, and most heads are nodding as people clap.
“As I look around this room, I’m honored to call each of you my friend. You all supported me when I lost my first love and helped pull me out of the black hole the girls and I fell into.” I look over at Lilly, ready to make the grand gesture. “Many of you know Lilly as our nanny, but what you don’t know is that Cecelia hoodwinked her into watching the girls, and that’s what started this whole thing. Lilly is wonderful with my daughters, but she’s also a very accomplished software engineer. I have to believe Cecelia was looking out for us, even then. I will shortly be stepping down as CEO of Lancaster Holdings to take over Brain Bursts and help Lilly create a future where strokes are less impactful.”
There’s a collective murmur.
“Lilly has given up the last four years to look out for us, so the least I can do is help her out with the venture Cecelia angel funded.”
“Aren’t you missing something?” Mason calls from the back.
“I’ll also be overseeing the release of the technology Viviana and her Russian friends so kindly left behind when they attempted to board our ship, when they bugged the house in Whistler, and when they broke into my home. We’re going to put the technology on the free market and make sure it’s put to use by someone with positive goals.”
Showdown: Tech Billionaires Page 33
