Royally Flushed: Tech Billionaires

by Ainsley St Claire

  “Get a room,” someone yells, and the crowd laughs.

  The gamblers congregate and talk. “Have any of you talked to the police officers from Las Vegas?” Nate asks.

  There are nods all around, and it looks like everyone has.

  “I got into an argument with Cecelia that morning, so I guess I’m high on the list of suspects,” Jackson says.

  “Me, too.” Landon says. “I guess there was one of my fingerprints in her room, but I was never in the room, so I’m not sure how it got there.”

  “Mine, too,” Mia says. “I hadn’t been in her suite, so I’m at a loss on how it got there.”

  “They said that to me, too,” Mason adds. “Though Caroline and I were in there that weekend, so it made sense.”

  “I think I’m the number-one suspect,” Nate says.

  Everyone looks at him, confused.

  “How can that be?” Caroline asks.

  “I was her husband.” He shrugs. “They said she’d talked to a divorce lawyer.”

  “There is no way that’s true,” Caroline says. “She glowed when she talked about you just hours before she went missing.”

  “It sounds like they were fishing,” Jim says. “My team is working on this. We’ve looked at all of you, and there’s nothing there. We’re looking at what she was doing the last few weeks, and there are some pretty big holes we can’t account for.”

  “I’m not comfortable with them lying to all of you,” Walker Clifton says. He’s the US attorney for Northern California. “Jim, maybe someone from my team should talk to you about what you have, and we can work together. I adored Cecelia, and I want an answer.”

  “I would be eternally grateful if you got involved,” Nate says.

  Drinks are passed, and as we prepare for dinner, musicians and dancers appear and perform dances from various Hawaiian and Polynesian islands. One of the male entertainers climbs a coconut tree and showers us with flower petals, blowing a conch shell to announce our luau dinner.

  As we take our seats at long rows of picnic tables, the estate staff and their families join us. We’re treated to a fantastic opening where Leilani works with the entertainers to show off her kalua pork cooking in the underground oven. Everyone is stunned to see how she does this the traditional way.

  “I was hoping she made it in a crockpot,” I lament, and everyone laughs.

  Our emcee for the night leads us through a traditional Hawaiian prayer, followed by a full luau meal of kalua pork, lomi salmon, and various other dishes. When they place the poi on the table, Leilani says, “This is first-rate paste, Mr. Graham. Try it; you’ll like it.”

  The table laughs.

  After dinner, there is a traditional Hawaiian revue. I lean back in Jackson’s arms, and he holds me tight. He kisses the side of my head and whispers, “I love you.”

  Everyone eventually dances, and it’s after midnight when the party finally breaks up. Everyone agrees that the poker games will start on the lanai at one o’clock tomorrow afternoon.

  Housekeepers will spend the remainder of the night cleaning, and tomorrow morning Leilani tells us there will be a breakfast buffet beginning at seven.

  ***

  The next afternoon, the poker games have been set up on the lanai, overlooking the pool deck and the ocean. They’ll start with two tables of six players.

  Gillian announces the rules. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s great to see you all again. We’re playing Texas Hold’em. The buy-in is five million, and all bids start at fifty grand. As a reminder, day one allows only poker chip bets. We have two tables today and will go until we have six players left for a game tomorrow. We have cocktail servers here to fetch you drinks and snacks. Dinner break is at seven. We’ll agree to bio breaks every hour for ten minutes. No smoking at the table. Any questions?”

  “Yes, this question is for Jackson. When are you putting the Halona Moana Estate up for bid?” Landon asks.

  “I can’t bet what’s not mine. I sold it to Corrine Woods, and last I checked, she’s not playing.”

  I stop and stare at Jackson. He did what? I know he must be joking because there’s no way he “sold” me a twenty-five-million-dollar estate.

  Jackson looks at me with a crooked smile and shrugs.

  He must be kidding, right? I decide to let it go for now.

  I can’t watch him play. I know it’s his money, but it makes me nervous watching him throw around millions of dollars, even though he almost always wins.

  So instead I wander around, talking to the other wives and girlfriends, and eventually we all find a shaded spot by the pool and relax.

  During a bio break, Jackson comes over. “You should wander around in a bikini this evening. It’ll drive Landon crazy.” Jackson grins like he’s the king of the world, and to many—and my heart—he is.

  “No way. That would be embarrassing,” I murmur. “And what is this about me owning the estate? You didn’t sell it to me.”

  He shrugs. “What’s mine is yours. Plus, if you decide you can’t live with me any longer, you’ll always have a place to go. I want you to understand that I mean that. You always have options. Wish me luck.” He stands and shoves the last bite of pizza in his mouth.

  I’m stunned by his statement. Every time I think he isn’t listening, he’s not only heard me, but he’s found a way to address my concern. I look at him with a stupid grin.

  “I can’t wait to get you alone tonight,” he whispers.

  “Don’t lose on my account. Take Landon for all he has.” I wink at him, and he grins.

  “I’ll do anything you ask.”

  By the end of the night, Jackson, Mia Couture, and Landon Walsh are the last three standing at their table. And Walker Clifton, Mason Sullivan, and Nate Lancaster are the final three at the other one.

  Gillian stands. “Well, it looks like we’re done for the night, and it’s still early.”

  I look at my watch, and it’s just after eleven.

  “I’m going to bed,” Jackson announces, and he reaches for my hand.

  “Tomorrow morning, breakfast will be out by nine,” I tell everyone. “Some of you have signed up for helicopter tours of the island. For those of you not playing in the afternoon, there’s a plane heading over to the Big Island to explore Kilauea. There are options for whale watching and fishing if you’re not interested in shopping in town, or you can just hang out by the pool. Lots of activities.”

  People nod and head off to different parts of the estate.

  When Jackson and I finally retire for the night, we’re both exhausted. We walk quietly to the room. I’ve been rehearsing what I want to say to him, and that must show on my face.

  “What’s wrong?” Jackson asks once the door is closed behind us.

  I smile at him and sit on the bed. “I’ve been wanting to tell you—my mother came to me while I was kidnapped.”

  He looks at me, puzzled since he knows my mother has passed.

  “I know it sounds crazy, but she talked to me. She reminded me how great you are. Thank you.”

  Jackson hasn’t touched me since the incident, and I’m still a bit bruised, but in this moment, I need him.

  “She came to me in a vision,” I continue. “She wanted to be sure I didn’t fall asleep, and she assured me you were looking for me.”

  “I was frantic looking for you,” Jackson says.

  I stand on my tiptoes and kiss him softly. “I’ve been needlessly worrying that you’d see my flaws and would look for someone else. I thought you’d be like my dad and leave me, like he did my mother. I was missing all the signals you were giving to show me that you were listening. You gave me your stock options, a raise, and you’ve told everyone this is my house.”

  “I know I’m stubborn, but I have been listening.” Jackson tucks a wayward wisp of hair behind my ear. “No one will ever compare to you. They never have and never will. You’re smart, hysterically funny, perfect in every way,” Jackson reaches for my hand. “And you’re p
ositively beautiful.”

  While the game continued after dinner, I came back to our room and dressed for Jackson—not for anyone else. I know he’d wanted me to wear something to distract Landon, but I wanted to dress for him. I put my hair in an updo to show off my neck, I applied makeup to highlight my big eyes and full lips, and I added a silver choker, diamond bracelet, and a few sparkly clips in my hair. I felt like a princess.

  Standing before Jackson, I slip out of my dress, vulnerable in just a lacy thong.

  His eyes become hooded as he watches me.

  “I want you to know that I love you. I’ve loved you since the day I interviewed with you. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

  Jackson steps forward and kisses me softly. “You’ve made me so happy.” His hands reach for my breast, and he suckles the nipple. “Can I make love to you?”

  I nod. “Please.”

  Reaching for my hand, he leads me to the bed and sits on the edge. “You’ve made me the happiest man on Earth.”

  He kisses my stomach, hooks his thumbs into my thong, and pushes it down. “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”

  One second he’s staring at me with those intense blue eyes, and the next he’s pulling my body against his. His hands slide down to my ass, squeezing and pulling as his mouth descends onto mine.

  I can’t get enough of his mouth. It is intoxicating. The way his tongue pushes in and owns me just makes me stupid and lights something on fire deep within me.

  I can’t control the sounds coming out of me.

  With his hands on my ass, Jackson lifts me off the ground. I wrap my legs around his waist and feel his hardness pressing against me. He kisses with abandon, as if we’ve never kissed before. It makes my toes curl and my pussy clench.

  “God, woman. What you do to me,” he mutters. He lowers me to the bed, sliding his hands off my ass. They roam all over my legs, which are still locked around his waist. I’m fucking his mouth, kissing his neck, sucking and biting at him between little panting moans.

  He lays me back, and the sensation of his mouth on my body is electric. I squirm and moan, my hands grasping at the sheets, desperate for something to hold on to as shocks of sensation flow through me.

  It feels so fucking good the way he sucks as much of my breast into his mouth as he possibly can. I gasp as he pulls his mouth off of my nipple, sucking so hard that his lips leave my flesh with a little pop. I look down to meet his gaze, and the devious smirk on his lips steals my breath and makes it hard to think.

  “Mmmm, fuck, my love,” Jackson says, his voice low and husky. “You’ve made me so happy.”

  I sigh and close my eyes, enjoying the sensation of Jackson sucking and kissing his way down the inside of my leg, his tongue dipping and sliding across that sensitive, ticklish spot just behind my knee. He slides a wet trail up the inside of my thigh, stopping to suck and bite and taste all that smooth skin.

  Jackson seals his mouth over my pussy, his tongue lapping at the slick juices that drip from me.

  “Right there,” I gasp. “Don’t stop.”

  A growl reverberates against my skin as my bliss overtakes me. “You’re so fucking sweet.”

  I’m reduced to nothing but a writhing, squirming, moaning puddle of need.

  When my vision returns, Jackson’s as hard as a lead pipe. One look at that big cock, hard and seeping, and I want it. Every damn inch of it. I need it buried deep and forcing me open.

  He strokes himself a little before lifting his cock up and pushing his hips forward, sliding down to my entrance, nudging the fat head of his dick into my slick channel.

  As my walls stretch around the sheer girth of Jackson’s cock, I moan my pleasure. He pushes in and out, slowly and deliberately. “I want to do this with you for the rest of my life,” he grunts.

  I can feel my climax climbing again, and together we reach our pinnacle. Afterward, as we try to catch our breath, we lie next to each other.

  “I’m serious,” he says. “I’m not perfect, and I will absolutely get things wrong. But I love you. We can go with whatever pace you need—keep Gabby’s apartment, or work somewhere else, just promise me you’ll be with me.”

  I roll over and hold him tight. “I will be with you forever.”

  His kiss is soft and luscious. I can already feel his hardness returning.

  He rolls over and picks up his pants off the floor. He goes rummaging in the pocket and pulls out a stunning, emerald-cut diamond ring.

  Getting down on one knee, he asks, “Corrine, will you marry me?”

  The answer seems obvious. I nod. “Yes.”

  Kissing me deeply, he rolls me onto my back. “You’ve made me so happy. Can we do it tomorrow?”

  “No!” I giggle. “I want Gabby and your mom there.”

  “I just want to lock it down before you change your mind.”

  I stroke him. “Trust me, I’m locked.”

  “Should we call your dad and tell him?”

  “Maybe after we’re married. I don’t want him to spoil our day.”

  We enjoy each other throughout the night, even though I should be sleeping, and I’m exhausted and spent by the time I get any rest.

  ****

  In the morning, we’re late for breakfast, but it seems so is everyone else.

  Most of the guests are relaxing and sitting around the pool, enjoying the morning. There are six players left for the big day, and it’s usually a long session. Those that aren’t playing have excursions around Maui, quick trips over to see the volcano on the Big Island, or downtime by the pool.

  Gradually everyone finishes breakfast and disperses for the day, but I’m sticking close to help, if needed.

  When four o’clock comes around, the game begins again. I stand next to Caroline as we watch our men battle.

  “I told Mason he couldn’t bet any property,” she says.

  “I can’t believe Jackson won this place. I would be devastated if he lost it.”

  “He won’t.” Caroline turns to me with a big smile. “I couldn’t help but notice your left hand is a little heavier than it was yesterday.”

  My stomach churns with excitement. “Yes, Jackson asked me last night. I’m overwhelmed and excited.”

  “Trust me, you’re perfect for him.”

  Nate is the next to lose, and he comes over and sits with me to watch. “You really did a fantastic job this weekend.”

  “Thank you. I had fun. I hope everyone else did too.”

  “I understand you’re not interested in working for Jackson any longer,” he says after a moment.

  “I figured since we’re getting married, I should find something else.”

  “Congratulations.” Nate smiles, and I know he means it. “I have a proposal for you. I know you’re familiar with the Lancaster Foundation, and I really want that work to continue. I’ve been looking for an executive director. Would you be interested?”

  I’m sure my mouth drops open in shock. “I…I think I would love to do that. I suppose I should talk to Jackson about it.”

  “I understand. Cecelia traveled with me and managed it fine from the road, so I think you could live anywhere. You’ve met most of our contributors, and I’d be looking for more contributions and ways to spend them. Let me know, and we can talk about it when you return to San Francisco.”

  I nod. “Absolutely.” Suddenly, what has seemed impossible to manage for so long is all falling into place. A sense of peace washes over me, and I’m so grateful for everything I have.

  As the sun sets, people come and go, watching the game. After over five hours of play, there are still four players. Landon is high in the chip count and goes all-in. Mason debates. He keeps looking at Landon and trying to figure out if he has something good or is bluffing. Finally, he pushes his chips in. Mia doesn’t hesitate and puts the ranch in Montana in the pot, along with her remaining chips: all-in. Jackson looks at me and smiles as he pushes all of his chips into the middle. I know he has a
good hand.

  The last card turns. Mason has nothing. Mia has three aces. Jackson has a royal flush, minus the ace from Mia’s hand, so he’s out, and Landon has three kings and two eights. A full house takes the pot. The crowd erupts.

  Landon just took Mia’s ranch and won the game. Nate and Jackson high five, and he shoots me a dazzling smile.

  “Next time, Landon Walsh, the game is at the ranch in Montana,” Nate says.

  Sleight of Hand

  Tech Billionaires book 3

  A Preview

  by:

  Ainsley St Claire

  Chapter 1

  Tinsley

  “Look at that man who just walked in the door, Tinsley. Holy guacamole, he’s sex on a stick and hot, hot, hot.”

  I turn to look at my best friend, Chrissy Matthews, and follow her line of sight. The man she’s looking at is a sight to behold: dark, messy hair with dark, brooding eyes, and his body... I fan myself. His T-shirt is stretched over his arms and chest and his jeans are showing off…well, his massive package.

  I lean over to Chrissy. “How much you want to bet he stuffed a sock in his pants?”

  She looks him over. “No way is he that big.”

  He looks over at us and smiles. When he makes eye contact with me, I smile back.

  It seems to encourage him, and he makes his way over to us. “Hello, ladies.”

  “Hi,” Chrissy offers.

  “What are we celebrating?”

  I look over at Chrissy and give her a careful shake so hopefully, she understands to not go there.

  “We’re celebrating a Tuesday night,” she says.

  “I like that. May I celebrate with you?”

  He looks at me, and how can I refuse?

  I have to say, Chrissy and I look fantastic tonight. Not club-ready, but I have on a dark blue strapless sundress that is fitted in the bodice, and a pair of peep-toe stilettos. Chrissy is in a pair of jeans and a wrap sweater that shows a tremendous amount of cleavage.