Jess looked at the two men and shook her head. “If they’re going to be following along, be warned they might get grabbed, pinched and propositioned a few times.” Jess nodded to the blond man who had his hair braided.
“Oh yea, this is going to be fun watching.” She looked up at Maverick to see him frowning.
“Why?” he asked as they stepped out onto her floor after their guards did.
“Um, hello. Romance conference, and they’re hunks,” she said, earning a smack on her ass. “What was that for?” she glared at him and rubbed her butt.
“Because, you don’t need to be checking their asses out.” He growled and she laughed.
“I don’t know why you’re getting all upset. Of course I’m going to look. I’m only human and not having anything for a long time, well yea…” Before she could reach for her door, Maverick pushed her up against the wall, his body trapping her.
“You have me while you are here.” His hands skimmed down her arms to her ass cheeks. He squeezed them and lifted her up, where he licked her lips.
“Aren’t you getting a little possessive here? I mean you just met me yesterday, plus you know I’m not going to be here long. I have to go home, Maverick.” She ran her hand up his arm. The man was built, but not like that of a weight lifter, more like a boxer.
Jess knew he was dangerous, just by the way he carried himself. She did love the way he stared at her as if he could eat her up.
The door opened up and Lori peeked out at them. “Well, um you’re going to be late. Hi,” she said noticing the two other men. “Three men?” Lori turned her gaze on her and she laughed.
“I don’t think I’m that adventurous,” Jess said and turned her gaze on the two in question. “Although…
Maverick growled, making Lori jump. “There will not be any other men!”
Jess shook her head and patted his chest as she squirmed out of his arms. “Go, I have to get ready. This is important. I can’t be late. I need this contract, Maverick.”
* * *
Maverick watched the woman step into the room and close the door. He turned and growled at Bran and Stan. “Don’t even say it. Go change and we’ll meet back here.” All three of them moved towards the elevator.
Stan took off in another direction while Bran got into the elevator with him. “She’s your mate, isn’t she?” Bran asked.
“Yes, the thought of her leaving has the cat screaming. Then there is the fact she hasn’t shifted yet and her first time is going to be tough for her, not to mention we don’t know when it’s going to happen.”
Bran glanced at him. “Are we going to follow the old ways? You know you are very lucky to find your true mate. Many of our people have settled with humans afraid they’d never find their chosen one, wanting and needing children.”
“You don’t have to tell me,” Maverick said as Bran stepped off the elevator at his floor. “You’ll be my second?” he asked, and Bran smiled.
“I would have been pissed if you asked someone else. You have a winner there, and I’d be proud to be her second mate. But I have a feeling getting her to stay here is the bigger issue than both of us loving her,” Bran said, as he spun, moving to his room. “Meet you back here in 30 minutes.” He yelled.
But what he wasn’t expecting was his ex-wife standing inside his penthouse. “How did you get in here? Never mind what do you want?” he asked.
“There is no need to bite my head off. I thought you’d like to know Jake is back and it does not look like he’s going to finish school. He won’t tell me what’s wrong, so I’m hoping you can help. I’m really worried about him.” she asked.
“Fine, I’ll stop by later this evening.” He started to say, but she was already shaking her head.
“No, you need to come now. He was packing his stuff. All of it, when I came here. Said something about needing to get away, please,” she asked.
“Let me change and I’ll go,” Maverick grabbed his cell phone and called Bran, making sure he’d escort his woman around today. The thought of her running around Vegas alone did not sit well with him at all, but she would understand since Jess had children too.
* * *
Jess was furious and hurt. She had never been so embarrassed. She headed to the next table, not wanting Bran to see her tears. Her guards were waiting outside the door for her to finish her appointment.
Eight other editors were in the same room, doing interviews. Only a few looked up, but it was if they knew what the bitch had done. But when she got to the end, Jess forgot Lori was waiting for her. She came to her. “What happened?” she asked.
“Is my writing really that bad?” Jess asked her.
“No, what the hell? Wait right here,” Lori said. She was about to confront the woman Jess had talked to, but Jess just wanted to get away from everyone for a few seconds, and that included losing her guards. She needed to think.
“Listen, I just need some time to think away from everyone. I’m going to slip out the back and do a tour or something. Oh, I won’t be back till later. I’m meeting Mara at her house for dinner. I’ll call you.” Jess hugged Lori and made her way out of the meeting room. She made her way to the front of the hotel and caught the next tour bus to the strip right before it was going to leave.
The sights passed by while Jess rode the bus, but she didn’t see much until she stepped off the bus and stared up at New York, New York hotel. It seemed Lori was thinking of her after all.
Not one to ignore a sign, Jess headed into the grand place and smiled. A little gambling and maybe some shopping was just what she needed, but as she moved further into the hotel, Jess could have sworn others were watching her.
She shook her head and made her way through the rows of slot machines looking for the penny games, the only ones for her. Finding one that she liked, Jess sat down and pulled out her member’s playing card to insert it.
Jess had $20 to play with today, which was her limit. Just as she was getting comfortable, two tall gentlemen and a lady came over. “Hello, my name is Victor Mells, my partner is Walter Plaster. You’re new around here. Is Maverick with you?” Both gentlemen looked around.
“Why would Maverick be with me?” she frowned. “My name is Jess Garthing and I’m an author with the convention in town. Is there a problem with being here?” she asked.
“No, not at all. We’re just surprised is all. Would you care for anything to eat or drink while you are here? Please order whatever you like, it’s on the house,” Victor said, nodding to the waitress. “Have a good day.” Both men moved away.
“That was weird.” She mumbled.
“Not really, after all you carry Maverick’s mark. Always thought he’d end up with well someone more…”
“Enough!” Bran growled, coming out of nowhere and glaring at the waitress.
“What’s wrong?” Victor rushed over to them and she shook her head, turning to the machine. She sure didn’t need this crap and wasn’t even going to deal with it. Jess pushed the button and sat there stunned when the lights started to flash. She had won.
Jess watched as her winnings was flashed across her machine. Over $2000. It would be enough to pay some bills when she got home at least. She pulled out the card and got up, ignoring the men behind her.
Her mother had always told her to cash out her winnings, and put in other money to continue to gamble. That way, the winnings were put away so you didn’t spend them. But she would keep a few hundred out to do some shopping and get her kids some things.
“Wait,” Bran ran up to her, wrapping his arm around her waist, and stopping her. “Jess, you can’t go running around without one of us around. Why did you take off? Did something happen?” Bran asked.
“That is none of your business? Why do you ask?” she asked.
Bran sighed. “Sweetie, you are important to Maverick.” He reached up and ran his finger over one of Mavericks marks on her neck. “If something were to happen to you, he’d literally kill.” Bran flinched an
d stepped back.
Maverick stood there, glaring at her.
“I thought you were with your son?” she said.
“I was, but I made him come with me so we could talk and I could keep an eye on a wondering woman who does not know how to stay safe.” He growled and yanked her to his side. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
She counted to ten, but nope, Jess was still pissed. She stomped down on Maverick’s foot. “One, you don’t own me. Two, it’s not been a good morning, so do not push me Maverick. Now back off. I needed some time to think. Go spend your time with your son. I have some more gambling to do, then I’m shopping before I meet Mara.”
Maverick snarled. “What about the convention? Don’t you have to be in some of the meetings?” he asked.
Jess turned and approached to the ticket redemption machine, but obviously not in time for Maverick and Bran to see the hurt in her expression. Both men moved next to her, following her. “Who hurt you?” Maverick asked.
“It’s not what you think. It just seems certain people think my writing is a joke. It just kind of hurt to be turned down, that’s all.” She stepped up to the machine and inserted her ticket.
After putting the money away in her purse, she turned and stared up at Maverick. “I’ll face the convention tomorrow. Right now I just need some down time, to think what my next move is, where I’m going to work so I can save enough to move next year.”
Maverick looked as though he was about to say something, but Jess spun around and pointed at him. “Don’t. We just met yesterday. I have two children I have to take care of and I will not leave them. I promised my son he can graduate where he is and that I’d be there for him. As for the husband, he’s gone, and as soon as I get the money, I’ll file for divorce. But do not say anything right now.” Jess sighed and looked down at the ground. “I have to do this, Maverick. I can’t and won’t be dependent on anyone.” She spun around and started to search for the next gaming machine.
* * *
“Wow, she’s freaking amazing. Is that really your mate?” his son, Jake, asked as they watched Jess circulate around the gaming floor, searching for what, he didn’t know.
“Yes. Bran I want to know what happened this morning? Find her friend and editor. She’ll know. Also find an attorney near her home in Ohio, the best, and make sure they know the situation, but tell them not to contact her. I’ll slide her their name later, but I want that divorce now.” Maverick watched as Jess finally took a seat at a machine.
“Done, I’ll be back. Oh, expect Victor and Walter to find you after they deal with the waitress that offended Jess.”
“What?” Maverick snarled and glanced at his friend.
“I got there just as I heard her tell Jess that she wasn’t your kind and expected you to find someone more…” Bran growled.
“Great, now I have that to work against.” Maverick moved towards Jess, as he watched the man next to her lean over and whisper something to her. She laughed and shook her head, turning to find him.
“I don’t think he would allow that, but thank you. You made this old lady feel good about herself,” she told the man who had the good sense to collect his things and move seeing Maverick coming towards her.
“Take his seat,” he told his son and lifted Jess up, taking her seat and placing her on his lap.
She shook her head. “You’re a pain in the ass,” she muttered and glanced at his son.
“Jess Garthing this is my son, Jake.” Maverick introduced them his gaze on Victor and Walter as they made their way towards them.
Jess leaned over and held out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. You look like your father. You have his eyes. So, have you worked out your troubles?” she asked.
His son took her hand, smiling. “Dad and mom had a fit because I was going to join the service. Everything is fine and it’s great to meet you.”
“Really, what branch and why did you leave college? Girl?” she asked and frowned when the two men finally made it over to them.
“Maverick, it’s a pleasure to see you here, it’s been a while.” Victor said holding out his hand.
“It has been a while. We’ll have to get together soon. I want to thank you for watching out for Jess here,” he said and pulled her back against her.
“Can we be any more possessive, jeez?” she rolled her eyes and shook her head.
His son leaned over. “I’m afraid he’s like that with everyone he thinks belongs to him.”
Jess smiled and leaned over. “Well I have news for him, I’m not his yet. Just because he put some mark on me does not mean anything.”
“Jess,” Maverick snarled
“Don’t Jess me. I haven’t decided anything. I don’t know why you are being like this. Just because someone poisoned me is no reason to get all attached. You know nothing about me. Hell, I could be allergic to kitties,” she said, smiling.
Jake laughed so hard, as did Victor and Walter. “She has a tongue on her, just as my Faith does. Yes, you have met your match. Ms. Jess, may I offer an apology for what happened earlier with the waitress.” Victor bowed to her.
Jess waved her hand at him. “Please, I’m sure there will be others who want this stud kitty. I know I’m not the perfect woman, so don’t sweat it.”
“Well, it just isn’t done here in our hotel. So your money is no good here. Ask, and it is yours. Maverick, I hope this little mishap won’t affect our talks?”
“No, we are good, and thank you, both of you.” Maverick said as Bran came around the corner, nodding to the men.
“Good, I’ll let you enjoy your day.” Victor and Walter walked away as sirens went off and the top light flashed.
“Yes!” Jess jumped up and turned her smile on him. “I think I love this hotel,” she said and turned back to watch her win calculate.
Maverick peeked around her to see how much she had won and smiled. For a nickel machine Jess had won over $4000, which was a decent haul.
“That’s the second jackpot she’s won in over an hour. Your woman is on a roll,” Bran said.
“She is and Jess is ours. I mean what I said, Bran. Otherwise I wouldn’t have left her in your care. Even my cat recognizes you.” He leaned forward and wrapped his arm around Jess. “Where are you going, Little Fawn?” he asked, pulling her back to him.
“I have to cash this in. I need to find a bank though. I don’t want to carry this much cash around. Do you know where there is one?” she asked and he laughed.
He stood. “Just give the cashier the ticket. These hotels do a lot of business and they can deposit money back on a bank card.” Maverick said and escorted the beauty in his arms.
“And don’t think I didn’t hear what you said. You need to stop planning things when I haven’t agreed to anything yet.” She looked up at him. “I’ll give you that I feel safe in your arms, but it’s important to me to stand on my own two feet, Maverick. If my writing isn’t going anywhere…” she smiled and approached the cashier.
“I take it writing is what she loves to do?” his son said. “You could see the sadness in her eyes.” Jake glanced over at him.
“Yes, and we’re going to make sure she gets her dream. Jess has already given up too much from what I’ve found out already.” Maverick frowned as Jess took newly loaded bank card at the same time she answered her phone.
“What’s wrong, Rose?” he heard her say as she walked off towards the front of the casino. “Stay there with Grandma until the ambulance comes. I’ll see if I can get a flight back as soon as I can. I’ll call you in the next hour and let you know what I can do. Love you Rose and let Mom know I love her too.”
Jess moved up to the desk. “Can I get a telephone book please?” she asked.
“Little Fawn, what’s wrong?” Maverick asked, turning her around to face him. Tears were in her eyes.
“Rose can’t wake Mom. She says she’s breathing, but won’t wake up. It seems my sister and Mom got into it last night.” Jess looked
down at the ground. “I told Mom not to confront Linda I knew it would tear her up. My dad had an affair on my Mom. She does not do well with that kind of thing. I need to be there now.” She reached up and cupped his cheek. “The only thing I regret is not getting that night with you.”
“Oh, you’re going to get that night. Bran, get the jet ready. Jake, you coming with us to Ohio?” Maverick asked, moving their party out the door as a limo pulled up for them.
“Limo?” she asked. “What are you doing?” Jess asked as she slid into the car looking around. “It’s not going to be pretty. You can’t go home with me, Maverick. I need to do this.”
Maverick lifted her up and pulled her onto his lap. “No, we will do this together.” He sighed. “You’re my mate, Jess. I didn’t expect this or want this, but I do now. The thought of not having you in my life scares the shit out of me and has my cat fighting to get out. Is it going to be easy, no? But I know we can do this if we do it together.” He hugged her tight. “If that means we must live in Vegas for a year for your son to graduate, we’ll do it. We’ll just take flights back and forth on weekends and holidays. Look at me, Jess.”
She looked up at him and he wiped the tears that had spilled down. “It’s rare to find our mates, especially with our species so low in numbers. A number of our people marry humans so they can at least have children. Now, don’t get me wrong. I did have feelings for Jake’s mother, but there was something missing. Maybe she knew that, I don’t know.” He reached over and squeezed his son’s leg.
“When our species finds their true mate, and you are my true mate, it is customary to ask another male to join them in their family. Our lives can be dangerous and to protect our women, two men are better than one. Plus, women cats are highly sexual animals. They need to be touched and loved often.”
“Wait,” she sat up and stared at him. “We’re not even sure if I’m like you?”
“You are changing, Jess. The signs are all there. Already your eyes are changing, you are sensitive to my touch. You need it don’t you?” he asked. “I will have honesty here.”
Left My Heart in Sin City Page 5
