by Addison Fox
His phone chimed. He’d asked the driver to alert him once they’d arrived on the premises. They were here. Ms. Frost would be escorted up to her suite as quietly as possible, per her request.
Stepping inside and closing the patio door behind him, he did one final sweep of the rooms, just to be certain. His people had, as usual, done a wonderful job. Of course, they’d had plenty of practice, since the Archangel had quickly become a favorite of celebrities and athletes alike. Though none were of this caliber. Nothing but the best for the Archangel’s first artist in residence. Her first month of shows were already sold out. If this kept up, they’d set a Vegas record.
Stepping into the hall, he crossed to the private elevator to wait, glad of the comfortable fit of his custom-made suit and Western boots.
With a discreet chime, the elevator doors slid open. Professional smile in place, Gabe took a deep breath, and prepared to welcome one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen to the Archangel.
* * *
Exhausted and trying very hard not to give in to crankiness, Meghan steeled herself as the elevator glided to the penthouse floor. She fervently hoped this would be a small, private greeting, that the Stavros brothers hadn’t arranged some kind of welcoming reception. All she wanted to do was shake their hands, bid them a nice evening and crawl between Egyptian cotton sheets to sleep.
She’d done a little research on them. They were both tall, dark and handsome, in that mysterious Greek way. Rich, too, which meant all that money had given them power. In her experience, men who’d gotten a taste of such power were hard to deal with. She hoped these two would be the exception.
Finally, the elevator came to a stop and the doors opened. A tall, broad-shouldered man in a well-cut suit waited, his dark head bent as he studied his phone.
Security? But no, she gave him a second glance and realized this was one of the Stavroses. Influence and authority radiated from him, as well as the kind of masculine confidence only a man as good-looking and wealthy as him could pull off.
To her surprise, she felt a twinge of sexual attraction.
“Ms. Frost, welcome to our hotel.” Taking her hand, he inclined his head in greeting. His longish raven hair and caramel eyes would have looked more at home on a musician, but oddly enough, they suited him, in fact enhancing his craggy features.
Another sharp tug of attraction hit her, stronger this time, making her breath catch. “Thank you,” she managed. “I’m really looking forward to my stay.”
With the basic pleasantries exchanged, now would be his cue to give her the room key and leave. Right?
“Let me show you to your suite,” he said, stepping aside and gesturing for her to precede him. The intensity in his gaze brought an answering simmer to life inside her. Her exhaustion appeared to have disappeared, too. Interesting.
And dangerous. There were a thousand rational arguments why she shouldn’t get involved with one of the men paying her salary. Her PR people worked hard to make it appear as if Meghan Frost flouted the rules, but in reality, she much preferred coloring inside the lines in everything but her music.
She sniffed, taking in the scent of spearmint and a tasteful hint of expensive men’s cologne. As she moved past him, fighting the urge to brush up against him like a cat, she reminded herself this could all be one-sided, too. Her fame and the bad-girl persona her team liked to cultivate wasn’t for everyone. Particularly rich hotel owners who dressed in four-thousand-dollar custom-made suits.
“Here we are,” he said, using the room card to open a pair of ornately carved, mahogany doors. He made a half bow and flashed a wicked smile. “Your suite. Please, look around and let me know if there’s anything not to your liking.”
Moving past him, she stopped, stunned. Walls of floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the illuminated Strip and she could see the bright balloon of the Paris in the distance. Dark hardwood floors polished to a high shine, comfortable, yet elegant furniture, decorated with a flair of color which instantly made her feel at home.
“Very nice,” she managed, even though the penthouse was so much more than that. Spectacular was one word that sprang to mind.
Like him. Her toes curled in her knee-high leather boots.
“Is there anything else you need?”
Even his voice, low and husky, turned her on. Wow. She couldn’t even remember the last time someone had affected her like this. To hide her reaction, she prowled around the suite, noting the expensive blender and teakettle, the fragrant floral arrangement and the well-stocked refrigerator. Everything she’d asked for.
“Let me know if there’s anything else you like us to get for you,” he said, reminding her she hadn’t yet answered.
You. I’d like you. She bit back the words, which were completely out of character for her, despite the nonsense the tabloids printed. “I don’t think so,” she said instead, spinning around to realize he’d moved closer. Heat flooded her. She couldn’t help but check his left hand. No ring. Even more interesting.
He inclined his head, the heat in his gaze warring with his impersonal, professional expression. “Then I’ll leave you to get some rest. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. Anything at all.”
Then, while she struggled to formulate a response, he backed away, moving out the door with a sensual grace that made her wonder if he danced. The door closed behind him and just like that, he was gone. The room felt empty without his vibrant energy.
Holy moley. Staring at the closed door, Meghan shook her head. “Wow,” she said out loud. “Just wow.” In her business, there were a lot of good-looking men. She hardly even noticed them anymore. But something about Gabriel Stavros made her insides hum and her body come alive in a way that only music had before.
Chapter 2
“Well?” Rafe demanded, grinning as he waited to hear what Gabe had to say.
“She’s beautiful,” Gabe said slowly, struggling to find the right words that would be truthful, yet not give his tangled emotions away. “Even more than she is on TV or in magazines.”
“Sexy, too, I bet.”
The instant flash of jealousy that slammed into him surprised Gabe. “That, too,” he managed. “I didn’t spend a whole lot of time with her, but she seemed quiet. Probably tired.”
“Most likely.” Rafe moved around the room, his long-legged stride eating up the space. “Sorry to change the subject, but you know next week is the winter solstice, of course. We got to nail down some plans.”
“I agree. My internal alarm has been sounding, loud and clear. It’s getting more and more difficult to fight the urge to Rejuvenate.”
Both men grimaced. Unfortunately, their kind had no choice. Four times a year, they had to Rejuvenate—the vernal equinox in March, summer solstice in June, autumn equinox in September, and the winter solstice, which this year fell on December 21. When they Rejuvenated, they’d burst into flames, which seemed pretty crazy on the surface, especially if one were merely human. Luckily, they were so much more. Human, yes. And special, as well. As Helios, the fire cleansed all impurities from their earthly bodies, leaving them clean and strong. Rejuvenated, their powers refilled.
Helios considered this both a blessing and a curse. They must manage their Rejuvenation carefully, making sure no one saw. Especially the Hunters. He shuddered at the idea of their legendary nemeses actually locating them.
Rafe cursed, making Gabe wonder if he’d actually spoken the dreaded name of their adversaries rather than thinking it. “Damn Hunters will be showing up all over the world. You just know they’ll be out in force around here.”
“They always are.” Making his voice deliberately cheerful, Gabe’s thoughts returned to Meghan Frost with her dusky skin and long-lashed green eyes. Her effect on him both startled and worried him. Intrigued him, as well. He couldn’t recall the last t
ime he’d met a woman who made him feel as if he’d already burst into flames. Not good. This time of the year could be dangerous for his kind. The last thing he needed was a distraction. Any distraction, no matter how tempting.
“Remember the plan,” Rafe said. “If we positively ID a Hunter, lure him outside. We can’t endanger any of our other patrons, human or otherwise. Not to mention the bad publicity such a thing would generate.”
“Of course.” Every season, every year since opening the Archangel, they’d had a variation of this same conversation. While they were forbidden from outright attacking a Hunter, they could definitely defend themselves. “Nothing bad is going to happen. It never does. At least to us,” he amended.
“I know.” Rafe’s rueful grin had Gabe grinning back. “You just make sure and keep that pop star happy. She might be the key to taking things to the next level.”
And that in a nutshell was everything his brother wanted. Him, too. The entire family, actually—though the Archangel becoming the best-known, most successful hotel and casino in Vegas had long been his brother’s dream. Gabe would do everything in his power to make that happen, including wining and dining a spoiled diva named Meghan Frost. And somehow remaining immune to her considerable charms.
* * *
Meghan should have known better. No matter how fast she ran, or where she went, she couldn’t outrun herself or the bone-crushing, soul-sucking loneliness that continually dogged her. It didn’t matter if she surrounded herself with people, since she knew if her talent and fame were to totally vanish, so would they. At least alone, she could think. Except ever since arriving at the Archangel, all she could think about was one of the handsome casino owners Gabriel Stavros.
Maybe a distraction was exactly what she needed. Something to stave off the loneliness. She’d seen the flare of interest in his caramel-colored eyes when he looked at her. The undeniable attraction sizzling between them had to be mutual. The question was, should she act on it?
Clicking on the radio, the cheerful carol made her wince. When she’d been small, like children everywhere, she’d loved Christmas. Gifts and candy and a visit from a fat man in a red suit. But as she and her brother Damon had grown older, the family had focused more on the hunt, the quarterly search for the mythical beings known as Helios. Legend had it that the Helios guarded the gate to the world of the Ancients. The Hunters, who supposedly could boast a lineage all the way back to the ancient god Chaos, covered this world and the knowledge contained therein. After all, the best way to bring Chaos to the modern world would be to make humans aware of the ancient gods’ existence and give them access to their world.
Personally, Meghan didn’t buy any of it. Not her family’s supposed history or their mission. As far as she could tell, the modern world was doing a pretty good job of descending into chaos all on its own. She’d grown up believing, but after years of watching her people put the hunt before everything else, including family, she’d made a conscious choice to reject their beliefs. Even if they were doing what they felt was right, she no longer wanted any part of it.
Whatever the truth, her family not only believed all of the hype, but four times a year, their dogged determination became a frenzy that bordered on madness. Unfortunately, Christmas always occurred right after the solstice. Which mean if Meghan didn’t go on the hunt with them, she was doomed to spend the holiday alone.
Her choice, they said, refusing to feel any guilt. They weren’t the ones that had changed. She had. Small wonder she’d gotten out of there as quickly as she could.
Meghan sighed. At least she hoped to be able to walk around the bustling Las Vegas Strip without attracting any attention. The paparazzi hadn’t gotten wind of her new haircut—even her own people weren’t aware she’d shorn her long hair to a spiky, short do. And the color—where she’d recently dyed it a candy-apple red, she’d gone back to her true shade, a nice deep mahogany. With a baseball cap, some baggy clothes and sunglasses, she hoped no one would recognize her.
Right now, though, she needed to sleep. Tomorrow would be a new day. She planned to face it with a smile.
* * *
Though the Archangel hummed along like a well-oiled machine, both Gabe and Rafe preferred to remain as hands-on as possible. With the Christmas season full upon them, the decorations, festive music and the throngs of holiday visitors kept the casino hopping and the hotel and restaurants full. It was, Gabe thought, his favorite time of the year. The rest of the Stavros family lived in a sprawling estate out in the desert and Gabe and his brother always went home for Christmas Day dinner. His parents’ huge tree rivaled the one in the Archangel lobby but with one exception. His mother started her holiday shopping in August and the mound of brightly wrapped gifts seemed to grow larger every year.
Gabe winced, aware he needed to get started on his own gift-buying expedition. Even Rafe, a notable procrastinator, had begun ribbing him about his lack of preparation this year. Shopping. The chore made him shudder. But he hadn’t made time to do any online gift-buying, so he’d have to get out there in person. Maybe if he was lucky, he could knock it all out in one day.
Tomorrow, he vowed. He’d get started tomorrow. Stifling a yawn, he headed out to the casino floor to make his rounds before heading up to his suite. Often, the buzz of energy from the slots and the poker players gave him an extra shot of vitality, enabling him to last a few more hours. Not tonight. He circled the floor, noting with approval the crowded machines and full poker games. Waving a greeting at several of his dealers, he strode to the elevator to go to bed.
* * *
The next morning, he woke before his alarm, exactly as he always did. He’d slept well, he thought, though his sleep had been punctuated with erotic dreams. Not surprising, since he couldn’t stop thinking about the lovely Meghan Frost.
He knew everything about her. Professionally, that is. Before approaching her people, he’d done his research. Not just sales figures and stats, but her image and reputation. The world widely regarded her as edgy and smoky, a bit wild, but he’d learned she was in fact a very dedicated worker and a perfectionist, which he could definitely appreciate since he was a bit of one himself.
The contradiction of her two sides had fascinated him before he’d even met her. Now that he had, he knew he’d enjoy peeling off the layers to discover the true Meghan Frost.
If it were any other time of the year, that is.
Heading toward the gym for his daily workout, he stepped inside and froze. Usually at this hour of the morning, he had the place to himself, though occasionally his brother joined him. Today one other person ran on the treadmill, earbuds in place.
Meghan Frost.
Gorgeous, with perspiration creating a sheen on her smooth skin, making it glow.
He’d never seen a woman with a body like hers. Not one ounce of fat: all lean, toned muscle. Powerful and strong, yet also feminine. Sexy.
While he stared, hopefully without his mouth open, she noticed him and gave a little jerk of surprise. This momentarily broke the rhythm of her stride, though she regained it immediately after that one little stutter.
“Hey,” she said, slightly out of breath as she removed one earbud. “You like to work out in the morning, too?”
Not entirely trusting himself to speak, he nodded and crossed to one of the other treadmills. Today was cardio day; he only did weight training three times a week.
Once he’d started his machine, he glanced over at her only to see she’d gone back into the zone, earbuds back in place. Still running.
Slightly unsettled and a bit aroused, he threw himself into his workout, trying desperately not to notice how well she filled out her workout clothes. Damn. If he kept staring, she’d think he was some sort of creep, but how could he look away from female perfection? He wished he’d brought his earbuds, but more often than not he used this exercise time to thi
nk and plan the day ahead.
She punched the stop button to shut off her treadmill.
“Done,” she said, her smile triumphant. “I’m just doing cardio this morning. What about you? I can tell you lift.”
Trying not to grin at the compliment, he nodded. “Cardio today for me, too. I only work out with weights three times a week. I’m guessing you do the same?”
The flash of approval in her green eyes made his heart stutter. “You got it. Of course, when I’m working on my show, that’s more than enough of a workout, believe me. You’ll have to come by and check it out once we resume rehearsals after Christmas.”
“I’d like that,” he managed.
“Good.” Still smiling, she stepped off the treadmill, lightly dabbing at her overheated body with a white hand towel. Eyeing her, he desperately wanted to be that towel. Would the slightly salty tang of her skin taste as good as he thought?
Clenching his jaw, he looked away. He had to stop this nonsense. Maybe his heightened awareness of her had something to do with his need to Rejuvenate. He could only hope so, or this was going to be an interesting three months.
“Um, I was wondering,” she began, glancing at him with another smile, clearly unaware of his erotic thoughts. “Would you be available anytime later today to show me around?”
He winced, unable to keep from thinking of all the work that would entail. They’d need to assemble a security detail, call ahead and make sure certain venues were prepared to whisk her inside quickly, away from gawking onlookers.
“That’s okay.” The hurt flashing across her face along with the tightness in her voice told him she’d misinterpreted his reaction. “Never mind. I’ll figure out something by myself.”
Punching the pause button, he hopped off and crossed to stand closer to her. “My apologies. I was thinking I’d need a bit more time to put together security. Unless, of course, you have your own people.”
