Gambler's Folly (Bookstrand Publishing Romance)

by Mellie E. Miller

  “That would rather give it away, cara,” he told her. “If the watchers see the two of them, they will begin to look for me. There are others here, not so well known, and not obviously on guard. Don’t worry.”

  She couldn’t help but worry. Since the very first time her food was doctored, she’d felt they were under constant surveillance or attack. The last round, up at the lodge, had been out-and-out war. What would they try next?

  Once they were back in their suite, she changed for bed and assumed Damiano would do the same. Instead, he dressed in his black turtleneck and trousers, soft-soled shoes, and black gloves.

  “Dam, what are you doing?”

  “Get some rest, Kari. I have to go out for a little while, make sure of a few things. I shouldn’t be too long.” With a kiss, he was out the door and into the shadows.

  The next morning, about two hours before lunchtime, Carl came over to get her started on her workouts again.

  “So you’ve finally returned to civilization?” he teased.

  “Yes, and though we had a wonderful time skiing, I probably need the workout, just to recover.”

  It wasn’t as bad as she’d thought it would be. Of course, she’d done much more skiing this time than the first time she’d taken to the slopes.

  “Just a few stiff muscles,” Carl said, nodding. “Have you been working on your healing techniques?”

  She decided he didn’t need to know the full extent of that. “Yes, whenever I had a little time back at the lodge.”

  “Good! I’m sure Master Kwan will be happy. Do you know when you’ll be ready for him to come over for lessons?”

  “I have no idea. Check with Damiano and see what our plans are going to be. I know he’s got some meetings and things going on, but I’m not sure what he’s got for me just now.”

  “I’ll talk to him, then, and see what we can schedule. You have a real talent for the healing arts. I’d hate to see you stop training.”

  “Oh, no, I’m not going to quit on you. Our schedules are just kind of in the air right now. Everything should be sorted soon.”

  When she talked to Damiano later, he said Carl had called to ask about her training. “I told him it might be another week or two. I don’t want too many people coming over here until this is finished.”

  “Are you making any progress?”

  “I think we have everything in place now. It’s just a matter of timing. Once we go public again, I expect things to build rapidly.”

  “When will that be, honey?” she asked nervously.

  “Soon. I have to have confirmation of one more thing before I push this boulder down the mountain.”

  “Push the boulder down the mountain?” she asked.

  “Yes. Once you push the boulder downhill, you can’t stop it. It goes until it runs out of energy, or runs into something. Just like this business of mine. Once the final nudge is given, and everything is in motion, I won’t be able to stop it until it is done.”

  “Dam…”

  “Shh…Don’t worry, cara. Everything will be alright.”

  * * * *

  The weekend arrived and Karianna was nearly as nervous as she’d been the first time she’d gone out with Damiano. Checking once again that her makeup and hair were as near to perfection as possible, they went down to the gaming rooms and restaurant.

  Nobody had been informed as to who was staying in the executive suite. Damiano had explained to her that, since he rarely stayed here, it was available for anyone who had the money. So when he’d had Marco register them, it had been under an assumed name. The maître d’hôtel told them their table would be ready in a few minutes, so they waited impatiently.

  It may have taken three minutes before they were recognized and word got back to the manager. His welcome was effusive and nervous as he apologized for the inattention to their reservation. Their table would be ready immediately.

  “Our reservations?” Karianna asked.

  “I called down from the suite to make reservations for the party in our suite, no names. I didn’t want to give anyone advance warning.”

  As soon as word got around, they were subject to the stares of most people in the room. Damiano ignored it completely, at least on the surface. Karianna tried to follow his example, but her stomach was in a knot.

  The manager arrived with their waiter, again apologizing for not being ready. “If I’d known you were here, Signor, I could have had everything arranged.”

  “I called this afternoon to make the reservation. You should have had plenty of time.”

  “But it was not made in your name, Signor. How was I to know?”

  “Why does it make a difference? A reservation was made from the executive floor. That should have been enough. Maybe I don’t check up on this establishment often enough, if this is the way you treat my guests. You are dismissed.”

  Their meal was excellent, well up to Damiano’s standards. The bits of conversation they could hear hinted at rumors they had been killed in an accident on the mountain. They asked their waiter about the rumors.

  “Yes, Signor, there have been rumors for about a week. You had gone away unexpectedly. Nobody seemed to know where. Rumor then suggested you had gone to your lodge. Just after that, everyone expected you to return, as you are usually gone for only a week or two.”

  ‘Hmmm…I’ll have to watch that,” Damiano murmured to himself. “And when did the rumors of our accident first appear?”

  “Well, it must have been earlier in the week. Just after last weekend. The last anyone knew, you were at your lodge, and then you disappeared. About the same time, there was some accident up near the lodge. Several bodies were found.”

  “Ours weren’t found, obviously,” Damiano said hotly.

  “No, Signor, but it was reported that several people, including you and the Signora, were missing. So it was assumed you’d been killed.”

  After their waiter left rather hurriedly, Karianna turned to Damiano. “Why would anyone assume we were dead?”

  “They didn’t. They were fishing for information. After the events of the evening, they couldn’t be sure what had happened, only that their people were out of the action. But they couldn’t tell about mine.”

  “But it was reported on the news?”

  “Yes, as an accident, to see if I would rise to the bait.”

  “And…”

  “I haven’t. I’m not here to deny or confirm anyone’s rumors. We’ve just returned, after our vacation. We took a little side trip on our way home.”

  “What happens next?” she asked.

  “What happens next is none of your concern, cara mia. I’ve made my point and thrown down the challenge. My position is now evident and strengthens my power. It will also shift the balance of power within my sphere of influence.”

  “How far does that extend?” she asked.

  “Far enough.”

  After dinner, Damiano took his usual tour of the tables, and they danced and had drinks. Marco and Paolo were not in evidence. She caught sight of Dante once or twice. He was sticking to the shadows, rather than in obvious view, as part of the security team.

  Their tour took nearly two hours, Damiano strolling leisurely through the casino, placing a small bet here and there. If she hadn’t known him so well, she would never have noticed the tiny indicators of how nervous he really was, out here in the open.

  Late in the evening, they made their way back up to their suite. “Did you enjoy yourself, cara?” he asked.

  “Yes, it was a breath of fresh air, so to speak,” she answered, nodding her head and snuggling a little close as they walked to the lift. “I noticed you were kind of nervous, though. Still worried about what happened at the lodge?”

  “Yes. Though I’m certain who is behind it, I can’t accuse him publicly without evidence to back it up,” he explained. “And waiting for proof of his actions gives him more time to find us, and act once again.”

  “Won’t this draw him out, lover?�
�� she asked.

  “It will announce that I have survived and that I’m not afraid of him. It should make him hesitate.”

  “Won’t that help?” she asked.

  “It should give me the leverage I need to demand a meeting. With everything else in place, I can now move forward. This is the first step—showing that I’m still alive and well.”

  “Did you ever find out who the informant was at Stella d’Oro?”

  “Yes, cara. A personal assistant to one of our trusted employees—our trainer, Carl—had found a way to open his private planner. He found when our sessions were cancelled and watched for our movements.”

  “Carl?”

  “No, no, cara. He has been with me for a long time, and has earned my trust. No, it was a PA he’d had for only two years, planted by the opposition to spy on me. Don’t worry. Carl is fine, though upset. As for the PA, he’ll be no more trouble.”

  As she drifted off to sleep later, Karianna wondered what the near future held for them, what it held for her.

  In the morning, they moved back to the Stella d’Oro, the second one they’d lived in, with the view from the top floor. “As this is more central to my affairs, since we’ve announced our return, it will make things easier to coordinate,” Damiano told her.

  “That’s fine, honey. I like it here. All the comforts of home”—she grinned—“plus a great view.”

  “And you can get back to the training you love so much.” He chuckled.

  She stuck out her tongue at him and added, “I have to stay slim enough to fit in my clothes. Three pounds would be about too much.”

  “Will you train again tomorrow?” he asked. “If you will, I’ll call Carl and let him know where we are. I’d rather you waited on the healing for now.”

  “Why?” she asked.

  “I’d rather not let too many people have access to our suite. It’s not that I don’t trust Master Kwan. But the fewer people who come here, the fewer opportunities there are for mischief.”

  “Will we be going down for dinner later?” she asked. “Or do you want to stay in tonight?”

  “Of course we’ll go down for dinner. I want to return to our routine, so our regular patrons are not concerned. And it will be a good sign that I don’t feel alarmed by recent events.”

  Dressed in floor-length, clinging black, she made an entrance with Damiano. After the rumors of their accident and possible deaths, the media pushed through the crowds to ask about their trip and absence.

  “No, we just took a little trip to the mountains. Work had been very busy and Karianna hadn’t had much of a chance to get out. So we decided to sneak away for some relaxation.”

  Karianna let him answer the questions, not sure how he was going to spin the whole thing. So she was surprised to learn that they had left the lodge before the accident on the mountain, and had no idea what had happened.

  “It was quite a tragedy, from what I’ve heard. But as you can see, we are both fine. Once we got back, I simply went to another establishment for a few days. I hadn’t been in residence there for some time, and wanted to make sure everything was up to my standards.”

  Dismissing the press, they went to their favorite table and had a leisurely dinner. Still the loving couple they’d always presented, they made their way through the game rooms afterwards and took a few turns on the dance floor. Everyone got a good look at them, completely unharmed and unconcerned, before they returned to their suite around midnight.

  “Such a long night, cara,” he said as they entered their suite. “I think it’s time for a bath and bed.”

  “Do you think anyone important noticed us tonight?” she asked.

  “If they didn’t, the news will get their attention. But for now, my attention is on my lovely wife, who puts up with all my folly.”

  “Well, we are on Gambler’s Folly after all. And for someone who isn’t a gambler, you seem to be taking quite a risk, business-wise.”

  “Ah, but that is business, cara mia. Business is always a gamble. And my business? Perhaps more than most.”

  “I know, and that’s why I worry.”

  “Come, cara. Let’s not let business spoil our evening. We’ve dealt with business. It’s now time for pleasure.”

  * * * *

  The next morning, everything returned to normal. Damiano went to work, Karianna returned to her training, and all seemed well. They went back down for dinner, as usual, and played host and hostess to his establishment as they had before.

  While they waited for their meal Karianna asked, “How long do you think it will last?”

  “What do you mean, Kari?”

  “This period of peace, before it all falls apart. I am correct, am I not, that before this deal of yours is final, there will be more trouble?”

  Sighing, Damiano looked deeply into her eyes, as if seeking the answer there. “I am so sorry, cara mia, but yes. You are right. And you may be the target. I am doing all I can to protect you, but there may be a weakness.”

  “How much longer, lover?”

  “I’m waiting to hear back on my demand for a meeting. I hope to meet the opposition later this week. Once we meet, it will be over.”

  “Wouldn’t it be safer to stay home, instead of coming down here?”

  “Safer yes, but weaker. Sometimes in this business, you must show strength to keep the balance of power. Fear only escalates matters. Besides, I have to have something for my team to do,” he added, smiling.

  “You know how it works better than I do. I’m not even sure what you do, exactly. And that’s fine. So if you say this is best, then let’s enjoy it.” Reaching across the table, she stroked his face with her fingertips. Taking her hand in his, he kissed her fingers, fully aware of the attention they were getting from the crowd.

  “Come. Let’s dance while we wait.” As she rose from her seat, he pulled her close, nuzzled her hair, and kissed her quite passionately.

  “Hmmm. Seems like your mind is in bed,” she told him before kissing him back. “And all eyes are on us, I see.”

  “Of course, cara. With all the rumors going around, it’s no surprise. And you’re still the mystery woman nobody knows.”

  “Is it really so important to everyone? What does it matter who I am, or where I’m from?”

  “Because you captured Damiano Leone’s heart, a feat several have tried and failed.”

  “That’s because they didn’t know how much of a pussycat you really are,” she teased. The growl she got back made her laugh.

  “You are so beautiful when you laugh, amante. Your eyes sparkle like the stars.”

  “And when you have certain things in mind, your scent gives you away, lover. We haven’t even had dinner yet.”

  “Dinner could wait,” he suggested, holding her even closer, nipping her shoulder.

  “It’s already ordered, and might be on the table,” she reminded him.

  “I suppose you’re right. Anyway, with your appetite, I may need sustenance to survive the night.”

  “Looks who’s talking. I’ve never heard you complain.”

  “I thought you’d come around to my way of thinking, cara.”

  “What way is that?” she asked.

  “Your scent is becoming irresistable, cara amante,” he whispered in her ear. “If you’re not careful, we’ll be in the news tonight, with footage of our arrest for indecency.”

  “Then maybe you’d better get hold of yourself, Dam, before we have an incident.”

  “I’d rather hold you. Much more fun.”

  Between one thing and the other, Karianna was glad to see their meal served. “Our food is ready, Dam. Let’s go eat. The way you smell, it could be a long night.”

  After dinner, they walked around the establishment, as was their habit. But Karianna couldn’t have said what they did, who they saw, or anything else about the evening. At some point, they spent some time on the dance floor, which only heightened their already aroused senses. They teased back and for
th with touches, glances, and the occasional kiss or hug. Earlier than usual, they took their leave and walked to the lift.

  “Marco,” Dam began. “How are things tonight? Any trouble?”

  “Besides the two of you giving off enough scent to start an orgy? Nothing major. A couple of tipsy poker players had to be escorted off the property. Nobody we knew.”

  “Our scent is that strong, Marco?”

  “If you weren’t already mated, I’d be guarding a door right now.”

  “We were leaving anyway. Keep your eyes open for anything unusual. I’ve sent the invitation, but not heard anything yet. There could be a little more trouble.”

  “We’re all here, Dam. Go home. Go to bed. And try to get some sleep at some point,” Marco grinned.

  “Ciao, amico. Sleep is overrated.”

  By the time early morning came around, the suite needed quite a bit of work, from the front door, through the living room and on to the bedroom.

  “I thought this whole bonding thing was finished, Dam,” Karianna said. “I’m not complaining, but it can be a little inconvenient in public.”

  “I know, or actually I don’t know. Yes, it can be inconvenient when we’re out. At least it doesn’t happen as often now.”

  “Why does it happen at all? It’s not like we live in a monastery.”

  “More like a cat house with you, my little Gattina. No, it couldn’t possibly be lack of intimacy. Maybe we’ll have time to figure it out after my meeting later.”

  “Have you heard back yet?”

  “Only that I would have an answer by tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Can I ask when you hope to hold your meeting?” she asked hesitantly.

  “In three days, if they accept. By this weekend, it will be finished, one way or another.”

  “Honey, I’m really nervous. Is this really necessary?”

  “Mia povera amore. My poor love. I’m sorry, but I have to do this. I hadn’t meant to get you involved in my affairs. I simply thought to keep you safe, here with me.”

  “Yes, who could have known we would fall in love, become mates? I guess some things are just meant to be.”