already packed your bag. Go get changed for dinner.”
He didn’t have to tell me twice.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Earn It
Juliet
“YOU SURE YOU’LL be okay?”
Standing in the penthouse living room the next day, I looked over my shoulder to where Marco and Dan—one of Moonlight’s security guards—stood. “Yeah, I think I’m covered.”
Even with my reassurance, Maximo looked hesitant to leave. “Why don’t you come with me?”
After a phone call from his realtor, Maximo had shared he was expanding Black Resorts with a new casino. Unfortunately, he’d yet to find the right land, which was one of the usual bullshit frustrations he’d been dealing with.
The realtor had found a handful of possible locations, and as much as I loved spending time with Maximo, sitting in the hot car and touring empty lots left a lot to be desired. More than that, though, it was important for us both to see I’d be safe alone.
Well, alone minus a bodyguard, security guard, and undoubtedly someone else watching on the cameras.
“I’m fine here, I promise. I’m going to sit by the pool and read. Maybe take a spin or fifty around the lazy river.”
Maximo tugged his suit jacket on before pulling me closer. “I’ll only be a couple hours.”
“I know.”
“I can come right back if there’s an issue.”
“I know.”
“Keep your phone on you at all times.”
“I know.” At his narrowed eyes, I smiled and put my palms to his chest. “I’ll be okay.”
“I know,” he said, stealing my line. Lowering his head, he kissed me like other people weren’t in the room. “Be good.”
“Never.”
He grinned and let me go. “Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I watched him get into the elevator before turning around. “He’s gone. Let’s throw a rager. Hookers, blow, the whole nine.”
Dan’s eyes went comically huge, but Marco didn’t even blink as he said, “Go get changed.”
I sighed. “Party pooper.”
But I did as he said, stripping out of my sundress before pulling on my favorite feather print suit, a coverup, my aviators, and flip-flops. I got my iPad and headed for the door before backtracking to grab my new phone—Mugsy had shattered the old one.
All geared up, we went down the elevator to the main floor and out to the pool.
Marco led the way to a roped-off area that had one lounge chair, a giant umbrella, and a small table. I rolled my eyes, but truth be told, I was grateful for the seclusion.
I was okay.
I was safe.
But I was still on edge.
As soon as I sat down and got situated, my phone buzzed.
Daddy: Making sure you have your phone.
Me: You changed your contact name.
Daddy: Yes.
I shook my head but did it smiling.
Daddy: And now I’m disappointed you have it because I wanted an excuse to spank your ass raw tonight.
Me: Give me time, the afternoon is young.
Inhaling deep, I held my breath as I quickly typed out a message.
Something I’d been wanting to ask.
Something I’d been dying to try.
Something that terrified me just as much as it thrilled me—a common theme when it came to all things Maximo.
When my lungs began to burn, I exhaled as my finger hovered over the send button.
And then I pressed it.
Me: Then maybe after my ass is raw, you might want to fuck it?
Daddy: Christ.
Daddy: Jesus fucking Christ, Juliet, don’t say shit like that when I’m not there with you.
Daddy: I nearly shot my load in my pants just reading that.
I grinned, loving that I had that kind of power.
Me: It was just a thought.
Daddy: Now it’s a promise.
Daddy: Are you at the pool?
Me: Yes.
Daddy: Send me a pic.
Me: Don’t you have work to do?
Daddy: And it’s going to be frustrating, so seeing my hot as fuck little dove and thinking about fucking her tight little ass will make it better.
Well, how can I argue with that?
Going for inconspicuous, I took a quick picture. Then another quick dozen because I kept making a stupid face. I finally got a decent one and sent it just as a shadow descended over me.
I jolted, both from embarrassed guilt and being startled. When I looked up, Marco was there, holding out one of those tall, twisty cups. If he was judging my subpar selfie skills, he gave no indication.
Of that or any other human emotion.
“Is it rum?” I asked as I took the cup.
“No.”
“Ah. Vodka then.”
He shook his head and turned around to take a seat in front of me next to Dan.
My phone vibrated.
Daddy: Christ, how did I get so damn lucky?
Me: I ask myself that same question every day. Especially after