no one under twenty-one would be permitted on the gaming floor.
“Uh.” I stopped Ash and whispered, “Am I going to be allowed in?”
“You’re Maximo’s.”
My heart squeezed at the sound of that.
He started walking, and I worked to keep the guilty expression off my face as I moved with confidence.
Or tried to.
My worry was for nothing, though, because no one glanced my way. A few people raised their chins at Ash, but otherwise we were given a wide berth.
Well, in an official capacity, at least.
Ash wasn’t ignored by the women we passed, most of whom shifted to walk closer to him.
Surprisingly, he only gave them the same cursory glance he gave everyone else.
Keeping to the perimeter, we rounded a room packed with slot machines of every theme and style. Lights flashed, music and sounds rang out, people cheered or groaned.
It was sensory overstimulation times twenty.
We turned into a different area and went straight down the middle, passing table games of different types and limits. I averted my eyes from the blackjack and poker tables, my stomach clenching at memories I wished I could burn from my brain.
It seemed like we’d walked the entirety of the sprawling casino when we finally exited into a separate corridor. We turned and continued on, passing store after store. I glanced up at the second level that overlooked us, but I couldn’t see what any of those were.
When we reached the end of the hall, it opened into a smaller atrium that resembled the main one. In the center, another statue of Artemis—I was assuming that’s who it was—stood proudly above a waterfall fountain. It was beautiful.
But not as beautiful as the man who stood next to it with his hands in his pockets and his brooding eyes on me.
Belatedly realizing he wasn’t alone, I glanced at the small cluster of people. Positioned behind him, Marco looked bored, as usual. Cole tapped away at an iPad before passing it to another man.
My gaze skimmed over the man talking to Maximo, and though he looked familiar, I couldn’t place him. He continued talking even though he didn’t have Maximo’s full attention.
I slowed my steps, not wanting to interrupt.
It was the wrong move because Maximo shook his head and crooked a finger at me.
Oops.
Picking up the pace, my heels clicked on the tile as I hurried.
As soon as I got within reach, he hauled me to him and kissed me.
Right there.
At his work.
With people around.
As one of those people talked.
And it was not a quick peck. Or even a more affectionate yet still closed mouth one.
It was a kiss, with dancing tongues and nipping teeth. The kind that curled my toes and stole my breath.
Pulling away just enough so he could meet my eyes, Maximo said, “You look gorgeous, dove.”
“Thank you for the pretty dress, D—Maximo,” I hurried to correct.
At the name, his demeanor changed. His jaw clenched and his sharp eyes grew cold. His tone held that same coldness, stern and in full-on Daddy mode. “Who am I, Juliet?”
My gaze darted to the side—not that I could see anything but him.
Gripping my chin, he forced my eyes back to him. “I asked you a question, you know I expect an answer.”
In contrast with his even one, my voice was barely more than a whispered squeak. “I didn’t think you’d want me to call you that when there are other people around.”
“I don’t give a fuck who’s around. Who am I, Juliet?”
“Daddy,” I forced out.
“We’ll talk about this later.”
Oh shit.
I’m pretty sure talk is code for spank.
Keeping a possessive arm around me, Maximo turned me to face the others. He gestured to the man who looked like Derek Morgan from Criminal Minds. “That’s Miles, head of security.”
“I have your number,” I said before throwing my whole self directly into the garbage—in my mind, at least. In real life, I stammered an explanation. “In my phone. In case of an emergency.”
I could feel Maximo’s silent chuckle.
Good, he’s amused, not horrified.
Miles’ lips were tipped.
Good, he’s also amused, not planning a restraining order.
He offered me his hand. “I have your number, too. Nice to put a face to it, Juliet.”
Maximo continued the introductions, pointing to the man I vaguely recognized. “This is Serrano. You don’t have his number.”
I’m never living this down.
Serrano unexpectedly pulled me into a hug that lasted all of two-point-five seconds before Maximo tugged me back against him, wrapping his arm around my chest. Serrano wasn’t put-off as he grinned. “I understand you’re the one to thank for