party as they hopped from one resort to another.
When we reached The Bellagio, I was bummed the fountains weren’t active. We rounded the curved path, dodging plants and drunks on our way to the lobby.
Stepping in, I whispered an awe filled, “Whoa.”
Glass flowers hung upside down from the ceiling, a burst of blossoms and light and beauty.
The crystal horse and floral gardens were gorgeous, but the world’s tallest chocolate fountain was the star. Unfortunately, it was behind glass or I’d have dove in, open mouth first.
Maximo glanced at his watch. “Time to go.”
Damn.
Walking outside, my disappointment grew when I saw the fountains still weren’t active.
I stopped at the crowded edge of the path. “Can we stay a little longer?”
“No,” was all he said before taking my hand and walking again.
Double damn.
Maximo rarely told me no, so I felt bad being pissy about it. It’d been a long day, especially for him since he’d likely been up at his usual five. That didn’t stop me from slowing my steps like a petulant child stalling at bedtime.
Of course, he noticed. “Juliet.”
“Maximo,” I mocked.
“You’re lucky I don’t drag you back to our room, brat.”
A shiver went through me, but I focused on his words and not the threat. “I thought that’s where we’re going.”
He didn’t respond verbally, but with his face in profile, I could see the tiniest hint of a smirk. At the sidewalk, he turned us in the opposite direction of our hotel and continued walking until we reached a security guard leaning against a concrete barrier.
“Black,” the man said, moving aside so Maximo and I could take his place.
Maximo shook his hand. “Tell your boss I owe him.”
“He knew you’d say that and said you’re even.”
As the man walked away, Maximo moved to stand behind me, his arms going to either side of my body, caging me in. Lowering his head, his low voice rumbled in my ear. “What was your favorite thing we did?”
“We haven’t done it yet.”
“You think the fountains will be your favorite?”
“No, I think riding your face will be.”
“Christ, I should’ve just dragged you to the room. Any fucking room.” Pressing in closer, he wrapped one arm around my chest, his hand casually resting against my breast.
I leaned back into him, sighing happily.
All the melty goodness that flowed through me like the warm chocolate fountain seized up when the sensation of being watched returned.
“What’s wrong?” Maximo asked, all traces of heat in his voice replaced by alertness.
I tilted my head so I didn’t have to shout. “I feel like we’re being watched.”
“We are.”
My stomach dropped out. “What?”
“Marco was on duty earlier. Ash is on now.”
“What?” I repeated.
Lowering his head next to mine, Maximo took a moment before pointing to where Ash stood along the side rail near some trees.
“They’ve been following us the whole day?” I shook my head. “How did I not notice?”
“Because they’re good at their job.”
“Why have they been following us?” I thought about Maximo’s work—both the legal and illegal stuff. As worry tightened around my heart and lungs, making it hard to breathe, I turned and clutched his shirt. “Do you have enemies?”
“Every good business owner does. But nothing that puts me or, more importantly, you in danger. They’re just doing their job.”
I guess being a bodyguard is easier if you’re in the vicinity of the body you’re guarding.
I glanced at where I knew Ash was, but I could barely see him. “Do they always follow you?”
“Unless I’m at home or one of my properties. But I told them to keep their distance today.” He turned me to face forward, wrapping me in his hold again. “I wanted you to myself.”
I’m in so much trouble.
The first spray of water shot up from the fountain. Coordinated to music, the show was incredible and beautiful.
But just as I’d predicted, riding Maximo’s face was my favorite part of the best day of my life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The Fire
Juliet
“YOU’RE COMING TO Star with me now.”
I jumped at Maximo’s voice as I stepped out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel. I hadn’t expected him to be home, let alone in our room.
I’d had one glorious weekend with him at Moonlight and the Strip before Maximo’s schedule had gone insane again. For almost three weeks, he’d been slammed preparing for a huge poker tournament. Most days, I only saw him when he woke me with his tongue, fingers, or cock, but there were nights he hadn’t even done that.
It sucked, and I missed him.
And apparently that was mutual.
Excitement