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They were certainly a the Strip sent an ale that inhibitions didn’t apply here A play ground for grown-ups, she’d heard Vegas called, and the dazzling display of entertainree

"What do you think?" Spade asked as they entered the Belaggio

Denise shook her head "Ask ave her one of those sly smiles she’d come to enjoy far more than she should If not for the seriousness of their objective tonight, she’d feel like she was on a date A very, very extravagant date Aside fro her a new dress, shoes, purse, and jewelry - all without letting her see any of the prices It was her costurins Granted, her new outfit was far more in line with Spade’s Armani shirt and tailored pants Hell, his watch probably cost more than her entire enseant diffidence, without the superior attitude that usually accompanied souys before Randy, but most of them had seemed so impressed with themselves, they weren’t interested in her except for sex or arm decoration Spade, even under these pretend circu Add that to his odd coallantry, ruthlessness, and loyalty, and Denise’s feelings were running well beyond physical attraction

If only he wasn’t a vaave herself a mental slap If Spade wasn’t a vampire, she wouldn’t be here with him, because she’d needed a va caught up in the illusion and focus on reality

Spade led her past the entrance with the medley of slot machines, craps tables, and blackjack dealers to the back of the casino labeled Club Prive Denise was aleeful hedonism to stylish avarice within the space of a few dozen feet

After a polite exchange with the hostess, they went inside the gold-and-mulberry decorated roo in attendance, and at least two gaestured to the bar "Order me a scotch, please Won’t be a moment"

Denise glanced at thediscreetly located in the corner "You just don’t wantfor chips, or I’ll have a heart attack, right?"

He laughed "Clever girl But it’s not all on your account I find I’ht"

She could have read so much into that last sentence, accompanied as it was by a sinful curl to his et your drink," Denise ed And one for herself A stiff one

A fewa tray of different-colored chips Denise had already finished her scotch, but decided against another one As was custo, she’d be on her feet for a while tonight, standing behind Spade as he played No need to invite swaying with too much alcohol

Spade took her arm and then handed his drink to a waitress who see that to the table for "

Spade pretended to study his hand in front of hilance He was really concentrating on Madox, the player opposite hi his tells, but he was still hued not to sweat, but his scent betrayed him When he went all in on this hand, Madox’s scent turned into a e Just like every other time he’d bluffed

Madox’s eyelids drifted lower, like he was bored enough to fall asleep while he waited to see if Spade folded or not

Spade let out an extended sigh, as if wrestling with the decision "What to do?" he mused out loud

Behind him, he could feel Denise’s tension increase until her aura almost crackled with anxiety Her jasmine and honey scent had soured as well in the past two hours, watching hi deliberately to bait the other players He hadn’t told her because he needed her reaction to be genuine or it would have roused suspicion in the observant gamblers

But to her credit, Denise re at hiirl With her conscience needled over every pound he spent, she must be ill at the quid he’d turned over to his opponents thus far

Madox’s overripe citrus scent increased, but he didn’t so much as twitch as he waited for Spade to fold or call

"Sod it, I’ll go out with a bang," Spade declared, sliding his re chips into the center of the table "I’m in"

Denise took in an audible breath Madox smiled and flipped his cards up

"Two pair, hearts And you, Mr Mortirin "Straight flush, spades"

Acrid disappointment wafted off Madox The onlookers around the table clapped as Spade claie pile of chips Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Denise sag a little, her grip on the back of his chair lessening

Spade turned, taking Denise’s hand and kissing it "There, darling Told you I felt lucky tonight"

She let out a little snort, giving his hand a quick squeeze Then Spade felt the energy in the roo with the uno of Denise’s hand and turned casually toward the source

A vaaze; either his poas cloaked as Spade’s was, or he was a lower-level Master Judging by appearance, he’d been in his thirties when he was changed His hair was dark brown, slicked back in a style best left in the seventies, and his outfit was an expensive reeted hiht Spade inclined his head in acknowledg his chips back up in his tray He would come over The vampire had to be curious to ulars

"Evenin’" the va the seat Madox had just vacated "Looks like you’re short a player"

Spade made mental notes about the other vaer than me in undead years, but not by too much "We certainly are I do hope you join us I find I’ve got a second wind despite the late hour"

Behind hinized the newco human, too Spade didn’t look away fro If the vaht consider his territory, noould be the time to make that known

But the vampire just smiled "I’d swear it was still early with how I feel Dealme a tray My usual aer produced a tray of chips Two hundred thousand, Spade noted Very respectable for a "usual" a the naistered under

"BJ," the va in front of hi any reaction show as he observed the pale fingers that wrapped around those cards BJ’s left pinky finger waswith "21" emblazoned in diamonds

This had to be Black Jack Ian,his ar for a while longer, do you, darling?"

Her body wasthere for two hours in high heels, but Denise didn’t hesitate in her reply