High Stakes-bet

*I'm sorry – I know it's supposed to be a B-POV; it'll be a bit before B's turn again

This chapter is actually a section of a larger chapter – it just got too crazy big

Thank you for all your pm's!

Happy Spring!

Xx

~C

E-POV

Most days I looked forward to coming home – seeing Bella and Adrianna, too.

It hasn't been a cake walk.

It's been an adjustment.

Not just for me but for Bella, too.

There are ups and there are downs but at the end of the day we kiss, we make-up and, when I get home early enough, we go to bed together.

Summer was slipping away.

And I felt like Bella was, too.

At first, I attributed it to everything that went down. And reopening old wounds a few days later. Breaking the news to Bella about her father wasn't easy. In fact, aside from seeing Bella in the state she had been in, that was probably the most difficult part of that ordeal. It wasn't something I wanted to do, seeing her cry, it does something to me, but keeping it from her wasn't right. If I could've shouldered that burden for her, I would've without question but she deserved to know the truth and find some way to lay it to rest.

As the days turned into weeks, however, it was becoming apparent that it was something more.

Adrianna had started preschool and Bella had become quieter than usual- more reserved.

Withdrawn even.

She was upstairs at the moment.

Quiet.

Jake knocked at the door and I let him in. I was expecting him.

We went to my office to talk – I'd hear Bella moving about before she'd hear us, so it was the safest place.

"With Fingers gone, what's the next play on Vegas?" Jake wondered.

I had sent Freddy to Vegas to check out the scenes for a possible business venture. Emmett had aspirations of taping into the lucrative tourist business in Vegas. He had proposed we create a holding company that would be an ownership of a casino business. Not a bad concept in all. Having a holding company helps to mask true ownership – which in my line of business is not only practical but a necessity. Personally, I have great reservations. I'm of the philosophy, that when your entire business operates within the shadows of society, the last thing you want to do is crown it with a flashing marquis. However, that's not to say there wasn't potential with the concept of tourists.

I looked back at Jake, my thoughts had wandered for a moment. "We can come at this several ways." I had been doing some thinking on it. "How do we get a slice of the pie – without our hand getting caught? We need discretion – low hanging fruit."

Jake thoughtfully sighed out as he pondered the seemingly limitless angles that Vegas had to offer. "So basically, what we need is a business with minimal to no overhead?"

"Correct."

Jake sat back in his seat. "When you're talking tourist fucks pretty much every indulgence you can think of is on the table as a lucrative opportunity. I mean – it's sin city." Jake rubbed his temples. "Drugs, hookers, drinking, gambling – you name it anything goes." Jake shrugged. "Cars is a big one in Vegas." Now he had my attention.

"Talk to me – what do you mean cars?" I had some thoughts along this line, too and wanted to see what Jake had come up with.

"Tourists flood in there and what prick doesn't want to rent a Ferrari so that he can pick up a hooker and make her think that he's got. Streets are flooded with 'em – all rentals. Cars get lifted daily, retitled, turned around and back on the street again within twenty-four hours under some new schmuck's name. Easy money."

Not necessarily a bad business model – with the exception of two important business factors. Number one, it was already being done. And two, the business model itself required an inherent need to have feet on the ground boosting cars and reliably turning them over. And the only thing that stands between you and incrimination is some skeezy fuck hopped up on dope willing to do the job for a small cut.

"Not a bad idea but I'm thinking we'd better keep a strict policy of multiple degrees of separation between us and any criminal on goings. These are state lines. Tanya had mentioned-"

Jake was quick to interrupt. "Tanya? You're not entertaining getting into bed with her?"

Jake meant it figuratively but I scoffed anyway. "Fuck that - I've already done that dance."

"Hmm – so Tanya…" Jake waited for me to continue.

"So, Tanya has a connection that traffics methamphetamines. He's looking for a driver to fill an overwhelming demand in Vegas and willing to pay top dollar. Now you know it and I know it – we're not going into business with Tanya or providing any mule services but that's not to say that the idea doesn't have merit and we can't cut out the middle fuck. We just have to think of a way to separate ourselves from the action itself."

"What are you proposing?" Jake questioned.

"We need to figure out a way to move the merchandise, delivery and pick-up while minimizing the risk of exposure – meaning no glitz no glam – as in no casino."

Jake paused for a thoughtful moment to consider the stipulations and before the air got too stale, he spit out, "A parking garage."

"You have my attention – now expound."

"Stick with me. First, buy a parking garage under a holding company - there's your separation. Second, there's constant traffic coming in and out, especially considering the location – no flags to be raised. Third, have your source drop off the merchandise conveniently located in a trunk. He'll leave the keys with a garage attendant and pick up a second set of keys for the car right next to him, which will have cash payment, once again, conveniently located in the trunk. Neither one, merchandise or cash will ever be out in the open. And done. Beauty of it - good luck with a warrant." Jake quirked his eyebrow. "A warrant on the garage itself would be the stupidest waste of man power ever and unless they can procure a warrant on two hundred plus cars at the drop of a hat, they got shit. Added to boot – charge twenty-five bucks for the day per car and you also got yourself a legitimate business. No middle man required."

Now that's a good fucking idea.

I nodded, feeling Jake's pitch. "With no actual merchandise being moved within the garage, that puts us at a very minimal risk factor."

"Even if it was moved, your standard surveillance system isn't worth shit – camera angles are too wide, making it impossible to make out what you're seeing." What Jake said was true.

"Nicky and I are gonna head to Vegas – pick up where Fingers left off. I'll probably take Felix, too." Fingers had already made decent connections over there and that will make my part fairly easy.

The pitter-pat of Bella's feet brought our conversation to a halt and Jake followed me out to the living room. Bella had come down the stairs then and squeaked out a 'hello' to Jake before zipping away.

Me – she ignored.

"Oh!" She froze in her tracks but didn't turn around. "Where are you going?" Bella was dressed nice – more formally and in darker colors. When she turned to face me, her eyes were red rimmed and I could tell she had been crying.

She chewed her bottom lip and looked between me and Jake before responding. "I figured I'd stop in church." She chewed her lip again and whispered out. "Its been awhile."

"Church?" I frowned. "What for?"
She let out a breath. "I don't know, Edward. What do people usually do when they go to church?" I didn't appreciate her condescending tone and snapped back. "I know what people do – I asked what you're going for."

She shrugged like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Pray – light a candle, too – maybe." Her eyes were misty again and with the back of her pinky she caught a tear before it fell.

My ears couldn't be hearing correctly and I chuckled low. "Excuse me?" I was immediately closing the gap between us. "For who?" I dared her to fucking say it. "For him?" I accused incredulously.

Her watery eyes were much cooler now, her words like stone. "For all of us." She turned to walk away and Jake shot up and with two quick strides he was at my side. "Take it easy." He warned, as I snapped back at Bella, raising my voice now. "Oh! What the fuck does that mean?" I moved to grab her arm but Jake grabbed my shoulder first and yanked me back.

There was a ringing in my ears that was so loud – I could barely hear Jake. "Hey- hey, be cool." Jake's hand was tight on my shoulder, I shrugged him off but he was quick, too. "Get your fucking hands off of me." I demanded as I shoved him hard. Jake didn't relent. He caught his balance and pounced forward, putting me in a bear hug to keep me from following after Bella. "I know where this goes. Don't do this. I am telling you don't take this road. Do. Not. Do. This." I heard the front door close behind Bella as Jake further instructed. "You're gonna let her go." Jake talked low into my ear. "Then I'm gonna let go and you're gonna sit here with me and cool off."

"She cares so much she's gonna cry for him?" I have seen a lot in my line of work – but this takes the fucking cake. I had thought I had seen it all and then some– then this. My voice was no longer calm as I roared back to Jake. "That mother fucker killed her father – her own flesh and blood and he should deserve her tears? She fucking knows and still she's gonna cry – for him?" I couldn't wrap my mind around it.

Jake shook his head. "It's not like that."

"And now you? You're gonna stand there, under my roof, and defend this bull shit?"

"Getting mad about your girlfriend going out clubbing at all hours on the regular – one thing. Never heard of a guy getting worked up about his girlfriend going to church. Let it be, man. Just let it be."

I was able to rein it in – speaking more calmly again. "Church isn't the problem. It's fine – good even." I stalked over to the window. "The problem is the reason – the fact that she spends so much time thinking about that piece of shit." I turned back to Jake who was purposefully blocking my path to the door and shoved him hard. "He doesn't deserve one god damned tear more."

Jake wasn't moving and shoved me back. "Not gonna happen. You're gonna stay here and get cool."

"What are you gonna do? Stand there all fucking day?"

Jake shrugged. "If I have to."

I was far from cooling off. "He's done – long gone. Ground up and spread all over who knows where yet she keeps him here." I spread my arms wide and circled around.

Still in the doorway, he crossed his arms. "Why are you so certain this has anything to do with him?"

"And you're so certain it doesn't? Where are you right now?" I looked around the room. "Were you not just standing right fucking here?" Between Bella and now Jake I felt like this day was coming at me sideways. "What fucking planet are we on?"

"You're not being fair." Jake remained calm but still blocked my path from the door.

I laughed out loud and gestured towards myself. "I'm not fair?" I held up my index finger. "Name one thing about this that's fucking fair."

Jake shrugged. "All I'm saying is she has her own demons. Things she wrestles with – she's not like you." He pointed at me. "People – regular people don't… can't just turn that shit off. It don't work like that and you know it." Jake remained guarding the doorway but glanced over at the window now. "I didn't hear her say she was going for him. In fact, it was you who brought him into this at all." I moved to interject but Jake kept on. "Her words were 'all of us' – that's you, her, who knows maybe even me. All of us –" Jake's index finger circled around the room. "standing right here."

I considered Jake's perspective.

Jake shook his head. "Don't go there – don't ruin what you have in his name. You start doing that, going down that road and what was all of it for?"

I rubbed my temples.

There are very few people who I'd allow to speak so frankly.

Anybody else would be nursing a broken nose and I'd be dragging Bella's ass back here by now.

With James gone I expected things with Bella to be more on the side of sunshine and less doom and gloom. Christ knows there's been enough of that to last a lifetime and then some.

Fuckin' Jake – the voice of reason. Not necessarily the words I wanted to hear but I couldn't deny the ring of truth in every word he spoke.

The idea that she'd be concerned about me hadn't entered my mind.

Now that was very Bella.

The Bella that I know and love.

Jake's assessment was possibly spot on.

More than possibly even – Jake knew Bella. He has spent enough time with her to decipher how she thinks – as much as one can anyway. Jake would know the things that send her out on a ledge just as he'd know what things put a pep in her step - even what would put a tear in her eye.

The more I thought about it, the more I saw Jake's point and decided to drop the matter.

So, we continued to work out a few more details pertaining to the newest potential business endeavor.

After a bit, Jake headed out and I returned to my office to research the finer tuning of things.

From my office, I heard her keys jingle at the door.

Setting the book I was reading down, I looked at my watch, she had been gone a little more than an hour and a half.

A few minutes went by and she was standing there in the doorway.

Her expression was difficult to read.

Our eyes were locked on to each other - each waiting for the other to say something.

More minutes passed.

I held out my arms and she came.

I pulled her into my lap and she hugged me tight. She rested her cheek on my shoulder and hummed. "Can you say something?" she asked.

I saw this as finished – what more is there to say on the matter?

Frowning I pulled back to look at her better. "Like what?"

"It doesn't matter – anything's good." There was no way to read what she was thinking, her expression, as usual gave nothing away.

"Anything?" I confirmed. My mind was already on the aftermath of the argument – so I shrugged and threw this out there. "Adding salt to a pineapple makes it that much sweeter. True story." The same holds true for this circumstance. Add enough salt to the argument – the sweeter the make-up sex.

And that was something I was looking forward to – without question.

Bella giggled and rolled her eyes at me. "You mean to tell me that with all the important things you have to remember – somewhere among those ranks you felt the need to store this tiny nugget of wisdom about salting pineapples?"

"Did I make you smile?"

"Yes-"

"Then it was very important information." I poked her nose. "Now it's your turn - Why?" I still wondered.

She took a deep breath and let a few seconds pass before responding. "Its easier to tell how pissed you are when you're talking." Her fingers fumbled with the hem in my collar. "You have the look – there's no question there." I chuckled having heard this before and thinking Bella also has a definite pissed look, too. "But it's easier to tell where on the pissed scale you are when you're talking." She chewed the inside of her cheek before continuing. "It's your accent – it's like full tilt when you're off the charts pissed about something." Her mouth twitched as she thought a minute. "You've got that dirty southside sound when you're fired up."

This was a new one that left me chuckling again. "My accent, huh?"
Bella nodded - the corners of her mouth trying hard not to turn upward. "You get like that and it's like being torn between being horny as hell because it's just sooo sexy and fleeing for my life."

"Come here, you." I guided her mouth to mine and she kissed me back.

She broke the kiss first and pulled back. "Not yet." I hummed.

"Do you mind if I use your car?" She kissed my cheek and met my eyes. "I have to go and pick Adrianna up." She lifted my arm and looked at my watch. "School will be out soon."

Time had gotten away from me and I wasn't getting any at this point. Adrianna goes to bed early – usually by 8:00 she's down for the count. Bella and I would be resuming then.

So, I tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Let's go."

Bella looked surprised. "I think she'd like that." She traced her finger along my lips and watched distractedly as she admitted. "I'd like that."

That gave me an idea. "We could stop by Sal's – see what's good?"

"Yes!" She hopped off my lap. "I have something for Sal, too." She scurried off upstairs while I got up to get my car keys and wallet.

She returned, handed me a green notebook and then flew back upstairs. "Just a second!" She hollered down.

I flipped through the notebook, pages and pages of Bella scratch, while I waited for her.

You needed a decoder ring to read half this shit.

She returned with a wardrobe change and a barrette clipped to the one side of her wavy hair.

"You wrote all this?" I wondered why Sal needed pages of ice cream recipes. I also made a mental note to tell Bella that we do have a printer.

"Yeah-" She replied as she grabbed her sweater from the closet. "He doesn't do Pinterest." She slipped her arms in the sleeves. "He's missing out – you know." She pointed at the notebook. "There's some good stuff in there. There's a peanut butter marshmallow diddy that I'm so hoping he'll try – so then I can try."

There were at least twenty, maybe twenty-five different ice cream variations she had scrawled out.

Jake couldn't have illustrated his point as clearly as this just did.

There weren't really words.

Sweet, kind, thoughtful – that was all true but not quite enough.

I wasn't aware she had visited Sal without me and even still she hardly knows him – to go and do all this…. "You spend too much time worrying about others." I meant it as a compliment but really it didn't come out right.

Still she came close to getting what I was saying. "Pot kettle, bub." She poked my ribs and took her notebook.

What she said was mostly true – but with me there's discrimination. Unless effected directly, I don't tend to worry about the world's affairs. My cares lie closer to home.

We went together to pick-up the baby and we got there a bit early. I parked and she laced her fingers through mine as we walked up the front path to the main entrance and waited to be buzzed in.

We were waiting for the dismissal bells when Bella elbowed me and whispered low. "Oh, my God – gosh, I mean." Bella was cute when she was flustered. "Shit –" With eyeballs as large as saucers, she quick covered her mouth with her hand then made the sign of the cross with the other. "I didn't mean to say that either. Sorry."

"If you end up having to stay after, kneeling while holding out stacks of bibles – Adrianna and I will pick you up after we eat our ice cream." She rolled her eyes. Maybe she'd like this suggestion better? "I could always convince Father Thomas that if kneeling is what he has in mind - I'd happily find a suitable punishment for you at home." I winked and she elbowed my ribs.

"Cut it out!" She whisper-growled and I had to laugh. I went to Catholic School for a decade and a half and the constant threats of eternal damnation for impure thoughts had fallen on very deaf ears. Some things never change.

Trying to be more serious, but changing my mind - I lifted up her chin then, "Okay – so you wanna punish me then?" My eyebrows wagged suggestively at her.

She tried to hide her smile while her cheeks turned a nice rosy shade. "You're not supposed to be pervy here!" She slapped my thigh with the back of her hand.

I cleared my throat and leaned against the wall. "You know – we're here, together, picking up a kid that most people would probably, for all intents and purposes, assume is both of ours. You're female…" I pointed to Bella then myself. "and I'm a male, obviously…" I paused, taking a minute to gesture down my torso for dramatic effect. "so, I think you have to accept that most people have a pretty good idea where I'm putting my dick."

Only her attention was elsewhere at the moment. "Look at this over here. It's like I don't even exist – like I'm not even standing right next to you." Her eyes were big and round and kept shifting to the left with great exaggeration – I don't even think she realized her head twitched a little every time her eyes slid left. This is Bella being nonchalant and I laughed to myself. Too adorable for her own good. Then like her jaw was wired shut she hissed out, "Do you see this? This - here on my left?" She referred to the group of girls in blue plaid standing in a circle telling secrets and all giggly-smiley and shit.

I had seen it but chose to ignore it.

The term jailbait cannot be anymore literal.

The age of consent is arbitrary.

And eighteen maybe good enough for the courts but it's not the magic number in my book.

Not my thing – Bella or no Bella.

"What do you want me to do – they're probably waiting for whoever to pick them up." I laughed. "They gotta go home, too." I can't lie, it felt fucking good seeing the shoe on the other foot.

"Seriously – Edward, they couldn't be any more obvious if they came over here and tattooed their number on your forehead." She was peeved when she looked back at me. "I can't take you anywhere." And for a minute, I thought she was gonna flick me in the head.

"Easy there, tiger…." I looped my arms around her torso and brought her closer. Unlike Bella, I know how to be discreet. With her backside flat against my front, her looser sweater gave me some cover as I casually slipped her hand behind her back and rubbed her palm over my dick. "You feel that?" I hummed and whispered low, placing one soft kiss on her pulse point. "All yours."

I was braced for another elbow shot but, although short lived, she gave my dick a good rub and my hips instinctively responded with a subtle sway.

We're practically in church and I've got Bella who may as well be giving me a hand job in front of at least half a dozen people or so – it didn't matter that they were clueless. Instant wood.

The dismissal bell finally rang and Bella released me and inched away, keeping enough distance between us for the Holy Ghost to have his place, too.

To fix my current situation, I drummed up an image of Non.

Not my first pick among quick fixes but the problem got solved nonetheless.

"Look!" Bella practically vibrated with glee. "There she is – she looks so happy." For the first time in a while, so did Bella and that made me happy.

Bella was right, Adrianna was all smiles that we both came. Bella initially wasn't sure about sending her to preschool. She felt she was so young yet. On the other side of that she also worried about her social skills, as there weren't any kids near to interact with and Bella was concerned that she spent all of her days with adults.

Esme was all too happy to help Bella look into schools – setting up visits and interviews.

The madness that goes into picking out a preschool is beyond me.

I left it in Bella's hands. I told her to pick what she liked, I'd pay the tuition.

She had it narrowed down to two choices: A Lutheran School and a Catholic School.

Neither one of us were Lutheran – so the choice seemed obvious to me and I told her so.

She agreed and picked St. Michael's School; it was a Catholic School and it was the closest.

As long as Bella was content – it was fine with me.

Bella took Adrianna's pint size backpack, so I pulled my ID and signed her out for the day. You needed an ID for everything else in this country – buying alcohol, guns, driving, even cigarettes. And for my own assurances - I've even carded girls before letting them suck me off.

It only made sense that you'd need an ID to take a kid out of school. I was pleased with the added safety measure.

"I didn't realize you were a lefty?" Bella observed as I picked up Adrianna.

I laughed as I pushed the door open and waited for Bella to pass first. "Between Non and the nuns, I almost wasn't." I don't know how many times my hand got smacked with a ruler for not using my right hand. And Non, was just as ruthless - she'd give it to you upside the head. "It's just for writing and throwing a ball – everything else I use my right hand for."

"But it's so neat when you write – your penmanship I mean." She sounded amazed.

School was adamant about penmanship but the real credit didn't belong there. "That's Esme all over that. She didn't tolerate sloppiness." I was in the third grade when one day I came home with bloodied knuckles. Esme marched herself into school the next day and rained hell fire. The ruler banging came to a stop and I was free to be a lefty. However, Esme had her own choice battles and neatness was right up there. I got tired of missing out on hang out time because I had to keep erasing and starting over – it just made more sense to do it right the first time and be done with it. Esme acted like my book reports would be reviewed by the archdiocese himself.

"Proviso East wasn't so picky." She joked about her high school. I really couldn't picture Bella going to Proviso – west or east for that matter. There was marginal difference between the two and they both were pretty rough – and that's coming from me.

Bella said Charlie didn't like it either but, on a cop's salary, he couldn't afford the parochial alternative which would have been Sacred Heart. "Edward Cullen - Consorting with the other side of the tracks? What will people say?"

We did a lot of things but I kept it at PG for the little ears that are always listening. "We did the same things kids at your school did – smoking cigarettes in the bathroom and weed behind the gymnasium, suffered hangovers, and… you-know - in the back of cars."

Of course, we had the typical groups but I had my own system. There were stand-up guys, girls who I had messed around with, and girls that I hadn't made it to yet – and then there was everyone else.

"And how 'bout you?" I poked Adrianna's nose. "How was school?"
She crinkled her nose when she smiled. "We read books at circle time. The one with the coconut tree was the best one. We put letters with our names on the tree, too. Then everything fell down."

"Yeah?" I had no idea what she was talking about. "That sounds fun. What else?" I took Bella's hand with my free one and we walked back down the path.

"We sang about the weather and God making rainbows."

"Mmm…nice." I nodded along.

"And two boys…" She held up two fingers then. "were on yellow today."

Bella began to explain. "Everyone in class has a clip that starts on green. Green is good…."

Then Adrianna excitedly chimed in. "Yellow means a little more practice. Orange is a lot of practice. And red is not a good day." She was so serious in her explanation.

"What color were you on?" I wondered, thinking about the sassiness at home. Esme said its normal and all kids strive for independence by testing the limits. Esme's advice to Bella was to always be consistent and that this too shall pass and then they're on to the next thing and you start all over.

"Green!" She shouted proudly.

"Then it's a good thing we're going for ice cream."

"Why?" Not the reaction I expected.

"You were on green – that's calls for a treat." I reasoned out.

"Does it mean I could get the fancy kind?"

"She means a sundae – it has the works, sprinkles, whip cream, all of it."

"We can make it fancy." I agreed.

Just then she waved to a little boy – probably her same age.

Bella asked. "Who's that?"

"He's Zander – he's in my class."

"Zander?" I looked over to Bella. "That's his first strike."

Bella shook her head at me.

"He told me he loves me to the moon, to the ocean, and the other ocean and then back." She chattered back with glee.

"And what did you tell him?" I wondered.

She shook her head then. "That it wasn't a lot."

Her calculation was spot on and I told her so. "Smart girl."

"Is it?" She questioned.

"What?" I asked back.

She replied quickly. "A lot?"

I shook my head. "Not nearly enough."

"Zander says it is a lot, though."

I looked back at Bella. "Strike two."

We left and visited Sal's for ice cream.

Bella seemed to have snapped out of whatever funk she had been in and Adrianna got to play ice cream maker behind the counter.

Now this is what I had pictured for us.

Maybe Sal's ice cream is just that fucking good.

I don't know but it seemed we had finally rounded the corner and found the sunnier side of things.

At least for a while.

I'd take it.

We had been through a lot and it was nice to just be normal.

Within the next few days, I had made contact with one of Freddy's connections.

I already had my supplier – and in a few days I'd have my buyer.

A Russian who had a reputation for dealing in both quality and quantity. Strictly business and an exclusivity that extended to only the most profitable patrons.

Out of all the prospects this guy was well vetted by Fingers – and I could trust that.

Regardless, I'd still complete my due diligence but there's a comfort in doing business with someone who's reputation proceeds them. In my line of work, often times it's the known that's safe.

Stick with what's known.

I told Nicky and Felix get packed and be ready to leave in an hour then I went home to pack myself.

"I have to go out of town for a few days." I told Bella as I pulled out a duffle bag and began packing.

"Where out of town?" Bella followed me into the bedroom and sat on the bed.

I opened up the closet and took out a couple of shirts. "Nevada." I was honest just vague.

She frowned her tone was flat. "As in Vegas?"

She doesn't miss much. "I'd bring you with but it's not like I'd be able to do things with you. More than anything you'd probably just be bored. This is business - I have to see a guy about something."

"Wait a minute, I can't come because I'd be bored? In Vegas – you think I'd be bored?" She crossed her arms. "This is sounding more like the Great Escape to me." She chewed on her lip and I knew what was coming next. I was impressed – she let a whole three minutes get by before she started. "And you're telling me this trip has nothing to do with fancy feathers and nipple tassels?"

"I sure as hell hope not – Russian men aren't built for tassels and feathers."

She hummed a growl of sorts. "How long did you say this is for?"

"Few days." I reached towards the back of the closet and pulled out a lockbox. Its only contents was cash - around six grand of mostly fifty's and twenty's.

"Are you gonna gamble?" She continued.

I shook my head and answered distractedly as I counted out a grand. "Not for fun, no." There was no point in handing Bella the cash – she'd just hand it back, so I set it on the nightstand. Too busy firing out more questions, she didn't even notice.

"Is Jake going?"

I shook my head. "Jake will be here." I threw socks into my bag. "You can call him, if something comes up. He'll stop in, too - to see if everything's ok." I rolled my eyes. "Drive you to work – whatever."

"Why can't Jake go instead of you? And then you'd be here."

I shook my head. "Not this time." I leaned low and kissed her pouty lip. "Make sure you lock the door and not just at night."

"I'm gonna miss you."

It bothered me that she didn't acknowledge my caution, so I repeated myself. "You're gonna lock the door. Capiche?"

She gave a mock salute. "Roger, that."

I kissed her then. "I'll miss you, too."

That was that. I was out.

We drove to Vegas – avoided flying to keep off the records.

We stayed on the strip at Caesar's Palace and hit the bar first.

Nicky sipped his Jack as he watched a scantily dressed girl as she sashayed by swiveling her hips with every fluid step. Nicky shook his head as he continued to appreciate the view. "You ever see the irony? We can't say fuck in the casino but prostitutes can run up and down the strip selling themselves. What the fuck's wrong with this picture?"

Felix chuckled. "Bitches like that make me fucking weep – for what could be…lipstick, eyeliner, sucking cock." Then a hardy laugh. "Marrone." Another deep laugh. "You know what I'm saying?"

"I wanna spend my last breath on this earth with a broad like that. All I'm saying is you gonna kick it – may as well go with a smile." Nicky got up and took a seat a few stools down right next to this broad he's got a hard on for.

She turned and frowned at him. "Something I can do for you?"

"Question is something I can do for you, sweetheart?" Nicky took a sip of his drink.

Felix cringed.

"Look, I'm a singer." She looked at him pointedly. "I get paid to sing – so don't waste my time with your dumb lines, okay?"

Although Felix sat with his back to Nicky it was impossible not to eavesdrop.

Felix snickered into his glass. "Crash and burn."

I shrugged. "He's out of practice."

Nicky was persistent, though. "All right – no more dumb lines." He took another sip then looked into her eyes with a big smile. "Would you like to go out?"

"I don't date customers." She said flatly.

Nicky shrugged. "Well, I don't see the problem. I'm from out of town and not planning on hitting this place again. So – yeah, we're good."

"That's very clever – but I'm not looking for a boyfriend."

"What a coincidence – I'm not looking for a girlfriend, either." He answered honestly.

"Jesus - don't fucking say that." Felix hissed into his drink.

There was a brief pause. "Hi, I'm Nick Petone." He held out his hand for a shake and patiently waited.

She looked him over coolly then, "I'm Kelly." When she slipped her hand into his, he kissed it.

There was another long pause. "What's happening now? It got quiet. She still there?" Felix wondered.

I glanced over Felix's shoulder at Nicky. "Relax – he's doing okay over there."

"Kelly – you have beautiful eyes."

She actually blushed. "Thank you."

"Should I quit while I'm ahead?"

"You're not that far." She chuckled.

"Really? I thought I was doing pretty good?"

"How's that again?"

"You was just about to give me your number, so yeah – I'm doing all right."

She tapped her nails on the countertop – thinking it over. "I'm gonna regret this – " She reached over the counter for a napkin. "But you're cute and – " She shrugged. "I don't know - here –" She handed him the napkin where she scrawled what I assume to be her number. "I'm off at ten."

Nicky knocked on the countertop. "Ten it is then." He pocketed the napkin before heading back over.

"You gotta love Vegas." Nicky had a big shit eating grin as he sat his ass back down.

"Yeah – I don't know if it's the lights from the casino or if I just never noticed…." Felix batted his eyelashes as Nicky. "…but you have the most beautiful eyes."

"Works every time." Nicky vouched. "While you're tending the raw callouses on that big fuckin mitt over there, I'm gonna be hitting that – so hate all you want." Nicky ordered another drink.

"I'm just bustin' your balls – relax." Felix gave Nicky a pat on the back. "Number one reason people come here – then gambling."

"He's fucking on spot there." I looked at my watch. "The last time I was in Vegas, I went to the bar and ended up hooking up. I can barely remember what she looks like now and I 'm fairly certain she was engaged." In fact, I only just remembered this night. I don't know – being back here must have jogged a memory or something. I shrugged. "It wasn't to anyone I knew, so I didn't give a fuck. And she's all 'what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas' – so we head up to her hotel room."

I paused to take a sip of my drink before finishing my story.

"Anyway, we didn't even make it up to the bedroom – she grabbed me right there at the door and undid my pants." I laughed remembering. "I took her keys and finally got the door opened and we make it to this really white sofa. I don't know why that sticks out but yeah – it was like bleach white. And as she kneels down in front of me – she's got my dick in her mouth, this other girl is walking through the door." I shook my head remembering. "Fucking wild night."

I've only had one other memorable threesome.

Once, Tanya brought over a friend of hers. We started partying and one thing led to another. The next day, Tanya was pissed – she felt I had paid her girlfriend more attention than her. While that was true, if she didn't want it eaten, she shouldn't have brought it to the table and that's what I told her.

As hot as that night was though, the idea of sharing Bella with another – watching someone else touch her like I do - it would, honest to Christ, tear out my heart. I know in my mind Bella would never be down for a threesome and that was just fine with me.

"I'm gonna run out – have a smoke." I gulped the last of my drink. "Order another one of these."

I exited the bar and found a somewhat quiet spot to light up.

"Hi – there." She tilted her head and stepped closer. "I'm Kit."

I smiled, knowing full well this wasn't her real name.

"You from around here, uh…." She waited for me to fill-in the blank with my name.
"Nobody's from around here." I pointed out the obvious.

She hummed an agreement of sorts and craned her neck a bit. "No ring?" Her brows furrowed around glittery green eyes as she peaked back up at me waiting for a confirmation.

"No."

The corners of her mouth flicked upward as she reached for the inside of my jacket. She thought she was slick but I was quick to catch her wrist. "Oh! Can I help you with something?"
She quirked an eyebrow and held up a smoke. "Cigarette – you gotta light?" She asked coyly.

I handed her my lighter and she lit up. "Girlfriend?" She wondered.

"None of your business," was my abrupt response.
She smiled coyly. "So –" She blew a plume of smoke over her shoulder – her eyes never leaving my own. "what brings you here then?" She asked.
"Poker." I lied.

"Mmmmm….a gambling man." Her finger circled in the air. "Which way you headed?"
I flicked the cherry off my smoke. "The profitable way." I answered and walked away leaving her mid-sentence with what I assumed to be another question.

I didn't have the time or the interest.

Nicky and Felix were still at the bar when I returned.

We had a couple more drinks then Felix and I hit the blackjack tables.

Nicky had made other arrangements for the night.

We purposefully avoided the tables reserved for high stakes bets. It wasn't about winning, I knew enough to know the house already won the minute you walked through the door.

The nickel and dime bets were entertaining and enough to pass the time.

Good enough and low key.

Invisibility is always priority.

For the next few hours, we drank a lot and we won some and lost some – and drank some more.

In the end, I walked away up a few hundred bucks and ready to hit the bar again.

We had a meeting with this Russian in the morning and called it a night just passed midnight.

I flopped down smack in the middle of the hotel's feather soft king size bed and spread out.

It felt strange going to an empty bed but at the same time it was awesome.

Bella is a bed hog.

During the night, she always rolls over into my space. I roll her back over and she comes right back.

All night this goes on.

For someone so small, she takes up the whole bed.

The night faded, and morning followed rather quickly. The meeting was set for 8:00 AM sharp. Earlier

than what I would have preferred, but the scent of a lucrative deal was all the motivation I needed to

rise with the damn birds.

It was about a twenty-minute ride out to the small diner.

We were called over to a window table where a group of four were sitting.

"Come – sit, sit." Nikolai called over. "We eat, then we have talk." His English was good but his thick accent required a good listening ear.

"It's too early to eat, Skip." Nicky whispered over. "Jeez - I'm still waking up."

It was early for me, too. I nodded over at the table while talking out of the side of my mouth. "You're gonna eat and you're gonna shut up about it. Turning down a meal isn't gonna get us off on the right foot."

Felix added. "Rude is rude in any language."

Introductions were made and food was ordered.

Nikolai went all out – T-bone steak and eggs and toast.

That kinda food - I couldn't stomach so early. Fuck - I could barely stomach the sight of someone else eating it. I got a skillet.

Felix looked up from his menu and ordered a basic egg breakfast with about as much enthusiasm as the rest of us.

Nicky went last – and got the farmer's double which included two of everything.

While Nikolai himself came off as a jovial person – talking, joking, laughing the rest of his crew was about as warm as a pack of hungry wolves. Regardless of a language barrier business is business and it's the same everywhere.

Nikolai brought with him a crew of three. Based on appearances, I'd have to assume Nikolai brought his best men, if he didn't, I'd hate to see what the rest of his crew looked like. What I wouldn't give to have a couple of guys like this working for me – all built like brick shit houses with block heads.

The one they called Ivan had a red birthmark covering three quarters of his face which made the stare of his ice blue eyes seem heavier than the rest.

The other party spoke amongst themselves in Russian while I settled the check.

"Now we go for ride." Nikolai informed.

"Where to?" Asked Nicky.

"No – no, you. Just him." He pointed at me. "We're gonna go someplace and finish our business."

"I don't like it, Skip." Nicky said flatly.

Nikolai took me by surprise with an additional destination but there was no choice. "Be cool – it's fine."

I got up and Ivan the Red Face patted me down. Took my piece and phone. I moved to argue when Nikolai interjected. "You'll get these back. Being business man yourself – I'm sure you know the need for assurances."

Yes, I did understand but that didn't mean I liked it.

This was a test.

A technique I've used myself when the occasion warranted.

I can count on one hand in my life how many times I've been as nervous as I was right now but if experience taught me anything its that wearing your nerves on your sleeve is the exact wrong move.

I willingly got into the backseat of a late Sedan. My hands were as steady as a rock and my eyes matched that ogre's gaze until a black hood was draped over my head.

We drove on in deafening silence for what seemed like a half hour - maybe a little more before I felt the car come to a slow stop.

The engine was cut and I was escorted out of the car and led up an uneven path before the hood was removed. I took a look around to familiarize myself with my new surroundings. It took my eyes a minute to adjust to the bright desert sun.

This was a fucking waste land.

Gone were the glitz and glamor of bright lights and cheap hookers.

The most active sign of life around here were a few cactuses and a group of buzzards circling over an expired meal of some sort.

The big hotels along the strip had been replaced by a dilapidated shack.

Inside the shack it was dark and hot as fuck.

I was still waiting to get to the punch line of this test when Nikolai instructed his crew in Russian.

Which seemed to trigger the next series of events.

Rather quickly things seemed to take their intended course.

In a blink of an eye, Ivan was suddenly being restrained by the other two. I could tell that he was not involved in the writing of this script by the sheer surprise and terror in his face.

While Nikolai's two associates wrestled to keep Ivan restrained, Nikolai calmly handed me my piece. I took it, still unsure what the next few minutes would hold, but the picture was starting to become clear. Nikolai's tone seemed to have lost all the warmth that it held only a few hours ago. With all the seriousness of a stone statue, two words sliced through his lips, "kill him."

I met Nikolai's stare without a flinch. I knew better than to be too eager to jump to any demands too quickly. Without knowing – I knew what this was about. It was about not wasting an opportunity. Ivan obviously did something to break rank and become a liability to his boss. For Nikolai, I was an opportunity to dispose of his internal problem while also, killing another bird with that same stone. With business on the scale that we're discussing, he needed to have me vetted to make sure I wasn't a cop. The trigger of a gun is a pretty handy lie detector test. I looked over at Ivan still struggling as beads of sweat rolled down his reddened skin. Without further hesitation, I took aim and plugged the poor son of a bitch right between his eyes.

Nikolai nodded in approval then a big smile broke through. "I didn't think you were cop but now we are sure so now we talk."

Nikolai instructed the remaining two to dispose of Ivan while he and I rode back to the city. This time, I sat in the front sans the hood.

The deal was done.

The plan that Jake and I had laid out back home had finally come to fruition.

And my mind was finally free to begin thinking about other matters.

Like Bella's birthday.

Which was today.

I wasn't able to be the first to wish her a happy birthday and I knew she'd be pissed.

Truth be known – I'd rather have a repeat of my encounter with the Russians than an angry Bella.

"Hey-" Her voice sound gravely like she had been sleeping when she pick-up her phone.

"Did I wake you?" I genuinely felt bad.

"No, not really." She replied coolly this time.

I waited until exactly 11:59 pm. "I couldn't be the first to say Happy Birthday to you so I wanted to be the last." She let out a soft breath. "Happy Birthday, baby."

"Oh, my God – you remembered."

Contrary to what Bella would have you believe at the moment, I never forgot.

"Look out the window." I had ignored every posted speed and raced against the clock to make it to Bella before midnight.

Her hand came up and laid flat against the window pane just then. "You're here!" I couldn't see her eyes but the excitement in her voice told me everything I needed to know. I couldn't take my eyes off of her - and the fact that she was wearing my tee shirt to bed put a big fucking smile on my face. She stood at the window watching me and ignoring the Polar White Benz with the extra-large red bow adorning the top. The white horse to my dark horse. "What are you still doing out there? Get in here!"

For her birthday, I bought her a car. When Bella moved in, it was ridiculous for her to keep her job. It served absolutely no purpose. Bella was adamant about keeping it so she could contribute to the household bills.

Like I said ridiculous.

Bella could be infuriating at times.

Plus, she argued that, with Adrianna starting preschool this year, she thought it'd give her something to do. I could make a list as long as my arm of things for Bella to do, yet, she insisted upon returning to her job at the coffee shop.

The problem was that I lived more than a walking distance from the coffee shop– in fact, I lived quite a bit further. Her taking the bus, isn't happening. That discussion was closed just as fast as she opened it. So, I've been taking her to work and picking her up – sometimes its Jake. Her work is somewhat out of the way making it a pain in the ass to get there.

I had intended on surprising her for her birthday with a new car and almost got it early on several occasions where I was late for something I needed to do.

Like I said Bella's stubbornness is ridiculous.

As Bella's birthday got closer, I had arranged for Esme to take Adrianna for the night. I had dinner reservations at Rosebuds, planned to surprise her with the new car, and spend the remainder of that night naked and in bed.

Even the best laid plans…..what are you gonna do?

She grew impatient waiting for me and before I knew it, she was flying out the door and jumping into my arms. She wrapped her legs tight around my waist and planted sweet kisses all over my face.

Being gone – I missed her, too and squeezed her tight.

"So….do you like it?" I asked wondering when she was going to notice the new SUV with the gigantic ribbon parked out front. "I didn't know what else to get-"

Her eyes grew big and round. "This is for me?" She squealed with glee as she looked over her new car. "Oh, my God – yes, I absolutely love it!" I loved her excitement. "I mean I'd love anything you'd pick but….oh my God, yes, yes, and yes! I love it!" More peppered pecks. "Thank you!"

I had stopped to pick up red roses from the florist. They were closed by the time I got back into town but a few extra bills and they were all too happy to open up the store for me. "For you." I picked up the bouquet I had laid on the hood.

Again, she looked surprised. Happy and surprised. "You didn't forget."

"Never." I vowed and kissed her pink lips.

She took the flowers from me. "I love them." Then looking back to me. "Just you being here was awesome enough."

I tilted her chin up. "Happy Birthday."

We kissed some more then took it to our bedroom.

After locking the door behind me, I took my time removing Bella's clothes. It was slow – methodical as I kissed each newly exposed area.

Her gasps and soft moans were music to my ears as I reacquainted myself with her body. It had only been a few days but it felt like forever. My lips brushed over hers and I reveled in the softness of her skin as my hands explored and savored every curve.

Running my nose along her collarbone, I couldn't help inhaling so deep. She smelled sweet and fresh and that scent would cling to me for hours after being with Bella.

I fucking loved it.

First, I removed my tee shirt from her body and pulled her close, her back flush against my front. Her hair was down and wavy tonight and I gently laid it over her left shoulder. I watched her chest heaving, as I slowly slid her right bra strap down and lightly kissed from her shoulder to her pulse point. Then I repeated the same on the left side before unfastening her bra and letting it fall to the floor.

Her panties were the next to go as I hooked my thumbs underneath the elastic and slowly slipped them down her legs. Her legs were so silky, so smooth, I couldn't help but plant soft kisses along my way back up and when I finally stood again, I lost my shirt, too.

My hands had a mind of their own as they slid up and over her tits. Bella's arms had come up and snaked around the back of my neck giving my roaming hands-free rein. Jesus – I had missed this. Bella moved her legs apart as my hand slid over her hip and I groaned feeling the wetness that had already begun to pool in her center. With my chin resting on Bella's shoulder, I watched my fingers easily slide between her folds and the fact that Bella watched too was an even bigger turn on.

It had been several days since seeing Bella and it may as well have been a fucking eternity.

She turned to face me then, stretching up on her tip toes to kiss me. I dipped lower, meeting her half way and kissed her hard, my tongue eagerly accepting the invitation into her mouth.

While our tongues danced, Bella's hands fumbled as her fingers anxiously worked to unfasten my jeans. Her hands slid down over my hips, taking my boxers with her as she snaked her body down to a kneeling position.

Her eyes shone with desire as she kept them focused on mine. Her pink tongue peaked out, darting across her lips before she took me into her mouth.

Her arms snaked around my waist, holding me closer and my own hands found their way into her silky hair guiding her up and down my length.

Mother of Christ – her mouth was so fucking good.

It fucking hurt to stop her.

Taking her hands in mine, I pulled her back up to her feet and my mouth was quick to find hers. Bella pushed me back towards the bed and when I fell back, I took her with me. My hands rested on her hips as she kissed down my chest, then positioned herself over my aching dick.

Bella's hips sank down slowly – it was torturous and my eyes rolled back. "Fuuuuck…." I groaned because she feels that good. Her pussy swallowed my dick whole as her ass came flush to my thighs. Her hips only slightly moved – swiveling forwards and then back again.

"I love watching you ride me." I confessed while greedily taking in the visual display of Bella sliding up and down on my dick.

"I love that you're here." Her fingers traced up my chest as she hovered over me – nose to nose. "This is my happy place." She whispered with sincerity.

She's so fucking beautiful – angelic even and sitting on my dick.

It's literally between her legs and rammed straight up her soaked pussy and yet the sweetest words come out of that mouth.

It's sinfully wicked and it drives me fucking wild.

My lips met hers and I kissed her deeply and slowly as our bodies moved together. For that moment, everything in the world was right. Not just because I was on the verge of a massive release. Although, that was a part of it. Being with Bella made every piece pf me that was broken feel whole again. She was my angel. Christ, I could feel my dick swelling inside her tight pussy and I knew I was going to burst. Watching her thrust and squirm all over my dick with such eagerness and pleasure was fucking hot and I could feel the tip of my cock getting warmer. I grabbed her hips and pulled down making her sit tight on my dick while I was finishing. I felt the burst of my hot cum explode and by the look of enjoyment on her face, so did she. She swayed her hips back and forth to the rhythm of the hot bursts she felt inside her, making sure she milked every drop and then some.

Always so fucking intense.

She laid with her body partially draped over mine, her head resting against my chest and I couldn't resist pulling her closer and planting a kiss on her temple before rolling us over. She hummed. "Your arms around me – like this." She whispered as she scooted closer still. "That's everything I needed today."

While I didn't verbalize it – it was everything I needed, too.