Lucky Streak

CHAPTER TWO

VEGAS HAD ALWAYS instilled a sense of adventure in Amber and with the flowing drinks throughout the day, today was no different. Her surroundings faded away as she leaned closer to Mike, gathering her courage.

“Kiss me,” she said, going after what she wanted.

He stared into her eyes, tracing a finger down her cheek. Her head spun. From her alcohol-induced buzz or from him? He’d had a potent effect on her from the beginning. Throughout the day he’d allowed her to forget her problems and be carefree in ways she’d had to suppress since returning to care for her dad. Mike was generous, and over her protests, he insisted on paying for her drinks, lunch and everything in between.

He seduced her with his easy wit and charm and with the sex appeal she couldn’t ignore. Between working all the time and then dealing with her father’s illness, romance hadn’t been all that important to her. But the electricity that crackled between them made her wonder if she’d just never met a man who affected her the way this one did.

He was solely focused on her. Nothing else around him seemed to matter except her. By the time the moment arrived, kissing him seemed natural.

Necessary.

She touched her lips to his and he responded, slipping his fingers into her hair and cupping her head in his hands. She responded to the possessive way he took control, opening her mouth to let him inside. The kiss immediately turned hotter and more urgent. He drew insistent circles with his tongue, gliding as smoothly as the gondola they rode in, leaving no place untouched. He took her to heaven. Her heart pounded in her chest and she didn’t want the dizzying sensations to end.

“Ah, the beauty of young love.”

The sound of the gondolier’s voice brought Amber back to reality and she regretfully pulled back.

“The ride’s over,” the man said. “Unless you’d like me to keep going?” he asked in a knowing voice.

She couldn’t be embarrassed over something so right. Besides, the man was probably used to people making out under his watch. She glanced at Mike. Though she’d love to continue their ride, she had other plans for him.

“We’ll get out here,” she decided for them.

Mike raised an eyebrow, obviously surprised, but he stepped out first, then helped her do the same.

“Ready for some more fun?” she asked him.

He nodded. “Though I can’t imagine anything being more fun than that.” He tipped his head back toward the gondola, his eyes glittering with unslaked desire.

Her stomach fluttered with answering need. “I’m not finished showing you my Las Vegas.” She grasped his hand and led the way.

She didn’t question the impulse that demanded she share the city as she knew it. She wanted him to know her better and this was the perfect way to do it. Because she and Las Vegas had the same spirit.

From the Venetian, they traveled to Circus Circus where she took him to the Adventuredome. “My dad used to love roller coasters and we’d go to carnivals all over the U.S. I grew up loving a fast ride.”

Mike heard the wistful tone in her voice. “Did your father pass away, too?”

“No. He has Alzheimer’s and it’s progressed fast. Sometimes it feels like…” She shook her head, unable to continue.

He squeezed her hand tighter. “I’m sorry. I know what it’s like to have a father who’s not all there.”

And he did. Edward Corwin had always been off somehow. Before his parents’ divorce, Edward had been withdrawn and eccentric, making it hard for Mike to bring friends home. Afterward, the older man’s behavior only got worse.

“Is your dad sick, too?” Amber asked.

“He doesn’t have Alzheimer’s, he’s just…not all there.” He tapped his head, unsure of how else to describe the eccentric oddity who was his father. They weren’t close. Couldn’t be, considering his father was a man mired in the curse and the past. But Mike loved him, despite it all.

“Well, we have that in common. So do you like roller coasters?” she asked, obviously eager to change the subject. “They have the most amazing rides here. The Canyon Blaster goes fifty-five miles an hour with a full loop.” She circled her arm wide. “Or there’s the Sling Shot or Chaos…We could even get wet if we went on the Rim Runner,” she said, bursting with enthusiasm. “Which one will it be?”

He glanced in the direction of the huge rides and frowned. “None of them. I really don’t like roller coasters. In fact, I hate them.” He wasn’t comfortable admitting weakness, but better than having to get one of those contraptions held together by nuts and bolts.

“What do you mean you don’t like roller coasters?” She perched her hands on her hips and cocked her head to the side, clearly shocked. “Everyone likes roller coasters!”

“No, they don’t.”

“What? Did you fall out of one when you were a kid or something?” she asked, nudging him playfully in the ribs.

“No, I just can’t take the sensation of having my stomach turned upside down and inside out.” The reality was that they reminded him too much of his childhood, the incredible highs and devastating lows.

Mike would ask Edward to come to his baseball games and too many times, he’d take the muttered maybe as a hopeful sign. He finally learned not to count on his dad. Now it was Mike who had to care for his father, even though it had never been the other way around.

“Oh, really?” Her eyes glittered in disbelief.

“Really.”

She raised her eyebrows and stepped closer. The perfume that had been getting to him all day caused his gut to clench again now.

“Well, I bet I can turn your stomach upside down and inside out and not only will you like it, you’ll be begging for more,” she said, her meaning deliberately, seductively clear.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. “Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah.” She rose onto her tiptoes and kissed him full on the lips.

He found her absolutely irresistible as she wove her web and pulled him in like no other woman ever had. He dated on occasion, but between his dangerous job and his unwillingness to bring anyone home to his father, Mike had never let anyone get close enough to become serious. He’d become somewhat of a loner himself, at least in the relationship department. Sex was fine, when the need arose. Anything else brought with it too many complications.

Now there was Amber. Desire pounded hard and fast inside him as she tangled her tongue with his and took him on that wild ride she’d promised. Fast and furious, better than any roller coaster could be.

She ended the kiss too soon and grabbed his hand.

“Where to now?” he asked.

“Well, I still can’t believe my big brave cop is afraid of roller coasters,” she said, teasing him. “But I’ll settle for the arcade.”

The next hour was spent mixing old-fashioned games and long, heated kisses, resulting in his losing a fair amount of money in an attempt to win her a ring with a big fake diamond. No matter how much he spent, no matter how many darts he threw, the ring remained elusively out of reach. Yet they couldn’t stop laughing and she didn’t stop touching him. It felt as if everything about their time together was right.

He got caught up in the sheer pleasure of the carnival-like atmosphere and he savored being with a woman who wanted to be with him, without the stigma of the Corwin curse hanging over his head. No expectations, no games, just plain fun. And though he knew nothing could come of this, he found himself wishing they had time for something more, some thing real and lasting.

They walked from stand to stand, always coming back to the dart game where Mike would once again attempt to win the ring. Amber cheered him on until her voice was hoarse. He bought them both cold beers and they laughed over the ugly bear he’d traded the smaller items in to win.

But the ring remained out of reach, frustrating him because he knew how much she wanted the small token of their afternoon together. And he wanted her to have it.

“Let’s head back to the Bellagio,” she suggested after a while.

“Are you ready to call it a night?” He turned to meet her gaze, wondering just how their time together would end. He knew what he wanted, but he wouldn’t pressure her.

“I’m ready to leave here.” She paused a beat. Ran her tongue over her glossed lips.

He never caught her reapplying makeup, but she’d kept that shimmer on her lips all day and night. The gloss had a hint of vanilla scent and each time he kissed her, he wanted to devour even more.

“Let’s take a cab.” He held on to her hand and started through the arcade in the direction of-he thought-the exit.

“Mike, wait.”

He turned.

“I don’t think I’m ready to leave you.”

He exhaled the breath he hadn’t been aware of holding. “The feeling’s mutual.” He squeezed her hand.

His body was strung tight and only one thing would alleviate the need pulsing inside him. But on the way to the taxi, they passed the dart game and Mike paused. He reached into his pocket and tossed his last five dollars in change on the counter.

“You are determined.” The guy running the game handed him five darts. “Tell you what. Three out of five and I’ll trade the bear for the ring,” he said, looking at Amber and winking.

Mike picked up the dart and eyed the balloons, sparsely placed to make it difficult to hit the target.

“No matter what, I just want to be alone with you,” she whispered.

He threw and missed.

She laughed, her breath warm in his ear. “No pressure. Really.”

He tossed again, popping one balloon.

Beside him, she squealed in excitement, patted his back and stepped away so she didn’t break his concentration.

A direct hit.

Another squeal.

He rolled his shoulders. Just one more…

“Relax,” she said as if reading his mind. “You have two more chances,” Amber said.

He shot her a warning glance. “Quiet.”

She grinned.

He picked up the fourth dart, aimed and tossed. The balloon popped easily and Amber cheered, rewarding him by wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him into a tight hug followed by a long, lingering kiss. One that gave a steamy hint of what was in store for him once they returned to his room.

“Here you go, buddy.” The guy behind the arcade stand handed him the ring with the large fake diamond.

Amber held out her hand. An eerie sensation-as if his wish for something more with her had magically come true-struck him as he slipped the too-big ring on her delicate hand.

Top heavy, it rolled to the side. “I’ll make it smaller with tape later,” she said, laughing.

“If you ask me, a pretty lady like you deserves a real diamond,” the arcade guy said.

If he and Amber were really involved, the man would be right. “Let’s go,” Mike said to her.

She nodded, a wide smile on her face.

“Wait. Since you seem to be on a lucky streak, take this.” The arcade guy handed him a silver dollar. “You never know what coin will strike it rich in those slots,” he said.

Mike shook his head. “Keep it,” he said to the guy. “I already struck it rich.”

Amber blushed.

He couldn’t wait for them to be alone.

AMBER HELD Mike’s hand as they wove their way through the arcade. They’d worked up a thirst and had stopped to buy drinks. She finished her glass of wine as quickly as he polished off a beer, adding to the light buzz she’d maintained all day. They walked through the casino on the way to the taxi area at the front of the hotel.

She’d enjoyed being with Mike so much, she’d almost forgotten about Marshall and the scene back at the hotel. Even though she’d never completely shaken the feeling that she was being followed, she’d been able to put the unsettling notion out of her mind. Until she saw J.R. in the hallway where they stood inside the hotel, Circus Circus.

Damn, Marshall was persistent. But that’s what her ex-partner did when he considered something-or someone-his. Luckily for Amber, this was one of the easiest hotels to get lost in, with its awkward layout and confusing maze-type locations.

Yet somehow, J.R. still managed to keep track of her.

With his shaved head and broad shoulders, he intimidated her on a good day. Coming off her argument with Marshall, today wasn’t one of those. She didn’t want to deal with a confrontation and she definitely didn’t want Mike to get into a fight with J.R. So she did the only thing she could think of on short notice. She pulled Mike into the nearest alcove and into a hot, distracting kiss.

One she felt from the tips of her toes all the way through her body. With each sweep and swirl of his tongue, her stomach fluttered and everything around her faded as his lips worked magic. He cupped her cheeks in his hands and his body pressed into hers, urging her against the wall for support. She felt his erection swell beneath his jeans and press into her stomach. This man aroused her on so many levels she couldn’t think clearly all.

“We’ve got to get to my room,” he muttered.

She swallowed hard, the reality of her situation returning to her and creating a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. She couldn’t return to plain sight just yet. She glanced around and realized they weren’t in an entryway but a large, floral-lined room.

“Are you ready to go?” Mike asked gruffly.

She stroked her fingers down his razor-stubbled cheek, scrambling for a reason to stall leaving for a few precious minutes. “I am, but-”

“Are you two next?” a male voice asked.

“Next?” Mike asked.

A gray-haired man holding a clipboard glanced at them. “Come come. If you’re going to change your mind about getting hitched, do it out in the hall.”

“Hitched?” Amber’s voice squeaked as she repeated the question.

“What else would you do in a wedding chapel?” the man asked.

“I don’t know.” She tried not to stammer. She glanced at Mike.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful.

“Everyone’s nervous the first time,” the other man said, cracking a smile at his own joke. “Sally, get them something to drink,” he called over his shoulder. “It’ll calm their jitters.”

The man’s assistant, an overly made-up woman, handed them each a plastic flute filled with champagne.

Mike threaded his hand through Amber’s, but said nothing.

The fact that he hadn’t run for the hills made Amber wonder what he was thinking. She took a large gulp of the bubbly drink.

“Which package do you want? All of them include a small bridal bouquet, music, souvenir certificate and holder, garter and minister. That’d be me.” The man spoke by rote and clicked his pen with each item on the list. “The least expensive one is the Traditional. For two hundred and eighty-one dollars, you also get a bigger bridal bouquet and a boutonniere for the groom.” He almost sounded bored.

“What about photos?” Mike asked, speaking up for the first time.

Amber nearly choked. “What?”

Mike shrugged and leaned closer to her. “It’s Vegas. Let’s just do it,” he said, his gaze delving into hers intently.

She licked her lips, which had suddenly gone dry. “Come on,” she said, certain he was teasing. “Even the tables in Vegas have limits,” she said in an effort to see how far he’d take things.

Because the notion of marrying him on the spur of the moment held too much appeal.

“That doesn’t mean we can’t set our own.” He raised an eyebrow, challenging her. “You’ve said it’s a place where anything can happen.”

“But…you don’t live here!”

He met her gaze, holding on. “We’ll figure it out later.”

“I don’t got all day,” the man said.

Mike turned back to him. “A bride should have full-color glossy memories of her wedding day,” he said.

“One photo is included. Anything else is extra.”

Mike shot Amber a look. “Are we doing this?” he asked.

She’d grown up a gambler. And she liked him. Really liked him. His sudden adventurous streak appealed to her reckless nature. And he made her feel so good…

“Why not?” she asked, suddenly into this as much as he was.

“Throw one more photo into the package,” Mike said, reaching for her right hand.

“Are you sure?” she asked him.

Mike met her stare, his eyes warm and sexy. “Make it legal?” He toyed with the large stone on her finger. “I’m sure. Are you?”

Amber hadn’t a clue what his reasons for pursuing this were, but she knew her own. She liked him, he obviously liked her and a big man was waiting to have a talk with her somewhere right outside the door. But more important, their impossibly romantic day had cast a spell over her, leaving her in a happy, dizzy haze.

Besides, these wedding chapels existed in the casino for a reason. Even her parents had married in one. Her head spun and she no longer knew whether it was alcohol induced or if she was losing her mind. Nor did she much care.

She glanced up at his handsome profile. Her white knight. Her cop savior. “Why not?” she heard herself repeating.

“Credit card,” the minister said.

She wondered if Mike would declare it a joke now.

He whipped out silver plastic.

Everything else-the organ played by Sally, the bouquet wilting at the edges thrust into her hand, signing the wedding certificate-happened in a blur of cheap champagne and I do’s.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister said. “You may kiss the bride.”

Unlike the fast wedding, the kiss was as clear as the rest of her day with Mike. Full of passion and desire, it was over way too soon. Before they knew it their chaplain had clapped his hands and dismissed them, already on to the next couple.

Amber’s heart pounded hard in her chest as the reality of what they’d done settled around her. “Did we really just get married?” Amber asked, laughing as they walked out of the chapel, license and photograph in hand.

“I believe we did…Mrs. Corwin.” It was almost impossible to comprehend, Mike thought.

He normally wasn’t impulsive. As a cop he couldn’t afford to be. Day to day, he relied on training and instinct. When a quick decision was called for, it was always founded in a combination of both.

Now he was married.

The initial impulse had been just that, yet somehow he knew the decision had been rooted in his connection with Amber, one he knew he couldn’t lose. Even now that the deed was done, he didn’t regret a thing. In some odd way, getting hitched to Amber made sense.

For a Corwin man.

He and Amber weren’t in love.

No love, no curse.

Although for Amber, Mike sensed he’d be willing to tempt fate. For the first time, Mike thought he understood his cousin Derek’s recent marriage to his high-school sweetheart, the woman he’d once pushed away to avoid setting the curse in motion. Amber was addictive and Mike discovered he liked being hooked. Enough to want to keep her by his side.

“What do you say we head back to my room and consummate this marriage?” he asked his bride, pushing thoughts of fate and the curse far from his mind.

She smiled at him, her blue eyes dancing with energy and excitement. “I like the sound of that.”

So did Mike.

MIKE WAS MARRIED and he liked it, he realized as Amber snuggled close in the cab ride back to his hotel. With her hanging on to his arm, he headed straight to the large bank of elevators that led to his room. While the Bellagio suites had an opulence that had made him uncomfortable when he’d checked in, the thought of taking Amber up there now and undressing her surrounded by all that elegance pleased Mike and made the extravagant price he’d paid worth-while.

He shoved his hand into his back pants pocket to make sure he had his key and a coin fell onto the floor.

“What’s this?” Amber asked, bending to retrieve it. “A token for the slots?” She studied it on both sides.

He nodded. “Everyone in the wedding party got one.”

“You should use it,” she said, handing it back to him. “It looks like it’s worth ten dollars. You can win big with one of those.”

He raised an eyebrow. “The slots are as rigged as the arcade.” He’d blown over one hundred dollars before that guy had handed the ring over for another five. “Not that I minded, but the guy could have given us the ring anytime he wanted.”

“But what fun would it have been?” she asked, nudging him. “Come on. Don’t be such a skeptic. I’ve lived here long enough to know it’s a crapshoot. But someone has to win every once in a while.” She took his hand and led him back through the casino to the higher-end machines. “Pick one,” she urged.

She obviously wasn’t going to give up until he lost the token. “You choose,” he said.

She shook her head. “Oh, no. I’m just along for the ride. This is all yours. Come on. What are you going to do with the token anyway? Take it back to Boston as a memento?”

“I already have a memento,” he said, stroking his hand down her cheek.

“Are you referring to the photograph? Or me?” she asked, laughing. “Come on. Get it over with.”

He shook his head at her persistence. “Did anyone ever tell you that you can be a little pushy?” he asked, teasing her.

“Many people, many times. Now choose.” She splayed her arms wide.

“Fine. This one,” he said, indicating a machine that promised a million-dollar payout. “But if the impossible happens and I win, half is yours.” He walked over, stuck the token into the slot machine and pushed the spin button. “Satisfied?” he asked, turning away just as bells, lights and whistles went off around them.

“You won!” Amber tugged on his arm and glanced at the machine. “You actually won a hundred and fifty thousand dollars!” She screamed and threw her arms around his neck, squealing in excitement.

The surreal moment played out like a movie, with the head of the casino and security showing up and paying him. Cash. Mike couldn’t believe it, not even after they’d been escorted back to his room by a security guard via a private elevator.

When the man left and Mike locked the door behind him, he turned to his wife. He and Amber were finally alone.

First thing he did was to kneel in front of the safe in the closet, placing the money inside. “I need a code number I’ll remember.”

“How about the date? Our anniversary?” Amber suggested. She stood behind him, her hand on the back of his neck, her fingers softly threading through his hair.

Her touch was so arousing he could barely think straight. He punched in the numbers, hit Lock and turned to her.

Without further thought, he swept her into his arms. She shrieked and looped her arms around his neck.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I couldn’t carry you over the threshold with the security guard standing there, but I can do the next best thing.” He stepped toward the large king-size bed he thought he’d be sleeping in alone and laid her down on the mattress. “Today was unbelievable. You’re my very own lucky charm. I can’t believe we just met.”

She nodded in agreement. “I feel the same way. It’s like I’ve known you forever.”

He grinned and held up her hand with the big, gaudy ring on it. “This and our marriage license says you will.”

Her eyes glazed with delight while his heart caught in his throat. She was so beautiful, with her wild blond curls falling over the pillow and her lips moist and welcoming. An angel sent to him from who knows where, someone who wasn’t a part of his past, but would be part of his present and future. He couldn’t say he minded.

Lowering himself beside her, he bent his head to kiss his bride. They’d been building up to this moment all day and the long, leisurely kisses that had sustained them during the afternoon no longer satisfied him now that they were alone. He kissed her mouth, her cheek, and followed a trail down her jawline, pausing to nibble on her delectable earlobe, grazing her soft flesh gently with his teeth.

She groaned, a husky sound reverberating from low in her throat. Her body tensed and writhed beside him, demanding more. He inhaled the floral scent that had been testing his restraint all afternoon and nearly came right then. But he needed more. Needed to see her naked and exposed just for him.

He reached for the zipper on the back of her dress at the same time she pulled his shirt from the waistband of his jeans. Clearly their first time wouldn’t be slow.

She turned and he lowered the zipper, revealing her creamy back. He licked the exposed line of skin and blew gently, a cool stream of air that caused her to arch her back and treat him to another lusty groan. She openly expressed her need, and knowing he caused those hot, sexy sounds drove him insane.

While she shrugged out of her dress, he took off his shirt, jeans and briefs, tossing everything onto the floor beside his shoes. When he turned back, she was naked and waiting. Her little black dress had been deceiving. She had generous curves he hadn’t imagined.

Amber trembled as his gaze raked over her, his eyes darkening with approval.

He laid back against the pillows and crooked a finger. She came willingly, settling her body on top of his. Her skin burned with an internal heat that had been building inside her all day. She fit into him, her breasts crushing his chest, his thighs cradling hers, and her wet core settling against his hard, rigid length.

She sucked in a shallow breath. There was nothing soft or giving about his body and yet everything in his expression told her he’d give her everything she asked for and even some things she didn’t.

He pulled her hair back from her face, holding it behind her as he looked into her eyes. “Do you feel how hard you make me?” He lifted his hips and let his erection thrust between her legs.

She closed her eyes, letting the rolling wave wash over her. “Oh, yes.”

He slid his hand between them, slipping his index finger into her moist heat. “You’re wet,” he murmured. “And I’m going to make you wetter.” He traced a long path with his tongue, a thorough exploration of her body with his hands, his mouth and light grazing of his teeth. And when he reached her breasts, he dipped his head for a taste, drawing one tight nipple into his mouth.

Amber felt the pull from her aching breasts straight down to her toes and everywhere in between. She glanced down. His dark hair brushed against her bare chest and an overwhelming sensation of rightness swept over her. She’d let him do anything and then do it again.

His hands parted her bare thighs and when he touched her there, all rational thought fled. Her focus narrowed until nothing mattered but the exquisite sensations he created in her body. He knew just where to touch her and how.

He held on to her thighs and the sheer eroticism of what he was about to do caused a quickening of excitement in her belly. He laved his tongue over her mound. Long loving strokes followed by quick flickers that brought her closer and closer to release. The pressure built higher and faster until she couldn’t take it another minute.

Her hips bucked beneath him and suddenly she cried out, her climax catching her off guard as the waves assaulted her one after another, seemingly without end.

She was barely aware of him leaning away from her and then returning. Just as she began to come back to reality, he tore open a condom and settled himself over her.

“I can’t believe you had one on you,” she murmured in relief. Protection had been the last thing on her mind and it should have been first.

“It’s been in my wallet forever.” A flush heightened his cheekbones.

Amber appreciated the admission. “It’s been a while for me, as well,” she said honestly. “But I’m glad you’re the kind of man who likes to be prepared.”

“In my family, it pays to be.” His eyes shuttered closed, blocking his secrets.

“You’ll have to tell me why one day.”

“At the moment, I can think of better things to do than talk.” He drew her arms up above her head, distracting her with his naked body.

He was sexy, handsome and very, very male. And he was hers.

“What are you grinning about?” he asked.

“I didn’t realize I was.” Obviously thinking about him made her smile, but she wasn’t ready to admit that just yet.

Although her father had been her guardian, she’d had to be independent and she’d raised herself in his unorthodox world. She’d been alone and on her own for longer than she cared to remember and she liked the notion that she had someone to share things with now. The logistics between them didn’t matter. They’d work those out in time. Right now, the ring and the license proved they were a couple.

“I’m just thinking, if my first…um, climax was so amazing, the next one will be off the charts.”

He brushed his thumb over her moist lips. “Because I’ll be inside you.” As he spoke, he nudged himself between her thighs.

He was rock hard and she wanted, needed, to have him fill her in the most basic, primal way. She bent her knees to help him ease his way. Without breaking eye contact, he thrust deep inside. Her entire body felt the penetration as she accepted all of him and she drew in a shallow breath.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asked, glancing at her with concern.

She nodded. “I told you it had been a while.”

He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her lips, silently telling her he appreciated that fact. “Let’s make it easier on you.” With a slick motion, he rolled to the side, taking her with him and settling her on top, straddling him. “Now you’re in control.”

He placed his hands on her waist and rolled his hips upward, causing a rippling swell of rising need in her as their bodies ground together all too briefly before the tide eased.

She moaned at the sensual assault and picked up his rhythm, rocking her hips from side to side, reveling each time their bodies touched at just the right spot, and the pressure inside her built higher. Together they created the perfect ride and it wasn’t long before she was moaning aloud as she clenched her inner walls harder around his rigid length.

His grip tightened on her waist and his pace grew more frenzied. Unable to hold herself up any longer, she stretched forward, leaning across him and letting her chest press hard against his. Heat assaulted her from the intimate contact and her nipples puckered tighter, pressing into him, the friction adding to the spiraling heights to which she was ascending.

Suddenly he let out a low groan, thrust his hand into the back of her hair and kissed her hard, his body frantically pumping upward, as he pulsed inside her and took her along with him. Her climax was all consuming, rippling through her with lightning speed. As one glorious wave ended, another began. Finally, she lay on top of him, spent and oh so satisfied.

MIKE AWOKE to a pounding headache the likes of which he hadn’t felt since his college days and the smell of coffee brewing. Disoriented, it took a few minutes to remember. Las Vegas for Dan and Natalie’s wedding, rescuing the beautiful blonde from the guy manhandling her, spending the day partying, winning a hundred and fifty grand and-holy shit- getting married?

He ran his hand through his hair and sat upright in bed. The quick movement was hell on his fuzzy head, but the events of yesterday were suddenly crystal clear. He had married Amber Rose.

He already knew he was alone in bed, but the smell of coffee told him she was up, and the sound of the fan indicated she was probably in the bathroom. He drew a deep breath and let the reality settle in.

He was married.

To Amber.

Surprisingly, he wasn’t upset by the notion.

He’d grown up watching his father descend into reclusive madness because of love lost and the damn curse. With Amber, he’d had fun. And if they could make the logistics work, maybe they could have a decent life together without invoking the notion of his losing everything like the rest of the men in his family.

Although his cousin Derek was currently married to the love of his life, everyone around them felt as if they were walking on proverbial eggshells waiting for something bad to happen. Which made Amber, who made him laugh and whom he enjoyed, something of a perfect catch. Even if they’d tied the knot in a Vegas chapel the same day they’d met.

He rose to check on his wife, eager to see her again and repeat the amazing sex they’d had last night. Just thinking about her warm body and the incredible noises she made had him hard and ready in an instant.

A full pot of coffee sat on the counter in the sitting area, but she wasn’t there. The bathroom door was ajar and he could see she wasn’t standing by the sink, either. He didn’t hear the water running, but he stepped into the bathroom anyway, his gut churning as he took in the empty shower stall.

He was alone in the hotel room. Telling himself not to panic, he slowly walked to the closet and opened the door, praying he was wrong.

But the safe was open and the money gone.

All one hundred and fifty thousand dollars of it. And so was his new wife.