Stronger With Us (The Strength Series Book 3) (7 page)

11

The evening started out with dinner at some fancy-ass restaurant. I don’t remember the name of it, but the food was as pretentious as the prices. I did find it humorous how people stared at the four of us. I’m sure they thought we were some sort of professional sports team with all of us being over six feet tall.

Now we’re in a limo headed for You Betcha.

My parents’ former neighbors, Anne and Clarence, moved out to Las Vegas after they retired from teaching and made a go of it. From the research I’ve done online, it seems that their little casino has grown quite a bit over the years and has become a favorite among the locals. I haven’t seen these two since Mom’s funeral and it’ll be great to get a big Minnesota hug.

The limo pulls up to the building and we are under an awning. The neon lighting is subtle, used just to highlight the name of the place. It kind of looks like the pictures I've seen of Club Bon Aire from the 1940s. The casino isn’t on the Strip; in fact it’s a few miles away. However, there is a line of people at the door and it seems like the place is hopping.

I lead our group to the VIP entrance and show my ID. The bouncer speaks into his wrist like some television FBI agent then nods and lets us pass.

“Wow, I feel like some kind of celebrity,” Colin says as we walk through the doors.

“It is your night to shine,” Kevin adds.

“I called last night and let Anne know we’d be here, which is how we got VIP. Hopefully we’ll get to see her while we’re here.”

“That’d be awesome. Let’s get some chips and hit the Blackjack tables.”

As we head to the cashier window, I take in the room. It’s a really nice set up. It’s non-smoking, which is a rarity in this town. There are slot machines as far as the eye can see. In the middle of the room are Blackjack and Craps tables, and I think I can see a Roulette wheel. It’s not as big as the casinos you usually see on CSI or other Vegas shows, but it’s comfortable. We change our money into chips and follow Colin to where he wants to play.

“Hi, I’m Jennie, and I’ll be your dealer this evening,” we’re greeted as we sit down. She’s gorgeous. Long strawberry blonde hair, big green eyes, large tits, and legs that go on for days.

“Nice to meet you, Jennie,” I say with a wink.

“Are you boys having a good time in Sin City?” she asks as she deals the cards.

“Much better now,” I answer and am rewarded with a blush.

“Well, hopefully you’ll all score big tonight,” she says to us all while looking at me. My cock jumps to attention.

“I hope you’re right.”

We play a few hands, and Kevin wins some money. Runt excuses himself to find a drink, and Colin points at the slot machines. I thank Jennie for her time and she slips me her number, which I make a point to put in my pocket.

“Jude Schafer, you better not be hitting on my staff,” I hear from behind me. Turning around I’m greeted with a big smile before being pulled into an even bigger hug.

“Anne, I’m so happy to see you,” I say sincerely. She’s about the only thing I have left of my mom.

“Where’s that little brother of yours? I haven’t seen him since we were up north the last time, dontcha know.”

“He’s playing the slots, and I know he’s dying to see you.” We make our way down an aisle where Colin’s concentrating hard on his machine.

“My word, he looks just like your father, doesn’t he?” Anne whispers. It’s true that I take more after my mother’s side than Colin does, but I’ve never thought he was my dad’s twin.

“I’m not sure how to respond to that one, Anne.”

“You and your old man still on the outs? Uff-da, you gotta let that go, Jude.”

I silently shake my head at her Minnesota colloquialism and the implication. Nobody knows how my father actually treated me as a kid, so they wouldn’t understand now. I’m not sure my mother even really knew the extent of his violence.

Colin looks up and breaks out in a smile that lights up the room. “Anne, I’m so happy to see you,” he says as he picks her up and twirls her around in a hug.

“Oh, dear, I forget that you boys are so strong,” she laughs before Colin puts her down. “I hear congratulations are in order. Do I get to meet your lovely bride?”

“I hope to bring her out tomorrow night, unless you have time to come to the wedding. It’s going to be just our friends, but you’re more than welcome.”

“How about you bring her here. I don’t want to sneak up on the woman at her wedding. We’ll have a champagne celebration in the VIP lounge for you.”

“That sounds like heaven. Clarence is going to be there too, right? I’d love to visit with him as well.”

“Oh, yes, he wouldn’t miss it. Even though he’s getting old and forgetful, he still likes to party,” she laughs as she shakes her head.

“Then count on the seven of us being here tomorrow night,” I say trying to avoid the Minnesota goodbye. There’ll be more time for that after the party.

“All right, boys, I better get back to work, and Jude looks like he needs to relax. Behave yourselves,” Anne says as she pats us both on the arm before walking away.

“It’s good to see that the nice doesn’t always wear off when you leave the state,” Colin says under his breath. I smile and nod, it’s comforting to have a little piece of home here.

An hour later we’re all in the limo again headed for our next destination.

“So, Colin, you have two choices now; we can go to a Gentleman’s club called Sapphire or we can find a cigar bar and hang out. It’s up to you, but you know what I would choose.”

Colin looks at James. “What do you want to do?” Why is he asking him?

“It’s your night, man; I’m just along for the ride. Don’t worry about me,” James answers.

“I’m really not interested in throwing money at strippers tonight. I’m happy to drink whiskey, smoke a cigar, and see what happens.”

“Damn, that’s not what I was hoping for. But as the big man said, it’s your night.” I tell the driver to take us wherever he recommends.

We drive for at least thirty minutes before pulling up to La Casa Cigars and Lounge. There’s a short line of people waiting at the entrance. Our driver walks up to the door and when he comes back he nods toward the man he was talking to.

“I think he just got us in, dude,” Kevin says.

“Enjoy the hospitality, gentlemen. I’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready to go.”

I lead our group up to the bouncer who ushers us into the building to a secluded booth. He walks away without a word.

“I kind of feel like Frank Sinatra,” Colin says with a smile. I have to agree with him. This place is like something you’d picture the Rat Pack hanging out in.

Our waitress takes our order and comes back with Alec Bradley Sanctum Toros and Lagavulin for everyone.

“I want to propose a toast,” I say lifting my glass. “To my little brother. I wish you all the happiness in the world. I can only hope one day I’ll be as over the moon as you are.”
Did I really say that out loud?

“Thank you, big brother. I’m glad all of you guys were able to come out this weekend. It means a lot to me to have each of you in my life. Most of you were there when we rescued Becca, and I don’t think it could have been done without you. So thanks for always having her back as well as mine.”

We clink glasses and sip the buttery, smoky liquid. I don’t usually drink scotch, but this might convert me. James lights our cigars and the group falls into a comfortable conversation.

Our night ends at Vice Versa, the bar in the hotel lobby. It’s almost two a.m. here, and we’re all beat. Most people don’t think about the time difference, but it can be brutal. After one drink the guys all head upstairs, but I’m feeling restless, so I stick around.

“Looks like you could use some company,” she says as she sits on the bar stool next to me. Long legs, nice rack highlighted by a deep neckline, makeup just perfect. Yep, she’s a hooker.

“I could, but I’m not really into paying for sex. Thanks anyway,” I say as I walk away. She shrugs and moves on to another guy. At least my instincts were right.

I find a couch away from the bar and sit, really taking in my surroundings. This place is pretty amazing. The open concept with modern elements makes it seem futuristic yet something from the fifties. It’s quiet, yet busy. It doesn’t seem like anyone wants to talk too loud, or that they need to. I have to give Christin credit, she found a great hotel.

Of course the thought of her makes my cock wake up. I silently remind him that it’s too dangerous to go there again. He pouts but doesn’t give up trying to convince me I’m wrong. Thankfully a distraction sits down just before my balls turn blue.

12

The alarm on my phone woke me from a very pleasant dream. I hit snooze and tried to bring the image of a gorgeous man over me back, but it was too late. Now I’m awake, horny, and frustrated. The fact that I have to look at temptation all day isn’t helping my mood at all.

“What time is it?” Becca mumbles from the bed next to me.

“It’s almost eight. We have to be at the spa in thirty minutes.”

“I need coffee. Is there a Starbucks downstairs?”

“Yeah, I’ll run down while you get in the shower. I assume you want a caramel latte?”

“Of course. It will look nice next to your marble macchiato,” she replies with a wink.

“We are so fucking predictable. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

I send Stephanie a text as I leave the room. There’s no way I’m knocking on her door if James is still in there. Some things you just don’t need to know about your friends.

I hear a door close as I step out into the hall. There’s a woman obviously doing the walk of shame from Jude’s room. Her clothes are rumpled, her hair is sticking up all over the place, and she has her shoes in her hand. I recognize it because I’ve done the same exit more times than I care to remember. We end up walking together to the elevator.

I step onto the elevator with this skank and I can’t help myself; I have to say something.

“Enjoying Las Vegas?” I put on my sweetest, ‘I know what you did’ face.

She looks up briefly but doesn’t make eye contact. “I guess.”

“I bet last night was fun. There are so many people to do here.”

Her head shoots up and she glares, “What’s that supposed to mean?” she spits hatefully.

“Nothing at all,” I shrug one shoulder. “I’m just well versed in the morning after slink, and you look like it’s new to you. A little hint, don’t stay the whole night. It makes you look a lot less desperate.”

Her jaw drops, but before she can reply, the elevator doors open to the lobby.

“Have a nice day,” I call over my shoulder. It really shouldn’t be that easy.

Once I’ve secured caffeine for all of us, I go directly back to my room. Thankfully, the elevator and hallway are deserted this time, so I don’t have any more reasons to feel like a raging, jealous bitch. What is that, anyway? He’s so not worth my time.

“Becca, I’ve got liquid gold,” I call as I enter the room.

“Be right out,” she calls from the shower at the same time there’s a knock at the door.

Stephanie is there looking like a very satisfied woman. “Good morning,” she says cheerfully. I want to slap her. “Do I smell coffee?”

“You do, come in. I got yours plain because I can never remember what you like.”

“That works for me. I bet sharing a room last night put a damper on getting laid, huh?”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t plan on having sex last night.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it. I saw the way you were looking at Sven when he was shaking his g-string in your face. Plus, you forget, I know you quite well,” she says with a wink.

I can’t deny that Chippendales was a wonderful time. Those guys were shredded, and I’m sure Sven would’ve been a fun ride.

“This is about Becca, not me. I’m going to behave for her.”

“Good for you. I can imagine how difficult it’s been so far.” She’s such a bitch sometimes.

“Fuck you. She’s my friend, and I’ll do what I can to make sure she’s happy. You’ve got automatic sex that you don’t have to apologize for, so shut up.”

Stephanie laughs as she shakes her head. “Whatever you say, friend. I want you to be happy too, you know.”

“Who’s not happy?” Becca asks as she comes out of the bathroom brushing her long brown hair.

“Nobody. We’ve got to get going if we’re going to make our massage appointment. Think you can take your caffeine to go?”

“Sure, I can. Let’s go get pampered!”

Three hours, a mani-pedi, mud bath, and full-body massage later, I’m floating on a cloud of relaxed bliss. It’s been an amazing time and just what I needed to forget about Jude and his man-whoring ways.

The hotel provided a light lunch for us, and now we’re in the dressing room getting Becca in her dress.

“It’s really happening, isn’t it?” she asks nervously.

“Yes, sweetie,” Steph answers as she arranges the veil. “You’ve found the man of your dreams and today you make him yours forever.”

I smile as I finish lacing up the corset. “He’s perfect for you, Becca. You deserve all the happiness in the world. But if he ever fucks up, you know I’ll kick his ass.”

“Oh, don’t I know it. I doubt we have anything to worry about, though. He’s more than I ever imagined I would have.”

If only we could all be so lucky,
I think to myself. I would never admit out loud that what I really want is what my friends have. It’s easier to just keep pretending like I’m happy being single.

There’s a knock on the door and the wedding coordinator comes in.

“We’ve got about five minutes before we start. Are you ready, Ms. Maio?

Becca looks at both of us with a huge smile before answering, “I’m more than ready.”

“I’ll be back soon,” the woman says as she backs out of the room.

“Girls, I have to tell you something,” Becca says reaching out for our hands. Stephanie and I each take one and then each other’s so we’re forming a circle.

“This is the most important day of my life, and I wouldn’t have it without the two of you. You’ve become my sisters over the years, and I don’t know what my life would be like without you in it. I want you to know that I cherish your friendship and your willingness to come out here and help me avoid my mother,” she says with a chuckle. “Seriously, you girls are my family, no matter what.”

I can feel the tears prick at the back of my eyes, and when I look at Stephanie, she’s trying to hold it together.

“Before we ruin our makeup, let me say this. You two are my only friends in the world. I don’t trust anyone else like I do you. So, let’s all agree that we’re sisters, we love each other, Becca’s marrying her Prince Charming, and we’re going to party tonight.”

They both stare at me silently until Becca starts laughing.

“Leave it to you, Christin, to make an emotional moment more tolerable. Let’s go get me married off,” Becca says, linking arms with us and pulling us out of the room.