Unsurpassed (2 page)

The outside of the Black River Resort and Casino was so
brightly lit, Aubree imagined it could be seen from space. Everything in its
interior gleamed, from the marble check-in counter to the wooden balustrades,
all the way down to the tiny gold details twinkling at her everywhere she
looked. Without a doubt, Aubree knew she would never be able to come up with
the money to stay even one night in a place such as this on her own. This was a
hotel and casino reserved for the highest of rollers.

Even though it was fifty-eight degrees outside, Aubree had
still chosen a deep red, spaghetti-strapped, form-fitting dress for the
evening. Not only did the outfit make her feel desirable, she expected the
place would be hot as Hades after she’d consumed a few drinks. Not to mention
all the body heat once people began crowding in. Ryan and Max looked sexy as
sin in their black tuxedos. She’d spent the thirty-minute drive to the hotel
staring at them both. It was exactly like stepping into a shoe store. When she
stood inside a shoe store, she didn’t know which direction to look first or
what she wanted out of the trip. However, she did know how it would end—with a
quick rush of euphoria followed swiftly by regret and a bill she couldn’t
afford to pay. Nothing good could come of this trip.

The party inside the casino was already in full swing,
leaving little time for Aubree to explore the three-bedroom suite assigned to
them for the weekend. Since she was a guest of a guest, Aubree automatically
chose the smallest of rooms while Ryan and Max simply chose whatever they
seemed to find most convenient. Everything was white, which she found odd. It
made the room appear even more expensive and gave her extra faith in the hotel
staff cleaning crew. Aubree couldn’t imagine living in a place where she could
stain anything at any moment. Tossing her purse on a settee near the bathroom, she
did a quick lipstick and hair repair before heading out to claim her men.

The three met in the center of the suite. Ryan gave her a
once-over. “Yep. You’re still looking hot. Are you ready to get this show on
the road?”

Aubree tugged nervously at the front of her low-cut dress,
hoping against hope her overabundance of cleavage didn’t become a nipple show
before the end of the night. “Please let the alcohol be strong,” she said in
way of answer, causing Max to let out a husky laugh.

“We’ll never find out from here.” Ryan’s reminder spurred
Aubree into action and she headed for the door. With her nerves on edge, Aubree
hoped for the sake of the rest of the partygoers she got at least one shot of
tequila in her before anyone dared to wish her a Merry Christmas. She’d hate to
punch some poor unsuspecting soul in the throat all because they didn’t realize
her parents had died on that day.

With the casino transformed from gambling hall to a winter
paradise, it was obvious great care had been taken to ensure Drew Alexander’s “holiday”
party would offend no one. Everywhere Aubree looked, she saw a different
culture represented. In one corner of the room sat several menorahs. In
another, people sang while beating drums in celebration of Kwanzaa. Along one
wall sat a huge paper horse and people were taking turns writing their names
upon it. Max quietly explained it was a Hong Kong tradition. The horse would be
burned on New Year’s Day, carrying a list of wishes to the gods in its smoke.
Even though Aubree found each tradition interesting in its own right, she still
liked the Christmas tree in the center of the room the best. The gigantic tree
reached almost to the ceiling and every branch held an assortment of ornaments.
A train set circled the base of the spruce while a white rocking chair sat to
its left. A brightly dressed Santa perched in the chair, smiling jovially at
each passerby. Nostalgia swept over Aubree.

Glancing away from the man in red, she found both Max and
Ryan silently watching her. “What?”

“You seemed sad there for a minute,” Ryan explained.

Aubree shook her head. “It’s nothing. I was thinking about
my dad. He used to dress up as Santa each year. I stopped celebrating the
holidays after he died.” She waved her hand at the pair when it looked as if
they were about to begin spilling platitudes. “It’s not a big deal. Please
forget I said anything?”

Max’s jaw hardened as if he bit down his words, but Ryan
opened his mouth seemingly prepared to dismiss her wishes. Luckily, a
wide-shouldered man with a bald head clapped him heartily across the back,
interrupting whatever he’d been about to say.

“Hey man. I’m so glad you could make it.”

To Aubree, Ryan’s smile appeared forced as he returned the
greeting. “Hey Drew. I wouldn’t miss out on this freak show for anything.” Max
chuckled and Aubree groaned at Ryan’s words. Their host turned his laughing
gaze in her direction.

“And who is this enchanting woman you’ve brought with you?”
Drew’s question could’ve been aimed at either man. However, she couldn’t have
said which one since he held her ensnared as the inquiry left his lips. Oh what
delicious lips they were. In spite of his bald head—which had obviously been
shaved—the rest of Drew Alexander was overwhelmingly stunning. Gray eyes, full
lips and deep lines at the corners of his mouth were a few of the weapons he
held in his arsenal. His golden skin and the rumble of his voice completed the
package.

Holding out her hand, Aubree introduced herself when neither
Ryan nor Max jumped to handle the job. “I’m Aubree Holiday.”

Drew’s gaze dropped to where her feet touched the floor,
before skirting up her body and coming to rest on her face. The blatantly
sexual scrutiny left Aubree feeling as if he’d physically run his hands over
each place he looked. Taking her hand between his much larger ones, he slid
closer and lifted her knuckles to his mouth. His warm lips skimmed the top of
her hand as he held her gaze. “Charmed.” The word dripped with lust. He didn’t
let her go even when Max cleared his throat.

Aubree was the one who was charmed but nothing else. In
spite of Drew’s appeal, she recognized his type. She was female, breathing and
therefore a target. He wouldn’t remember her name tomorrow. Tugging her hand
away, Aubree linked her arm through Ryan’s since he was the closest. Max moved
to flank her other side. “Thank you for inviting us, Mr. Alexander. Everything
looks amazing.”

A flash of humor and a bit more interest moved over Drew’s
features at her dismissal. “Please call me Drew, and thank you. This is my
favorite time of year. Not to mention, Sunrise Children’s Hospital is a
wonderful charity. I enjoy finding unique ways to raise money for them. Which
of these two belongs to you?”

The question caught Aubree unawares. She floundered as all
three men stared at her expectantly. Taking her silence as an answer, Drew
somehow managed to—once again—claim her hand. He was leading her away from her
friends before she knew what was happening. She attempted to shoot a pleading
look over her shoulder Drew’s massive form blocked her.

Giving in, Aubree allowed the sexy fighter to escort her to
the paper horse. Pointing at the long line of people waiting to add their name,
he said, “This is the perfect example. Each person in this line has paid a
hundred dollars apiece to have their wish sent up to the gods.”

Effectively distracted, Aubree’s mouth fell open. “A hundred
dollars? I’m not even going to embarrass myself by telling you how many hours I
have to work to earn such an amount.”

A deep, husky laugh fell from Drew’s lips. “I take it you’re
not going to add your name.”

“I think I’ll hold onto my wish so I can eat for the next
week.”

“What sort of work do you do?” he asked, sounding curious.

“I’m an RN at Sunrise Children’s Hospital.” At her answer,
Drew threw his head back in laughter. Aubree found herself smiling at his open
humor. He dressed like a man used to living in style while surrounded by fake
people, but he seemed completely guileless.

Snaking his arm around her waist, he drew her against his
side as he bypassed the line and approached the women taking donations at the
front. Blonde-haired and blue-eyed, each of the three women stood close to six
feet tall. Aubree didn’t doubt they all worked as professional models. Judging
by the way they smiled at Drew, Aubree was also willing to bet they’d give it
up for a night with him.

The girl in the middle was the first to speak. “Good
evening, Mr. Alexander. How may I help you?”

Dropping his arm from her waist, Drew pulled a few bills
from inside his jacket and handed them to the model. “Ms. Holiday would like to
add her name.”

The blonde cut her eyes in Aubree’s direction and smiled. It
wasn’t as welcoming as the one she’d given Drew. Aubree understood. “Of
course,” she said tightly as she held a Sharpie out in Aubree’s direction.
“Please feel free to sign the horse anywhere you can find a blank spot, Ms….did
you say Holiday?” she asked, sounding surprised. “Are you related to Claude
Holiday? If you don’t mind me asking,” she added hastily.

The first genuine smile of the evening touched Aubree’s
lips. “Yes. He was my father.”

Drew’s eyes sharpened, but the model smiled brightly. “I
knew you looked familiar. I was so sad when I heard about your parents’
accident. It’s Mandy.”

At the mention of her name, all the pieces clicked inside
Aubree’s head and she found herself reaching out for the girl at the same time
Mandy squealed. “I cannot believe it’s you,” Aubree said as she hugged her.
“It’s been so long and you’ve really changed.”

Mandy fluffed her hair. “Well, you can’t wear pigtails
forever.”

An irritated huff at her back reminded Aubree she was
holding up the line. She stepped to the side. Drew followed patiently and
Aubree explained. “Mandy’s father worked as a prizefighter for Wright’s Casino.
My dad was his manager.”

“I actually knew your father well,” Drew said, surprising
her. Mandy glanced behind her at the ever-growing line.

“I’m sorry. I have to get back to work, but I’d love to
catch up with you if you’re going to be here all weekend.”

“I am,” Aubree agreed. With a small wave, Mandy jumped back
into the fray. Once they were alone, Aubree asked Drew, “You knew my dad?”

The cocky smile and laughing eyes Drew hid behind before
this point were gone. In their place was a serious version of him she wasn’t
expecting. It made him seem older and—for some reason she couldn’t explain—more
appealing. “He was one of the few people I considered a real friend. Believe it
or not, in my mother’s day, she was a ring-card girl. When she turned up
pregnant with me—out of wedlock—no one wanted anything to do with her, but your
dad gave her a job pushing paperwork.”

Realizing she knew exactly whom he referred to, Aubree
asked, “Your mom is Gigi Alexander?” When he nodded, she struck without
thought, slugging him in the arm. “Shut the fuck up!” He chuckled and she
gasped, horrified by her own actions. She reached over, rubbing the spot where
she’d hit him absently. “Your mom used to sneak me candy when my dad would put
me in time-out. Come to think of it, I really blame her for the ten extra
pounds I can’t ever seem to lose.”

“I’ll be sure to let her know.”

It had been five years since her parents had passed away and
even longer since she’d spoken to anyone outside her family about either one of
them. The crowd around them fell away as Aubree stared up at Drew. “Wow. I
can’t believe how small this world is. My dad would’ve loved knowing Gigi’s son
has gone as far as you have.” She allowed a hint of shame to leak into her
words. “I have a confession. I wasn’t looking forward to this event, but now I’m
really glad I came.”

The blue of Aubree’s eyes twinkled as she made her
confession. For a single moment out of time, Drew forgot where he was. “I
commend your bravery for showing up. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision
considering the theme.”

Aubree’s smile turned into a sad one, making Drew regret the
words. Aubree’s father had been well known and respected in the fighting world.
News of the car accident on Christmas day that claimed the lives of both
Aubree’s parents had moved quickly through the MMA gossip mill. Drew didn’t
want to dampen the mood, but he’d been moved to say something. Unfortunately,
now he was almost desperate to bring the happiness back into her eyes.

“Just think,” he said, allowing a bit of devilry to show.
“If you hadn’t shown up this weekend, you wouldn’t have met me. That would’ve
been a real shame for you.”

Aubree narrowed her eyes, but her grin gave her away. She
was ready to play along. “How do you figure?”

“You would’ve missed your chance to seduce me, and although
I’m not easy, I’m totally worth every moment.”

Her teeth sank into her bottom lip. Drew could see her
fighting back her laughter even as her eyes danced with it. He wasn’t content
to let it stand there. “You’d better get started.” He made a show of looking at
his watch. “I don’t know what time you usually go to bed, but I’ve only got a
few hours left in me. Wine me, dine me,” he paused and smiled roguishly. “Well,
you know the rest.”

Aubree threw back her head laughing loudly, snagging the
attention of everyone nearby. She covered her mouth when several people turned
in their direction. Her eyes swam with tears as she stared at him accusingly.
With a chuckle, he held his hand out to her, pouring on the charm. “I would be
honored if you would spend some time with me this evening. I can’t promise to
behave, but as I said, I am worth it. Not to mention, I’m so good when I’m
being bad.”

She rolled her eyes but linked her fingers through his.
Feeling triumphant, he led her toward the high-roller room. She leaned closer
to him, lowering her voice for only him to hear. “Just so you know, I would
totally rock your world.”