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Category: Erotica/Erotic Romance/Romance
Description: Genre: Erotic Contemporary

Holly Perkins can't believe her luck when she runs into the illustrious Deacon Burke in Vegas. Deacon is a force to be reckoned on the tables and in business, and when he propositions her with a night of sex and the keys to a good game of Black Jack she's hardly in a position to resist. A big game awaits her the next morning.

Their one night of passion leads to a discovery that they're after the same thing--the Pleasure Palace. Holly believes she has what it takes to win the Pleasure Palace from the business tycoon: She's sassy and sexy, brazen, and smart.

The stakes are high, but both have what it takes to come out on top. Who will lose and who will win in this game of all or nothing? Who will have the courage to say 'hit me'?

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Bondage, spanking, voyeurism.

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Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [113 KB]
Words: 24317
Reading time: 69-97 min.

Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking through the door.

Deacon rubbed his eyes. They burned from sleep deprivation, and the bright lights didn't help. It was nearing midnight, but who could tell in the city that never slept? He glanced up at the majestic building. The four golden crowns made it look like a true palace. It had been designed with that in mind. Darius Burke had wanted to build a casino that reminded people of royalty. He'd wanted them to feel like they were special when inside. For years he'd succeeded.

Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking through the door.

Sure he'd changed it a bit to suit his needs, but that was his prerogative.

The flight from Hong Kong seemed to drag on longer than it should have, but he'd closed the deal. They would gain a foothold in Hong Kong with their latest fragrance. The time had arrived for him to close another deal. The most important one.

Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking through the door.

Deacon adjusted the laptop bag dangling from his left shoulder. He lifted his right foot and placed it on the concrete stair. Gold speckles glittered in the front staircases leading to the entranceway.

Each step was painful to his weary feet and heavy heart. He hadn't set foot inside the casino, or Vegas for that matter, in nearly ten years. But the day had finally arrived. He was coming home. Deacon Burke was one step away from reclaiming what rightfully belonged to his family--the Pleasure Palace.

When his father owned the Palace, the Pleasure part of the casino hadn't existed. Deacon could see his father rolling over his grave imagining the things that took place there. Not that Deacon minded. Despite the pain and unease he felt in Vegas, the pleasure always revived.

He stifled a moan.

Maybe he'd partake in a little fun before meeting with the current owner. Why not try out the merchandise? Not that it would change his mind about reclaiming the casino. It belonged to the Burkes, and Deacon would stake his claim, no matter what stupid stipulations they put on him.

Only a few steps stood between him and the front door. He sucked in a deep breath.

Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking through the door.

"You can do this."

"Do what?" a sexy voice asked.

Startled, Deacon turned to see who had heard him. Standing next to him was a gorgeous woman. Dressed in a dark blue business suit, she carried a red bag in her hand. Her long, flowing auburn hair cascaded around her shoulders. She wore a smile that shone even in the lights.

"Nothing," he muttered.

"Don't you just love it here?" Her blue eyes radiated the excitement her voice conveyed.

"Yeah, it's great." How could he tell her he loathed the city and everything it stood for? He wanted to forget the city that took his father's life. Yet he wanted back what was rightfully his, and he wouldn't let anyone stand in his way. Deacon Burke was no pushover.

"Name's Holly." She extended a manicured hand, which he accepted. She moved closer.

"Deacon." Her skin felt soft in his. Need passed through him. He was drawn to her. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt an instant attraction to someone from a mere handshake. She looked vaguely familiar, though he couldn't place her face.

Holly leaned in and whispered, "Are you here to play the tables or try your luck with more exotic pleasures?"

The question caught him off guard. Her feathery, soft voice tickled his ear. He wasn't here for either.

"Business."

And maybe a little pleasure if I can convince you to spend a night with me.

"Me too, but I'm hoping to get in a game of blackjack while I'm here."

"A cardsharp, huh?" Deacon knew his way around a blackjack table. He'd started playing with his father when he was barely out of diapers.

"Nah, but I've always wanted to learn."

"Really? I just so happen to know a lot about the game."

Holly moved closer, and Deacon inhaled her sunflower scent. Her hand touched his arm, and heat coursed through him. She truly was a beautiful woman.

"Maybe you could give me a few pointers."

She was flirting with him. She was overdressed to be a hooker; most professionals didn't dress in business suits. Deacon found himself attracted to and intrigued by Holly. He'd like to give her more than a few pointers. What he wanted to do was press that sexy body against a wall and fuck her silly.

"Sure," he said. "Do I know you from somewhere?"

"I don't believe so."

Deacon couldn't help but wonder where he'd seen her before. He didn't normally forget a face. Maybe if he spent more time with her, he'd figure it out.

"I swear I've seen you before. Do you spend a lot of time in Southern California?"

"No, I'm more of an East Coast dweller."

"Hmmm." He was certain they'd crossed paths before.

"Let's head in." Holly stepped aside. Was she waiting for him to guide the way? Deacon was too much a gentleman to walk in front of a woman.

"After you." He extended his arm, allowing her to move ahead.

Holly took the final steps, while Deacon admired the curvy outline of her ass in the snug skirt. The sway of her butt caused his cock to ache. He moved his attention away from that distraction and focused on her legs. Her calf muscles tightened as she expertly made her way up the concrete stairs in four-inch heels. Damn, he'd never understand how women could possibly walk in those things. He didn't miss the fact that her bright pink shoes stood out against her suit.

She turned. "Coming?"

He damn well hoped so.

Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking through the door.

Taking the final steps was easier when he had Holly waiting for him. He trailed a pace behind her, enjoying the view.

This woman marched to her own drummer. She reeked of confidence. Her aura told him she wasn't a woman to be messed with.

Who are you, Holly, and what are you doing in Vegas?

"I've heard some kinky stuff goes on in the top floor." She giggled, and it melted his heart.

Shit, she had an effect on him that he didn't like. Instant attractions weren't Deacon's thing, yet he was drawn to her.

"I've heard the same."

"Ever considered trying it out?"

"Is that an offer? Because if it is, I'm accepting."

Holly blinked twice. A small smile formed on Deacon's lips. He'd shocked her with the blunt statement. Now he waited with bated breath for her answer.

"I thought you'd never ask."

She could tell she'd stunned him. Shit, she'd surprised herself when the words blurted out. She wasn't the type to accept offers so brazenly, but this felt right. There was an instant attraction to him, one she wanted to explore.

Holly watched as Deacon pinched his lips together. He was lost in thought. Was he second-guessing his offer? She sure hoped not.

The front door awaited them. She reached her arm out, but Deacon placed his hand on her shoulder. Heat soared through her skin and ran rampant through her blood. "Wait."

Damn, you aren't going to change your mind, are you?

"How about we have a drink in the bar and get to know one another. Maybe after we can hit the card tables, and then we can see if we're both still interested in pursuing a room on the top floors," he added.

He had a point. Jumping into bed with him without getting to know him wasn't a good idea, but her body ached for his touch.

She needed a stiff drink to unwind her tangled nerves. After a few drinks she could learn a few points about blackjack, and if all went well--a round of hot sex. The combination was exactly what she wanted to ease her fears.

A big game awaited tomorrow--one that could make or break her.

She turned on her heels and moved forward before he could change his mind.

"Do you even know where you're going?" Deacon asked, stepping up beside her.

She shrugged. She didn't know exactly where to go, but she knew her final destination--the top floor for screeching monkey sex.

"No, but I know where I want to end up."