Dominick
I was furious, my adrenaline keeping my heart racing. Marco's call had been unexpected, at least so soon, which meant that whatever asshole was in charge of the drug ring had no fear. If any of the goons showed up in the casino, my casino tonight, there would be significant bloodshed. At least I'd been warned.
But that wasn't the only aspect of growing frustration.
Caroline.
She also had no fear of facing punishment. Her disregard for her position was infuriating as well as enticing.
She was getting under my skin.
"A casino. I should have guessed," she said quietly as she leaned forward in her seat. Even with her chastising tone, I could see excitement in her eyes, shining like glitter.
"You'll find this much more than simply a casino, Caroline. There is very little that isn't offered, every passion ignited, and desire fulfilled."
She laughed as an answer, the sound hell bent on driving me wild.
I almost turned her over my knee, giving her a severe spanking. She was goading me as usual, tempting both my anger and my libido. However, tonight was about business.
As Bruno came around to her side of the SUV first, I gripped her wrist once again. "I meant what I said, Caroline. You're going to meet some very powerful people. If anyone approaches you and I'm not around, seek out Bruno. You stay where he can see you at all times. You have no idea how many enemies I have, and word of your existence will get around very fast."
Her eyes trailed down to my hand then back up, giving me a slight nod and a hint of her sparkling laughter. "I'll be a good little girl and the perfect eye candy, just like the devil requires."
Damn the woman. She would need to learn a hard lesson, and that would come later. I clenched then flexed my fingers before shifting my aching cock.
I held my breath as Bruno helped her out of the vehicle, easing out into the snowy evening. There were hundreds of cars in the above ground parking lot, even more protected in the secured underground facility. Everything about the casino catered to the upper echelon of society, providing high rollers with expansive suites and utter decadence. There was also a very special menu for the most discerning customers, one where they could opt to obtain almost anything or anyone they desired, including the darkest forms of kink.
For a hefty price of course.
After climbing out, I adjusted my tux jacket and scanned the surrounding area. I'd done as much digging as possible about what we'd been calling street thugs. From what I'd been able to piece together, they were well organized in both plan and execution. That negated the concept they were nothing but stupid kids banding together for a cause.
The threat was increased significantly. We'd had some issue with drug cartels before, able to squash their infiltration quickly, but the timing was terrible. Tonight would be prime for the perpetrators to infiltrate drugs, even calling the cops after vacating the premises. However, my gut told me there was a more exclusive reason they were ceremoniously terrorizing my mules. Time would tell.
I held out my arm toward Caroline. She was dazzling and certainly much more than eye candy. "Who's here tonight?" My question was directed at Bruno.
"Angelo and his entire crew. Jasper and his boys are scouring the streets, Jo-Jo taking control."
"Good idea. Make certain they do continuous sweeps. If they see anything, and I do mean anything out of the ordinary, let me know immediately. Is the manager also aware?"
Bruno slanted his eyes in her direction. "As much as is necessary. There are some heavy influencers here tonight."
"As I would expect." I felt her tensing. "Your number one job is Caroline's protection tonight."
"Yes, boss." Bruno didn't hesitate. There was no emotion, no arrogance, and certainly no push back. He was the perfect employee. If only I had a few others like him.
"I can take care of myself. I'm a big girl." Caroline remained haughty.
"Don't forget our rules, sweet Caroline, because I won't hesitate to discipline you in front of others if necessary."
"I don't believe you. Tonight holds some level of significant importance to you. I highly doubt you'll interfere with your stellar reputation by bothering to discipline me." Her words were laced with ice but said oh-so sweetly.
"I will do as necessary and every day of my life has importance. Now, shall we enjoy the evening?" I was amused when she plastered on the same smile I'd seen at her father's function, holding her head high as I escorted her inside. I could tell she was impressed, the single breathless sound pushing past her delicate lips as provocative as always.
"Mr. Lugiano. Welcome. We're very happy to have you here." The girl's voice held genuine surprise. "Please, allow me to take your guest's coat."
Caroline held out her hand, every bit as regal as I imagined her to be. "Caroline Hargrove."
"Oh. My." Melissa almost dropped the coat in her effort to shake Caroline's hand. "You're Senator Hargrove's daughter. I'm thrilled, I mean for you both. Wow, this is amazing. Your usual table is prepared, sir. Would you like me to escort you?"
"That won't be necessary, Melissa, but if you don't mind, send over a bottle of Krug. A 1995."
"Absolutely, sir. And again, congratulations." Melissa was far more excited than she should be and if my calculations were correct, the information would become public knowledge within a matter of minutes.
"Thank you," Caroline answered as she felt for the necklace, her eyes sweeping the entire room.
"Already royalty," I whispered, taking my time and leading her through the foyer. "When my father purchased the casino, it was completely run down. It took crews almost two full years to bring her back to her prime. We added a wing of suites, as well as private high-stakes games and brought in the finest chefs from all over the world. As I said, this is far more than just a casino."
"Impressive, but I have to ask, is there legitimate money being made?"
Sighing, I could tell the night would prove to be interesting.
"Dominick Lugiano. Slumming it tonight, I see."
I shook my head, hearing the man's voice. "Dick. I certainly didn't expect to see you here. How is that special task force you developed on organized crime?" I kept the grin on my face as we shook hands. While everyone wanted to believe that Dick was just another nemesis, he'd become more of an ally during the last two years.
Especially since I supplied certain proclivities the man craved, keeping his very dark secrets.