Page 30 of Vengeful Vows
“Filthy Martini,” he orders.
“Got it,” she promises before hurrying away to key in the order.
“Is that really a thing?” I ask. “Filthy?”
“Extra, extra dirty,” he confirms.
To distract myself more than anything, I reach for the menu and flip through it. There are over thirty choices with extra seasonal offerings and something called Bartender’s Surprise with no description at all, other thanPrepare for liftoff.All the names are super fun and creative. And there is, indeed, a filthy martini offered. “I think you ordered it because you wanted to get a reaction out of me.”
Though he doesn’t say I’m right, his smile acknowledges that I am.
After two sips of my extraordinary drink, I sit back, more relaxed than I have ever been. It’s heady and sweet, and my company is unbelievably attentive.
“How is it?”
Potent.“Maybe the best thing I’ve ever had in my mouth.”
“I’ll have to change that.”
Maybe because of the warmth inside me, I don’t protest. Instead, I study him, absently wondering what life might be like if I agreed to his wild, reckless suggestions.
The rest of our evening is crazy wonderful.
Our seafood dinner is five-star. Then Sergio drives us to the Royal Sterling. I think it’s ridiculous to come all this way for a treat, especially after my earlier brownie and what has to be a thousand-calorie drink, but Marcello tells me he has another surprise in store.
When we arrive, he doesn’t take me for a cupcake. Instead he leads me to the theater where the Sensational Miss Scarlet is starring in her burlesque show. At eighty years old, she’s been a mainstay in Vegas for six decades and has led a scandalous life, if the gossip magazines are correct. Last I read, she plans to marry a recently divorced prince who’s in his thirties. Maybe because of the salacious rumors about her, her show continues to be sold out every night.
On two other visits to Vegas, I tried to get tickets and was unsuccessful. Dating Marcello—if that’s what we’re doing—has its perks.
Five minutes into the show, I realize the sold-out venue has nothing to do with her sensual exploits appearing in the tabloids. She has amazing talent, and I spend every moment riveted to the stage.
After she’s taken her final bow and the houselights start to come up, I turn to Marcello. “That was truly spectacular. Thank you.”
When he told me we were visiting Sin City, I had no idea our trip would be so thrilling.
We make a stop at the cupcake dispenser. There is a dizzying array of choices, including ones I expect, like fudge, red velvet, vanilla, and lemon with cream cheese frosting. But there are others I’m unfamiliar with, and they intrigue me.
When I can’t choose between bacon and maple syrup and Mojito Madness, he makes an executive decision and purchases both over my protests. “You can always finish them for breakfast,” he says, as if that’s a reasonable decision.
In disbelief, I shake my head.
The owners of the machine have thought through everything, and there are small boxes, along with handle bags to carry the treats.
Once we’ve packed up the desserts, he offers me the crook of his elbow, and I slide my arm inside.
We walk across the lobby of the Royal Sterling, taking in the sights. On this quick getaway, I’ve discovered how easy he is to be with, and he makes me feel protected. That’s definitely enhanced by Sergio’s quiet, nearby presence.
Because of Saturday evening traffic, working our way back to the Bella Rosa takes a ridiculous amount of time, but I enjoy every moment, and I appreciate that both men indulge me by driving up the Strip rather than taking an alternate route.
I love the spectacle and the energy of nighttime in Las Vegas. There’s nothing else quite like it in the world.
“How about a nightcap?” he suggests when we arrive back at our hotel.
I shouldn’t. I’ve had more than enough to drink, but I’m not in the least bit tired, despite a long day. It’s been so full and exciting that it will take me forever to unwind.
“Lorenzo is hoping to meet you.”
“Oh?” Marse knows my brother, but this will be the first time I’ve been introduced to anyone in his circle other than Sergio.