Deadly Embrace Jackie Collins (the reader ebook .TXT) 📖

nothin’ yet.’

‘I don’t like it when you speak to me like that,’ she complained.

‘You’d better go, before I say something I might regret,’ Vincent said, waving her away with a dismissive gesture.

Jenna’s blue eyes filled with tears. Sometimes she didn’t understand her husband one little bit. He wasn’t her boss, and it was about time he stopped treating her like an employee.

The two women left.

‘What’s on your mind?’ Vincent asked, turning to his partner.

Nando picked up his champagne glass and took a long swig. ‘Got a proposition.’

‘Yeah?’

‘We’ve always been partners an’ shit,’ Nando continued, ‘so I didn’t wanna do something without givin’ you a chance to get in on the action.’

‘What action?’

‘I got a couple of acquaintances who own the Manray strip joint. You know the place I mean?’

‘Yes, it’s a real sleazy dive.’

‘Sure it is,’ Nando agreed. ‘Half the girls are hookin’ on the side, an’ the rest are busy doin’ drugs. Only we got an opportunity to buy it, make it a classy operation–y’know, put in a hot restaurant, top-of-the-line girls. Vegas is changing, Vin. For the last ten years it’s been all about family. Now fuck family, it’s back to the basics. Girls an’ gamblin’. Whaddaya think?’

‘Who owns the place?’

‘Leroy Fortuno and Darren Simmons.’

‘Jesus, Nando,’ Vincent said in disgust. ‘Those guys are bad news. We run a clean operation. Why ruin our reputation?’

‘I’m talkin’ plenty cash,’ Nando said persuasively. ‘The Manray could be a money-making machine.’

‘Hookers and drugs,’ Vincent said, shaking his head. ‘Not my scene.’

‘Like we don’t have hookers workin’ the hotel an’ casino now?’ Nando questioned.

‘Every place does. The difference is they’re on their own–we’re not taking a cut.’

‘Hey, Vin,’ Nando said restlessly, ‘I’m not plannin’ on blowin’ this deal. You don’t wanna come in, I’ll partner with them.’

‘Does Jolie know about it?’

‘You think I tell my wife about business? I’m not completely loco.’ He laughed his crazy laugh. ‘Women got a purpose in life–an’ it sure as hell ain’t business.’

As Jolie and Jenna headed for the ladies’ room, they had to pass through the casino.

Jolie nudged Jenna. ‘Look who’s over there,’ she said, purposely causing trouble.

‘Who?’

‘Your boyfriend, Andy Dale.’

‘Don’t say that!’ Jenna said, blushing. ‘He’s not my boyfriend.’

‘Just f-ing with you,’ Jolie answered with a secretive smile.

‘Anyway,’ Jenna asked, trying to sound casual, ‘where is he?’

‘At one of the blackjack tables.’

‘Oh, goodness!’ Jenna exclaimed excitedly, unable to help herself. ‘Perhaps I should go over and apologize.’

‘For what?’ Jolie asked, amazed at Jenna’s level of complete naïveté.

‘For whatever my husband said to frighten him off.’

‘You were flirting,’ Jolie pointed out.

‘I was not,’ Jenna objected.

‘Looked like it to me.’

‘I think I will go over,’ Jenna decided. ‘I should tell him that Vincent didn’t mean it.’

‘Whatever,’ Jolie said casually. ‘Only remember, if Vincent finds out, you will be in deep trouble.’

‘You wouldn’t tell him, would you?’

‘Why would I?’

‘Because you two are old friends,’ Jenna said quickly. ‘You knew him before I did.’

‘I won’t tell him, okay?’ Jolie said impatiently. ‘Go over there if you must, only try not to make a fool of yourself.’

‘Where will you be?’

‘In the ladies’ room having a smoke,’ Jolie replied. ‘And don’t keep me waiting too long. It wouldn’t be wise for me to go back to the table without you.’

Jenna nodded and, face flushed with anticipation, she set off to apologize to Andy Dale.

‘Don’t hurt me,’ Dani gasped. ‘Please don’t hurt me, I’ll do whatever you say.’

Her heart was thundering in her chest as the intruder held her from behind. He was strong and tall–she could feel the power in his arms.

Without saying a word his hands dropped to her breasts.

Oh, God! Was he going to rape her? Was this what it was about?

Why hadn’t she invited Dean up to her apartment? If he had been with her this would never have happened.

The intruder flicked open the front clasp of her bra, releasing her large breasts.

The tips of his fingers began caressing her nipples.

To her horror, she felt herself becoming aroused. His left hand stayed on her breasts, while his other hand reached down and started pulling up her skirt.

‘No!’ she said sharply. ‘Please! No!’

‘Why not?’ he said. ‘You told me you’d do whatever I said.’

‘Michael!’ she exclaimed, recognizing his voice and spinning round to face him. ‘You bastard! How dare you scare me?’

‘I wanted to see if you’d fight back,’ he said, laughing.

‘You’re not funny,’ she said, reaching for the light switch. ‘I could’ve had a heart attack.’

‘Who, you?’ he said, still laughing. ‘You’re strong as a horse.’

‘I can’t believe you did that to me,’ she said, fastening her bra.

‘And I can’t believe you were out on another date with Mr Perfect. Doesn’t that jerk ever give up?’

‘Just because you’ve hated Dean for years, there’s no need to be rude. If you wanted to run my life, you should’ve married me.’

‘If I’d married you, we wouldn’t still be having sex, would we?’

‘We’re not having sex.’

‘Says who?’ he said, coming after her.

‘What are you doing here?’ she asked, pushing him away. ‘I don’t hear from you in months, and all of a sudden you appear in the middle of the night to scare me.’

‘I’m here. Isn’t that enough?’

‘No. You treat me like crap, Michael, then you expect me to fall gratefully into your arms like you’re God’s gift.’

‘It seems to work for us, doesn’t it?’ he said, walking into the living room. ‘How many years is it now?’

‘Long enough for me to know better,’ she said, wishing he didn’t look so damn good.

‘Want a drink?’ he asked, strolling over to the bar.

‘Help yourself,’ she said sarcastically, taking another long look at him. Yes, he was still the most handsome man she’d ever set eyes on. His dark hair was only slightly flecked with grey, he was in excellent shape, and he’d always been a great dresser. Tall, dark, and handsome. Her weakness.

He fixed himself a hefty Scotch on the rocks. ‘Sure I can’t make you something, baby?’

‘I’m not your baby,’ she said stiffly.

‘You’ve always been my baby,’ he answered. ‘You’re the