Passion, Power, and Privilege (Siren Publishing Classic) Read online

  The butler arrived, delivering a message that their dinner reservations had been made, and that three masseuses would arrive within the hour to pamper them. He took their drink order.

  It was almost one hundred degrees outside when Kate dipped her toes into the pool. A masseuse arrived, having been let in by the butler. “Shall we set up by the pool?”

  “Will that be too hot?”

  “We can set up a misting station.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  Within minutes, the girls were being pampered.

  “Okay, Laura,” Kate said, “tell me about Thomas. I didn’t want to ask at the house, but…how did this happen?”

  Laura sighed. “It’s been a whirlwind.”

  “How long have you been dating?” Isabelle asked.

  “Three or four weeks, now.”

  “Details!” Kate urged.

  “We ran into each other at the club. I was there to play tennis, but my partner cancelled. He was scheduled for a lesson, but asked me if I’d prefer to play a match with him instead. It just…happened. Simple. Easy. Comfortable.” She paused as the masseuse ran her thumbs down her back. “After the match, he asked me if I’d join him for a drink, and three hours later, we were still sitting there talking.”

  “He’s lovely,” Isabelle added. “He seems very kind.”

  “He is,” Laura confirmed. “He’s very easygoing and easy to talk to.” She continued with her story. “We had dinner that Friday night, then a movie on Saturday…We play tennis twice a week and I think we’ve had a dozen dates since.”

  Kate lifted her head, “And…”

  Laura turned her head to look at her friend, her cheeks turning red as she blushed deeply. “You were right,” she responded. “Having sex is much better than not having sex.”

  “Hear, hear,” Isabelle added emphatically.

  “It’s good?” Kate asked, pushing her friend for details.

  “It’s exceptional.” Laura smiled. “And rather addictive.”

  “Yes…it…is,” Kate agreed.

  Laura sighed. “Okay…now I miss him.”

  “We’ll have to distract you,” Isabelle added. “I think we need to do some gambling before dinner.”

  They dressed for their evening out. Isabelle wore a tight blue bandage dress. It fit her hourglass shape, her baby bump protruding slightly. She paired it with designer heels. “Pregnant women everywhere are jealous,” Laura exclaimed when she entered the room.

  Kate had selected a silk-organza dress in pink and white. “Let’s take a quick photo,” Kate suggested, as they were about to head out the door. The butler snapped the picture with Kate’s phone. She texted the image to Brad.

  Kate shared his response with her friends as they stepped into the elevator.

  I’m getting on a plane.

  “Would he?” Laura asked.

  “He would…but he won’t,” Kate assured her.

  Heads turned as they exited the elevator and walked through the lobby. Even the lights and sounds of the casino weren’t enough to hold the attention of men as the three ladies walked by.

  Isabelle led them straight to a double-deck Blackjack table. The dealer quickly set them up with chips. The table minimum play was fifty dollars. They had played just one round before they were joined by four well-dressed gentlemen. A waitress appeared, taking their drink order. Within three rounds, Kate was able to keep track of cards that had been played. By the time their drinks arrived, Kate was up by seven hundred dollars. Laura and Isabelle were up by three hundred.

  They won and they lost, but by the time Kate had finished her second drink, she had a considerable pile of chips in front of her. Her stomach growled, and she realized they had been playing for some time. Not wearing a watch, she asked the gentleman next to her. “Could you tell me the time?” She pointed to his wrist.

  He pulled up his sleeve, glancing at his watch. “It’s almost seven o’clock.”

  “Thank you.” She turned to her friends. “Laura, Isabelle…should we wrap up for now? Dinner is in less than half an hour.” They agreed, playing one more hand before coloring up their chips.

  “We’d love to have you join us for dinner,” one player said as they stepped away from the table.

  Isabelle politely shut them down before heading to the restaurant.

  After dinner, they walked outside, stopping to take in the aquatic extravaganza at the Bellagio Fountains. The music filled Kate’s soul as she took in the magnificent power of the water as it jumped in time to the music. “Happy Birthday, Kate,” Laura whispered as the show concluded.

  Kate could hear Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” in her head as they walked back into the bustling casino. The closing scene from Ocean’s Eleven replaying in her mind.

  When she arrived back in her room, she sent a quick text to Brad.

  I’m sure you’re already asleep. I’m back and safe in bed.

  Alone?

  Yes, alone! Laura wasn’t in a snuggling mood.

  Did you get hit on tonight?

  There were a few failed attempts. Isabelle has a way of making men feel like a million bucks while she’s telling them to fuck off.

  Did you win at the tables?

  I did.

  How much?”

  Enough to cover tomorrow’s shopping expedition.

  There was a brief pause.

  What are you wearing?

  The pink lacy panties you pulled off me last week. She wasn’t really sure when she had last worn them, but didn’t figure it mattered.

  Take them off.

  She did, and then snapped a photo of her bare hips and bottom and sent it to him.

  Do you have any idea what I want to do to you right now?

  Tell me.

  His response was detailed. She ached for him. She closed her eyes, as a shiver of delight ran through her body as she spread her legs, her fingers instantly becoming damp as she pressed them into her pussy. She ran her slippery finger up her lips, imaging it was his tongue, feeling her labia swell. She circled her clit, softly pressing as more hot fluid gathered. Her fingers sank deep into her vagina, probing.

  She snapped another photo from between her legs, her fingers wet and slippery. The angle of the image showed her pussy, her abs, her swollen breasts, and an expression of delight on her face. She sent it to Brad.

  Holy fuck.

  Her fingers swirled as she read his message, gasping at the thought of him looking at the photo. She struggled to type out a message as her muscles twitched in delight.

  I’m so wet. I want your cock inside me.

  I want you to come.

  I can’t. Not without you. She was on the edge, his messages a pleasant distraction from coming too quickly.

  Your breasts look so lonely. God, I wish I could kiss them.

  She pulled her wet fingers up from her pussy, twirling them around one hard nipple, shocked at how much enjoyment it produced.

  You are. And, it feels good.

  Damn, Kate. You’re driving me crazy. Please come.

  She slipped her fingers back to her throbbing pussy, swirling them around her clit, faster and faster. She had to bite her lip to keep from screaming out as she came.

  Please tell me you came with me.

  I came about ten seconds after you sent that photo.

  I miss you.

  I love you. I’ll show you how much, when you get home.

  Good night, love.

  She pulled the covers up over her body and deleted the string of messages and photos from her phone before falling peacefully asleep.

  * * * *

  They slept late the next morning, requesting that they not be disturbed until noon. They sat sipping coffee discussing their plan for the day as they waited for lunch to arrive.

  “I’ve got some shopping to do.” Isabelle smiled as she pushed back from her empty plate. “I think it’s time to get dressed and see what kind of damage we can do at Via Bellagio.”

 
; An hour later they were sauntering down the spacious walkway. The first stop was at Louis Vuitton. Kate purchased a Cover Bloc writing pad for her office and an Eva Clutch handbag. She added a graphite-colored Keepall travel bag for Brad.

  At Fred Leighton, Isabelle selected a pair of natural pearl and diamond pendant earrings.

  At Hermes, Laura purchased a Red Victoria Tote bag.

  As they passed the windows of Dior, Kate stopped in her tracks, staring at the dress in the window. “That’s the dress,” she whispered.

  “Wedding dress?” Laura asked, surprised Kate hadn’t already found something to wear.

  Isabelle stopped to look at the strapless white organza dress that had captivated Kate’s attention. “It’s beautiful,” Isabelle confirmed. “Go try it on.”

  As they entered the store, a clerk appeared, eager to serve them. Kate pointed to the dress in the window. “Do you have that in a size two?”

  “We do,” the clerk responded, “In fact, I think the dress on display is a size two. Let me check.”

  Isabelle browsed the racks as they waited. “I can’t believe you don’t already have a dress,” Laura exclaimed.

  “I haven’t seen anything that I’ve liked.”

  The clerk returned with the dress over her arm. “Size two,” she said with a smile. “Shall I set up a dressing room?”

  Kate beamed. “Please.” She slipped into the strapless dress, and admired the reflection in the mirror before stepping out to unveil the dress to her friends.

  Laura gasped as Kate stepped out. “It’s stunning!”

  Kate smoothed her hands over the delicate embroidered crystals that covered the dress from top to bottom, starting clear white at the top, gradually shifting in color to an array of pink and purple at the mid-calf hem. They sparkled, reflecting the light and color around them. Kate walked across the floor, the full crinoline-filled skirt swaying as she took each step. “This is exactly what I was looking for.” She beamed. “Bridal, but fun, sexy, and full of color.”

  “Bradley will love it,” Isabelle added.

  The clerk brought over an assortment of shoes to pair with the dress. The first pair were too plain. The second were too white against the rich color. When the clerk pulled the third pair from the box, Laura squealed. “Those are perfect!”

  Kate slipped into the delicate point-toe pump. The heel was white, with a unique concave inset. A sweeping gold strap ran from the ankle to the base of the arch, leading to a pink toe box.

  She strolled through the store, noticing that bystanders were stopping to stare. “What do you think?” she asked her friends, returning to the dressing area. They were all smiles.

  “It suits you perfectly.”

  “I think I want to get married all over again,” Isabelle said enviously.

  Kate turned to the clerk. “I’ll take it. All of it.”

  The clerk smiled. “Shall I have your purchases sent to your room?”

  “Yes please,” Kate responded, providing the clerk with the necessary details.

  As they exited the store, Kate wanted to jump up and down. “Let’s hit the pool. Time to soak up some sun.”

  “Let’s go to the main pool,” Laura added. “I’m in the mood for some people watching.”

  They returned to the villa, their purchases arrived just as they were ready to escape to the pool. Kate snuck another peek at the dress that had been carefully hung and covered in a heavy garment bag.

  The pool was crowded with mid-afternoon sunbathers. Laura quickly claimed a set of lounge chairs that had been vacated by a young couple. Heads turned as Kate pulled off her sarong wrap, revealing a bright purple tri-top micro bikini.

  “Yowza,” Laura whispered, glancing at her friend. “Does Brad know you packed that?”

  “He bought it for me.” She smiled.

  Isabelle and Laura settled into their chairs, spreading lotion to protect against the intense sun as Kate slipped into the pool. By the time she returned to the deck chairs, a small group of thirty-something men were standing by. Kate barely needed a towel, the heat drying her skin instantly. “Excuse me,” she said as she moved between two of the very attractive men. Laura shifted her feet, making room for Kate to sit down.

  “Bachelorette party?” one guy asked.

  “Birthday,” Laura replied, pointing at Kate. She was clearly enjoying the attention.

  “Your thirtieth?”

  She laughed, leaning back on her arms. “Only if forty is the new thirty…”

  “Well, let us buy you a birthday drink, pretty girl?”

  “That’s a kind offer”—she smiled—“but she’s pregnant”—she pointed to Isabelle—“I’m engaged,” she added, flashing her ring, then she pointed to Laura. “And I promised her boyfriend I’d bring her home unscathed.”

  “Damn,” one cursed. They turned to leave. Walking away, she heard one mutter to his friends. “MILF.”

  “What’s MILF?” Isabelle asked, unfamiliar with the slang.

  “It’s not a what, it’s a who,” Laura giggle.

  “And I’m pretty sure it’s you.” Kate laughed.

  Another set of chairs became vacant, and Kate quickly pulled one over as Laura ordered drinks. “What’s it feel like?” Kate asked Isabelle, pointing to her belly.

  “It feels like I have an alien swimming around in there.”

  “You do.” Laura laughed. “Just wait until he or she a teenager, and you’ll find out how alien they are.”

  “How far along are you, now?”

  “Just over twenty weeks. Halfway.”

  “Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?”

  “I do.” She smiled. “But Richard wants it to be a surprise, so I’m not allowed to tell anyone. You’ll just have to wait and see.”

  Kate smiled, happy for her friend. Their drinks arrived.

  “Do you know Thomas’s ex-wife?” Laura asked.

  Kate sat back, deep in thought. “I’ve met her a few times, but haven’t seen her in a long time. What was her name?”

  “Shannon, I think,” Laura answered.

  “Right.” Kate instantly remembered. “Aghh. She was always miserable. It was exhausting talking to her. She complained constantly.” Kate paused. “When I think about it, I can’t believe he stayed with her for so long.”

  “They’re divorced?” Isabelle asked.

  Kate nodded. “At least a year ago.”

  “Kids?”

  “His two daughters are in college.”

  “He has great hair,” Isabelle added, making Kate laugh.

  “And a really nice ass,” Laura added as she stood and walked toward the pool.

  Kate was still laughing when the waitress delivered three cocktails.

  “We didn’t order drinks.”

  “These are compliments of the gentlemen over there,” she responded, pointing to three very attractive men.

  “We can’t accept these,” Isabelle said.

  Kate reached for a glass. “Well, we can’t let them go to waste.” She raised her glass toward the three men before taking a long sip of the fruity drink. “Happy birthday to me!”

  Laura sat down just as the three men approached, introducing themselves. Kate forgot their names instantly. The tall blond with a dark tan sat on the end of her lounge chair. The brunet pulled up a chair while the third sat down on the pool deck, leaning up against Laura’s chair. They made small talk, asking where they were from and what they did for a living. They didn’t believe that she was a lawyer, or the mayor of a large city. Kate noticed that the blond rarely took his eyes off her chest.

  Isabelle leaned forward, tapping him on the knee. “Hey, buddy, eyes up here.” She motioned to her face, and away from Kate’s breasts.

  “Sorry,” he whispered, “but they’re beautiful.”

  “They’re also spoken for,” Kate added, pointing to her ring.

  “It’s Vegas.” He smiled, exposing a set of perfect teeth. “What happens in Vegas—”


  “—ends up on Facebook,” Laura finished. “Not gonna happen.”

  Kate stood. “Sorry, guys. We have a grueling itinerary ahead of us. Have a wonderful evening.” Kate felt his breath on her hips as he sighed when she passed by. His hand ran up the back of her leg and across her bottom. She smiled down at him before slipping into the pool to cool down as Isabelle and Laura thanked them for the drinks.

  “Time to hit the casino,” Laura said as they walked toward the villa.

  “Indeed,” Kate agreed. “See if I can win enough to justify some more shopping.”

  Her phone buzzed on the table as she stepped into the villa. There was a message from Brad. She sent him a text.

  Back from the pool.

  How was it?

  Entertaining.

  Ready for Michael Bublé?

  Very. I miss you. Remind me…why aren’t you here?

  I wasn’t invited.

  I’m an idiot. I love you

  I love you too. Enjoy the show.

  They decided to dress casually for the concert. Kate showered and changed into a pair of tan capris and an ivory blouse over a tank top. She added a wide brown belt, a pair of wedge sandals and accessories.

  They nibbled on a variety of hors d’oeuvres that had been delivered before heading to the casino. They played slots. Laura hit an eight-hundred-dollar jackpot, just as they were about to leave.

  They walked to the MGM Grand Garden Arena. They made their way to the floor seats that were just feet away from the stage.

  Right on schedule, the arena darkened, and the crowd applauded as the orchestra began to play. Minutes passed before the stage lights glimmered. The crowd went wild as the alluring baritone voice slowly crooned out the words to “Feeling Good.” Kate was mesmerized as the stage burst into light, showcasing the instrumental accompanists.

  He sang several numbers before pausing to address the crowd. Kate knew he was entertaining, but found his humor and wit to be particularly charming. The crowd laughed repeatedly before he introduced his next song. Throughout the concert, he engaged the crowd, talking directly to members of the audience. She knew that he had invited members of the audience on stage in the past to sing with him.

  When he finished singing “Haven’t Met You Yet,” he paused.