Free Riding Dirty by Abriella Blake Page A

child’s. “You might at least attempt to show some class, and compliment my appearance. If it’s not too much of a strain.”
    Bronson worked hard to keep his features blank. “You look adequate.”
    Rowan’s brow wrinkled. It was the look she used on people when they tried to count cards, and revealed a harsh and final condemnation. “ Adequate ?”
    “Yeah.” Bronson shrugged. “Sellable. I’d bang you.”
    Rowan’s head shook unconsciously, incredulous. “I give up. You’re a total fucking animal.”
    “You have no idea, blondie.”
    “Rowan, damn it. Call me Rowan.”
    “Let’s go, blondie.”
    Gritting her teeth, Rowan accepted Bronson’s arm and stepped into character.
    Phase one was on, and the pair set about creating the illusion of a normal evening between a celebrity and his expensive escort. Rowan and Bronson were ushered attentively by the Encore’s staff into a taxi, and within minutes disembarked at the grand entrance of Caesar’s Palace. The white façade stretched into the night sky with all the majesty of ancient Rome with the added benefit of multi-millions of dollars’ worth of lighting effects, landscaping, and air conditioning. Though they were nowhere to be seen, Rowan knew that the other three Ruiners men were somewhere close.
    As the pair made their way through the casino floors and shopping centers, Rowan found herself swept away in the glittering ebb and flow of how the other half lived. Ramsey’s celebrity gained them instant attention and access to the finest amenities. There were no waits, no questions, and no limits.
    To set the stage for their heist, Ramsey treated his lady friend to a cocktail at the most exclusive club on the casino grounds. Heads swiveled in the VIP lounge to inspect the Heavyweight Champion’s new arm candy when they arrived, and interested parties of all genders watched hungrily as the attractive couple wound to the dance floor. The DJ was on fire, sending pulsations of energy through the bodies of everyone in the room as flicks of silver light flashed through the mob.
    Eager to do her part to build buzz, Rowan coquettishly pressed herself against Bronson’s body as they swayed to the music, boldly smiling into his eyes. Her proximity and appeal were not lost on anyone, least of all Bronson. Seizing the opportunity, he let his hands wander to the nape of her neck as he ensnared her in a kiss. His pulse hammered when her lips softened against his, the scent of her perfume intoxicating him.
    This was the precise mix of business and pleasure that Bronson Ramsey liked the best.
    Content that they’d made the requisite splash and careful not to allow himself to get too wild, Bronson deliberately lifted his lips from Rowan’s delicious mouth. With a wry smile, he let his calloused hand slide to the bare small of her spine, applying a light pressure to steer her off the dance floor. Rowan stifled a gasp of shock at the intimate touch and obediently followed his lead, aware of the way men looked at her as she moved.
    They meandered together out of the lounge door and past the long line of waiting patrons, Rowan laughing and flirting and resting her head on Bronson’s shoulder as they walked. It wasn’t hard for Bronson to show everyone that he was enjoying her company. Even idle passers-by found themselves briefly wishing that they were one or the other of the glamorous pair. They took their time strolling through the casino, and soon enough they were situated in the high-roller room.
    Phase two of the plan was kicking into high gear. Bronson ordered bottle service, played cards, and kept Rowan in physical contact at all times. Her hand was in his hair, her lucky breath on his cards. His arm around her hips, his hand seeking out hers. As she had been instructed, Rowan was sociable and friendly with the other gamers, but made a point of continually glancing at Bronson to make sure to receive his nod of encouragement. This effectively established their