Free Rise of the Notorious by Katie Jennings

substance, it would be interesting to go head-to-head with a man who clearly prioritized his appearance over his job. Then again, he was forty years old with a new wife. Perhaps married life would weed out the bad parts of his nature.
    “As you know, our grandfather had this casino first commissioned in 1974,” Duke began, admiring their surroundings proudly. “The hotel has undergone three renovations since then, the most recent just two years ago when we expanded into an all inclusive resort. Cyrus demanded that we be the biggest, tallest, and most luxurious casino on the Strip. And so it was done.”
    “It’s beautiful,” Madison said, her eyes drinking their fill as she took in the casino fully. “I’m proud to be a part of it now.”
    “You’ll love it here.” Duke grinned down at her with a wink. “This city has it all, honey. It grips you by the throat and doesn’t let you go. You’ll never get lonely and you’ll never be hungry for a thrill.”
    As he spoke they passed by the blackjack tables, and she couldn’t resist chancing another look at the dealer. He was busy entertaining some guests, his smile quick and brilliant, his long, bronzed hair framing a face more ruggedly handsome than any she had ever seen.
    She knew, then and there, that by the end of the night she would know him. She would accept nothing less.
    “Duke, I’d love to play a game of blackjack.” Madison smiled, pulling him toward the table casually. “I’ve never played before.”
    “If you’d like,” Duke replied happily. As they came up to the table and Madison slid into one of the empty seats, he held out his hand to the dealer in greeting. “How’s it going, Wyatt?”
    “Just fine, sir.” The dealer nodded, shaking his boss’ hand. “Should I let Sharon know that I spotted you with another woman?”
    Duke burst into laughter, his hand companionably resting on Madison’s shoulder. “That won’t be necessary. This is my cousin, Madison. She’s here from New York to help manage the restaurants.” He turned his attention back to Madison. “Honey, this is Wyatt Bailey, one of our best dealers.”
    “One of? I’m hurt, Duke. I thought I was your favorite.” Wyatt grinned with a wink before turning his attention to the young woman before him with the dark witchy eyes and vixen smile. “You’re a long way from home, sweetheart. You miss New York?”
    “Not yet,” she told him, her eyes intent on his. “Show me how the game is played, Mr. Bailey. I’m eager to learn.”
    “I’ll bet you are.” Wyatt held her gaze as he began shuffling a deck of cards for a new game, his hands effortlessly cruising over the green felt table.
    She couldn’t help but lower her eyes to watch his movements, captivated. He continued to watch her as he dealt out one card face down, and another face up directly in front of her. She noted the visible card was a ten of spades.
    Madison looked up to him for instruction, unsure what to do.
    “Take a peek at the upside down card. The goal is for the cards to add up to twenty-one. You can request a third card—a hit—from me, although if you go over twenty-one you lose.”
    Tilting her card up carefully, she noted it was a five of hearts. Her eyes lifted back to his, her lips curving.
    “Hit me.”
    He found he had to discreetly clear the lump from his throat, a direct result from the blatant sexuality she put into her voice, into her every movement. She was a walking wet-dream. And she was the cousin of his boss, which meant he would be wise to tread lightly where she was concerned.
    Sliding a third card smoothly out from the deck, he slapped it down in front of her. When she saw it was a six of diamonds, she couldn’t help the excited laugh that bubbled out of her throat.
    “I won!” She turned over her hidden card, showing him. Turning to her cousin, she smiled. “Too bad I didn’t bet anything.”
    Duke laughed, patting her on the back cheerfully. “You’d rob the house