Page 40 of Diamonds

And the latter hasn’t pulled into town in a while.

The Diamonds section of Aces Underground shimmers under the low amber glow of hanging glass chandeliers.I walk to the craps table.Its felt is a rich mustard yellow, the edges trimmed in polished brass.

“Mr.Hathaway.”The croupier—Terrence Shellby, according to the nametag on his lapel—flashes me a smile.“We don’t see you in the Diamonds section very often.”

I lean over the table.“Felt like trying something different tonight, Shellby.”

Shellby hands me the dice and I cradle them in my hand.I’m loosened now, the tension in my jaw melted away with the knowledge that Rouge is out tonight.I toss the dice with a flick of my wrist.They tumble across the felt, clinking together as they settle.

“Seven.”Shellby calls.

A ripple of approval spreads through the gathered onlookers.Shellby pushes a stack of golden chips to me.I sweep them toward myself, loosening my tie at the collar and pushing my sleeves up just enough to reveal the sharp cut of my Michael Kors watch beneath my wrist.

“Hot tonight,” purrs a voice at my shoulder.

I turn.A gorgeous woman, short blond hair tucked neatly behind her ear, is watching me with a smile.A golden dress clings to her frame, her manicured nails tapping lightly against the side of a champagne flute.Next to her is a woman with long red hair cascading over one shoulder, the deep crimson of her lips matching the flush on her cheeks.She wears a sleek black dress with thin gold chains draped over her collarbones.

The blonde smirks at me.“Pia.My name.”

“Pleasure.”

The redhead crosses to my other side and wraps her arms around my bicep.“And I’m Serafina, darling.Your luck holding out?”Her voice is low and husky.She could be a phone sex operator.

“We’ll have to see.”I roll the dice again.They skitter across the table, landing cleanly.

"Eleven!"

The table erupts with a chorus of approval.Shellby slides another pile of chips toward me.Pia’s hand finds my arm, her fingers light and soft as silk.

She glances at Serafina.“I think we’ve found our entertainment for the evening.”

Serafina’s eyes narrow slightly, a faint smile curving her lips.“At this rate, we may have to buy him a drink.”

I chuckle.“Only if I lose.”

I pick up the dice again, feeling the heat of the moment between my fingers.

The crowd presses in tighter.The dice tumble across the goldenrod felt, clinking against the back wall before spinning to a stop.

“Eight!”

Another win.Pia’s hand slides further down my arm, her gold rings cool against my skin.

“Maybe you should let it ride,” Serafina says, tightening her grip on my other arm.

I run my fingers through the growing stack of chips.“Maybe I should.”

If I keep this up, I could very well end up with that threesome I was hoping for.

I gather the dice again, rolling them between my fingertips.The weight of them feels good—solid.I catch Serafina’s eye as I toss them across the table.

They bounce, rattling against the back wall again before settling.

“Nine!”

A burst of cheers follows.Pia whispers into my ear.“You’re on fire.”

Her words send a rush of blood to my cock.