Page 5 of Gin & Jewels

“Maybe.” I rolled my brown eyes just as I heard the water shut off in the bathroom. “Your names are on the list—you’ll get into Tryst. Tomorrow we can meet for lunch, and I’ll explain Saddles & Racks to you. We’re always recruiting, and I think women will go crazy for a man in uniform.”

The next day, we met with Colin, and he explained how he made a shitload of money to go on dates that often led to sex. Every weekend that the guys and I would go to Vegas, Colin would try to get us to join S&R. It took a few years, and a lot of convincing, but ultimately, I decided that the money was too good to pass up. My mother, back in Tennessee, had become sick, and her medical bills were too much for her to handle. The Marines didn’t pay enough for me to take care of her, so after ten years of service, I quit and became an escort.

I grinned at the pretty cocktail waitress. “No, princess. I’m the one who would rock your world.”

Under the fluorescent lights of the casino, Cassie’s cheeks turned beet red. “Okay then. Well, what drinks can I get you guys?” We each ordered our drink of choice: a Negroni for me.

“Way to scare the poor girl,” Vinny chastised playfully after Cassie walked off.

“It’s true.” I shrugged.

“Are you going to askmewho I think will be next?” the dealer asked as she dealt another round.

“Sure,” Paul replied.

“I think it will be you, Brad.”

“And why’s that?” I questioned with a grin.

She motioned for Nick to hit or stay. “Because you got butt-hurt when Cassie chose Galen.”

I grunted. “I didnotget butt-hurt.”

“Yeah, you kinda did.” Gabe smirked.

I rolled my eyes. “No, I didn’t.”

“One of you will be next,” Vinny said. “It’s only a matter of time.”

“Will you guys come back and tell me who it is?” the dealer asked.

“Sure,” Paul replied, “but my money’s on Galen.”

“Me too,” Nick agreed.

“You know,” Gabe said, “I’m betting on Brad.”

“Me too,” Seth agreed.

“I’m thinking Brad too,” Vinny stated.

I looked at Galen, and he held up his hands. “Don’t look at me. I just know it won’t be me.”

“Well, then, I’m saying Nick too.” I really didn’t think it would be him, but I knew barely anything about Galen, and Nick had had girlfriends in the past.

“Yeah, fucking right,” Nick replied. “I’ve tried being in a relationship, but it doesn’t work out with our line of work, and you know I ain’t quitting. Ever.”

“I’m not either,” I argued.

“And I just started,” Galen stated.

“Well, one of you will,” Gabe said.

“How does it even happen?” Galen questioned.

“Well”—Paul smirked—“you’ll meet a woman who you’ll start to care about, and then before you know it, you’ll never want to go a day without her.”

The Fallenall nodded while Gabe replied, “Exactly.”