Chapter 6

“This is our casino. We play with chips, but they are cashed out for prizes instead of cash.”

Arianna led them into the massive underground casino and the men couldn’t be more impressed. There were rows of slot machines, poker, craps, blackjack tables, and even a bingo section.

“The casino room is only operational after dinner. There are dealers for the card games and waitresses who serve drinks. We also hold tournaments every so often, and bingo is extremely popular. Now, for bingo, you do have to pay to play. The entry f*es can be a little on the higher side, however, the prizes are worth it. Last week, a couple won a trip to Maui. The entry f*es depend upon the prize. If memory serves me correctly, the entry f*e for the Maui trip was $500.00 a card. We will also offer certain amenities as prizes that our non-Diamond package members love to participate in. For instance, a roundtrip flight in the jet, the use of the car service, and so on and so forth. The prizes have also ranged from shopping sprees at luxury designer clothing stores to brand new cars.”

“That sounds amazing,” Pierce said in awe.

“It’s really packed down here when we offer up a Diamond Package membership for the prize. It’s $1,000.00 per card.”

“So, if you have a full house of 500 members, and they each buy two cards, then you just made a million.”

“That’s right and that’s not even including if they brought a guest.”

“Wow.”

Arianna didn’t waste any time leading the gentlemen out of the casino and took them to the clinic. They climbed into the elevator and made it back to the original floor. “Here we have the sports court. The basketball doubles as a volleyball court as well. There are racquetball rooms as well as an area for fencing.”

Arianna led the men to the Olympic swimming pool and showed them where the sauna and the locker rooms were located. “Would you guys like to check out the yoga and dance studio?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Patrick piped up.

“Good, that will save us some time. Back in the elevator, we go. Our third floor is generally our quiet floor,” Arianna said once they exited the elevator. “There’s a movie theater. We play current and past movies. There is a full library where you can read, and then there are chess and checkerboards spread sporadically throughout the room. There’s a café in the corner and a business room as well. Say for instance you have a work emergency and you need access to a computer, printer, copier, or fax, it’s right in there. You may also reserve the rooms for business meetings, and before you ask, that’s included in all packages. The tour is almost over, gentlemen; let’s head outside.”

A few minutes later, the trio found themselves enjoying the September sun. “How about I cut your cigars, gentlemen?”

“That would be divine,” Pierce agreed with a lascivious smile.

“Fix your face, Pierce. You don’t want me to cut the wrong tip...now, do you?” Arianna challenged as she cut the tip of his cigar.

“I think we’d both be missing out if that were to happen, don’t you think?”

“I can’t miss something I’ve never had, now can I?”

“I suppose. Will you do me the honor of lighting me?” Pierce asked, holding the cigar to her lips. Patrick scoffed loudly at the couple and trained his attention elsewhere. His best friend wasn’t simply robbing the cradle; he was robbing the entire damn nursery.

Pierce wasn’t sure what he was doing, but he had a feeling that young Miss Carter was game for whatever he threw her way.

“Anything for you, Pierce,” she whispered, taking his cigar. Pierce watched Arianna expertly burn the end of the cigar, spinning as she lit it to ensure there was an even burn. The tip of the cigar held an orange glow. She placed the cigar between her plump lips and took short puffs, filling her mouth with smoke. She blew out, and it was the sexiest thing that Pierce had seen in his entire life. Arianna repeated the routine about four more times until the cigar was sufficiently lit. She handed it back to Pierce, and he didn’t hesitate to put the stogie between his own lips. He swore he could taste her on the cigar, and he wanted more.

“Anything else, Pierce?”

“I have a laundry list of things, but perhaps we’ll save it for another time. My friend here gets a little hangry when he doesn’t eat, and what I want can’t fit within our allotted time.”

“You better secure that membership then,” Arianna replied with an ever-so-subtle lick of her lips. “Let’s continue. We have the stables, pool and hot tubs, and cabanas. I didn’t mention it earlier when we were by the spa, but you can have a massage there, or we can schedule it out by the pool.”

“Question.”

“Answer.”

“Do you do the massages as well?” Pierce asked.

“I’ve been known to dabble in massages when requested.”

“Good to know.”

“Great to know, you mean.”

“Of course,” Pierce agreed with a smile.

“Last but not least, we have our garage and car maintenance area. We all love our cars and like to see them sparkle in the sunlight and smell like it just driven off the lot. You can have your car washed and detailed while you’re here. It’s included in your membership. We also do oil changes and minor maintenance, a complimentary service offered once a year. Gentlemen, this has concluded our tour. Do you have any questions?”

“I have one,” Pierce said with a raise of his hand.

“Yes, Pierce?”

“What’s your phone number?”

“You can reach my extension at 73109.”

“Sweetheart, you know damn well I wasn’t talking about your work extension.”

“I know exactly what you were talking about, but you won’t get it.”

“Why not? I thought we had something going on here.”

“And we did...until I saw the tan line on your finger a few minutes ago. I don’t believe in entertaining married men. Which is it? Did you forget your ring at home today, or is it at the jeweler’s getting cleaned?”

“Neither, I flushed it down the toilet. I’ve been divorced for three months.”

“Mhmmm.”

“Ask Patrick.”

“He’s telling the truth,” Patrick confirmed.

“I’d rather see it with my own eyes.”

“And how am I supposed to do that?” Pierce drawled.

“Show me divorce papers, and you can get my number. Now, if you follow me, I’ll escort you back inside, and we’ll get you both signed on the dotted line.”

Both of the men watched Arianna walk away in awe. “For an 18-year-old woman, she is smart as a whip. She is not playing around, and I don’t know if you can handle her, Pierce. She would definitely keep you on your toes.”

“That little thing is a firecracker indeed, but you bet your ass I’m about to get this membership and go home and crack open that safe. Thank you, Patrick. I take back what I said earlier.”

“You said a lot. What are you taking back?”

“She’d make a perfect Mrs. White.”