“I love you too.”

  “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Zane dips me down low and kisses me, causing everyone around us to whoop with joy. This little ceremony on some remote beach in Hawaii with only the most important people in our lives beside us is the best thing I could have asked for. I don’t need a big show with everyone around us, strangers staring at me as I make the biggest mistake of my life, this is everything I want and more.

  Zane told me that he once saw me as a damsel in distress but then I grew into his princess. I absolutely love that because with him I’ve grown into something much more powerful and I know that I will continue to do so. Every day I will only get better, with his support.

  This, right here, is the happy ending I never thought I would find, that I didn’t think I deserved, that I know I’m lucky to have. I love everything about this life that my new family has created for me, they are all incredible.

  Clara rushes towards us first, followed by the rest of the guests. They wrap their arms around us and mutter their congratulations into our ears, for the baby as well as the marriage which I kept as a surprise from everyone. I’m sure I’ll get it in the neck from Clara for that at some point, but I hope she eventually understands why I had to do it this way. I soak in their happiness and add it to my own, building on what I already have. It really is going to be a wonderful future, and I can’t wait for it.

  * * *

  I hope you enjoyed the story. In case you missed reading Book 1 (Burning with Lust) and Book 2 (City of Sin) in “The Vegas Men Series”, then you can enjoy their Sneak Peaks on the following pages!

  * * *

  25

  Sneak Peak: City of Sin

  Commitment - I hate the damn word,

  That’s since my ex walked out on me.

  Not even looking back at our son,

  My son is my world.

  I think he deserves so much better than her,

  In fact, we both do!

  And then I notice Mia stepping into my Gym.

  My world stops still,

  I notice the first drop of sweat from her forehead and God, I am hooked.

  I can see that dark, hooded desire in her shy eyes.

  I am picturizing her being an animal in bed…all wild and unhinged!

  And soon I give into the temptation,

  Forget she’s my client and it’s so off-limits.

  Bring my lips down to hers,

  All prepared to make her mine.

  After all, this is Vegas – “The City of Sin” where anything can happen.

  But what happens when my ex comes back complicating my life – again!

  Suddenly Mia becomes a stranger.

  Guess some things can’t be hidden forever, right?

  I am determined to win my lady back,

  And gift my son the mother he rightly deserves!

  * * *

  Chapter 1: Noah

  “Do you like it, Daddy?”

  God, I love the way my son calls out my name. It sends a real warmth bolting to my heart. The way he looks at me is awesome too, like I’m the most important person in his world. How anyone can have a child in the world and not want to be with them all the time is beyond me. My son is my world.

  “That’s excellent, Alex. How long did it take you to draw that?”

  “All day.” He cocks an eyebrow at me. “I worked hard.”

  This makes me chuckle, since it’s only seven fifteen in the morning. But my son has always had a little streak of dramatism in him. But I love him for it. I adore all his personality quirks.

  “Wow, well I can tell. It looks like it’s taken forever. Tell me about it.”

  “That’s me and you there, from the day we went to the water park. And Bobby with his Mom...”

  Heart break crosses Alex’s face, but only for a second. He might only be five years old, but he knows more than anyone else realizes. I think he understands his mother’s disappearance better than anyone cares to accept.

  “Oh, well that’s lovely, Alex. You’ve done a really good job there.” I cough, trying to swallow down my feelings. “I’m really proud of you. Will you do some more art for me today while I’m at work?”

  “Do you have to go to work?”

  “I’m afraid I do, kiddo. The gym won’t run itself.”

  “But I want another fun day with you.”

  “We’ll have another fun day really soon, I promise you. We can even go back to the water park if that’s what you want? If you keep being a good boy for Jenny, then we’ll do something amazing.”

  “You promise me?”

  “I promise, and you know that Daddy doesn’t break promises.” I kiss him on the top of the head. “Now, if you’re finished with your cereal, you should go and get dressed. Jenny will be here soon.”

  “Okay. I will. I’m going to wear my dino tee shirt.”

  “You definitely should. I like that one on you.”

  As he runs away, my heart bleeds again. I always understood Hayley walking out on me, our marriage wasn’t great for a while, I just didn’t want to let go for Alex’s sake, but leaving him without looking back is something I’ll never get. I can’t understand how she can live her life knowing her son is out there. It’s insanity.

  I grab my cell phone and look through the recent string of messages that I’ve had from her, shaking my head as I do. These just show how selfish she is. I don’t know how I didn’t see it before.

  Hayley: Noah, we need to talk.

  Noah: It’s been eighteen months, Hayley. What do we have to talk about now? This makes no sense.

  Hayley: I need your help.

  Noah: With what?

  Hayley: Money.

  Noah: Are you fucking kidding me? You have a child who you haven’t seen for over a year and you don’t even ask about him? It’s just straight for money. What sort of a woman are you?

  Hayley: Don’t be an asshole, Noah. You know I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t need it. I’m desperate.

  Noah: Marvelous. You still haven’t asked.

  Hayley: You’re taking care of him, aren’t you? I’m sure you’d tell me if anything was wrong.

  Noah: Unbelievable. You selfish bitch. You really don’t give a shit, do you?

  Hayley: So, are you going to help me out or not? Or are you going to keep being an uptight asshole?

  Noah: Hard pass.

  Hayley: Noah, I need it. Please, help me out. I thought you cared about me? You married me for a reason, don’t forget that. You can’t pretend that you’ve never cared about me now.

  Hayley: Noah, is this a joke? Why are you ignoring me now?

  Hayley: This is a fucking joke.

  Hayley: Fuck you, Noah. You never gave a shit about me.

  How did I fall in love with that woman? How did I marry her? Honestly, it boggles me now. To keep reminding myself that not all my choices are amazing ones, I’ve kept everything. The wedding photos, the move letters from the early days, the gifts we got each other when we were young and naïve… I guess that’s the stuff I’ll show Alex when he’s older, but I also have the bad things. The screenshots of all the messages she sent other guys, the pathetic note she left me when she ran off with another rich guy, all the times she’s tried to get money from me.

  Those memories are just for me, for when I need to reminder.

  I sigh loudly and look at the picture Alex has drawn again. There’s a big gap where his mother should be, where she’d never be again. I wouldn’t ever let her back into her son’s life because she’s done nothing to prove herself worthy. I won’t have her being the sort of person who darts in and out of his life. He deserves so much better than her. We both do.

  There hasn’t been anyone after Hayley. Not someone serious anyway. I’ve had flings, but she’s really put me off the whole romance thing. It would have to be someone utterly amazing to turn my head for long enough.

  “Here, Daddy, what do you think?”

  “Oh, wow, you look amazing, kid.”

  “Where is your uniform?”

  I laugh loudly. “You mean my gym kit?”

  “Well, you are going to work.”

  “That’s true, I am. I’m just going to get it on now. Why don’t you see if there are any cartoons on TV?”

  He bounces off my lap and races into the other room, a giant smile on his face as he goes. I smile to myself, but it’s a sad smile. All these thoughts of Hayley haven’t left me in the best mood.

  Knock, knock.

  Ah, that must be Jenny, and time for me to really get sorted. I push myself up into a standing position and head towards the stairs. “Come in, Jenny, Alex is waiting for you.”

  I hear my favorite nanny sliding in through the front door, before a low hum of talking fills the living room. Jenny is amazing. After things imploded with Hayley, I needed help with child care. I can’t be a full time parent and run my gym to the successful level I have been at the same time. It just wouldn’t work. I had a few nannies looking after Alex, but none of them felt right until her. She just has this awesome way with my son which leaves us both happy. Even with Alex now in school, I keep her around for weekends, after school, and holidays like now. He has a fair few weeks off for the summer during which time they’ll have great fun.

  It’s good for him to have a positive female role in his life.

  Ring, ring… ring, ring…

  The early hour if the cell rings gives a stress in my chest. This is the sort of time Hayley likes to get in touch, reminding me how well she knows my schedule, but thankfully it isn’t.

  “Hi, Mom, how’s it going?”

  “Hello, Noah. Sorry, I know it’s early. I’m just checking you and that gorgeous grandson of mine are still coming to dinner this weekend? I’ve been looking forward to it all week.”

  “Yes, of course we are. You know we wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  “Good, good. Because it’s been a long time.”

  “I know, I’m sorry about that. I’ve just been so busy.”

  “Any communication from that woman?”

  That woman… the only way Mom speaks about Hayley now. She never liked her, she tried to warn me, but I wouldn’t listen until it was too late, which she likes to remind me all the time.

  “Only the usual, Mom. She wants money.”

  “You aren’t going to give her anything, are you?”

  “Of course not. I’m not stupid.”

  “You were once.”

  “Thanks for reminding me.” I roll my eyes and snort. “I need that this morning.”

  “Yeah, yeah, whatever. So, how is everything else? Alex good? Work okay?”

  “All good, we’re all very busy, but it’s good.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. Well, I’m sure you are about to head out, so I will leave you to it.”

  “Speak to you soon, Mom.”

  “Love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  I hang up the phone and crick my neck, slowly trying to brush off this uneasy feeling. Hayley isn’t going to affect me anymore, I won’t let her under my skin. I did once but I’m way over that. She’s ruthless, she will do whatever she can to get what she wants, but I’m strong, I’m powerful, I’m a survivor.

  I pull my clothes on, getting myself into work mode, and I bounce back down the stairs with a beaming smile on my face. “Okay, guys. I’m off, but you two have a good day, okay?”

  They both raise a hand to me, barely acknowledging me because they are so wrapped up into one another which is sweet to see. Alex is absorbed and happy, just as I want him to be.

  “Okay, well I’ll see you both at dinner time! Bye.”

  The burning hot Las Vegas sun sears my skin as I step outside and I breathe it in deep. I fucking love my home, I adore living in the City of Sin. Since I run a health center I’m not exactly in the thick of it, but I like knowing it’s just there. The neon lights, the constant parties, the endless fun. I grew up in this amazing city, and I wouldn’t leave it for the world.

  I slide my sun glasses onto my head and start the drive to downtown where I spend most of my days…

  * * *

  “Hey there, boss. How are you doing this morning?”

  “I’m good thanks, Foster. You look like shit though. It’s pretty obvious you’ve done the night shift.”

  “Well, if you will insist on running a twenty four hour gym...”

  “I will. Some of our best customers come in at night.”

  “Yeah, that’s true. And we had some fine chicks last night. You missed out.”

  “Ah, I’m not too worried. We get some good looking girls in the day too. Not that I would ever mix business with pleasure.”

  “Oh no, me neither.” He shoots me a wink, suggesting otherwise. I turn a blind eye to it unless it hurts my customers. My staff aren’t stupid enough to let that happen. “But for now, I’m off. I need some shut eye.”

  “Of course. I’ll see you soon alright?”

  The gym is empty for the moment, but I know it won’t be for long. I won’t have long to admire the business I built up from nothing. I knew I wanted to run my own company even while I was at school and I knew fitness was the only thing I could do well. Thank goodness for my charisma. It meant investors were willing to take a chance on me. Without that, I wouldn’t have my dream.

  But I do have my dream, and I’ve clung onto it despite everything, which I will class as a win.

  “No point in letting the equipment go to waste.” I grab the weights. “I might as well use them.”

  Not everyone turns their passion into a career. I see so many people who skate by in life accepting misery as normality. That’s a part of this experience for me. I don’t just inspire people to get fit and healthy, I inspire them to better every aspect of their lives and that is why they come back over and over again.

  I stare at my reflection and pump the weights, watching my muscles flex as I do. It isn’t a bad life. It could be better in some ways, but I’m sure as hell not complaining.

  * * *

  To continue reading the full story, grab your copy of “City of Sin” by clicking the link below…

  City of Sin - Read FREE on Kindle Unlimited

  * * *

  26

  Sneak Peak: Burning with Lust

  The last time I threw myself into commitment, I got my heart burned.

  I had sworn off women ever since then,

  But Jodi was different.

  Ever since she walked into my casino, I knew she’d be trouble…

  She’s petite and curvy,

  Her ashy blonde copper hair and green eyes pierce my soul.

  Those painted plump lips that completely dry my mouth out. Simply gorgeous.

  Like s*x on heels!

  And I hire her,

  Soon she gets under my skin like no one has ever done before,

  And I can’t shake the possessive feeling that she’s mine.

  But soon I realize she’s hiding something,

  Something big to tear us apart.

  And then I screwed up,

  Moved away without a goodbye.

  Didn’t give her a chance,

  Didn’t know she was carrying my baby.

  And when I know the truth,

  I am ready to shed my ego and win back my girl,

  After all, I’m burning with Lust!

  I’ll prove my love to Jodi and my baby growing inside her,

  This time, I’m not letting her go. This time, I’m chasing after her.

  But, will she give me a second chance?

  * * *

  Chapter 1: Brock

  “So does that sound like something you can handle?”

  I narrow my eyes at the mousy woman in front of me. Personal assistant jobs often attract this sort of person, someone who’s very precise and takes things very seriously. It’s wonderful, usually, but it’s never worked out for me. The Las Vegas casino scene is fast-paced, often unpredictable, and can be a little wild.

  “I . . . I think so.” Her uncertainty speaks volumes. “Yes, I’m sure I can.”

  While she nods, I don’t share her confidence, so I plaster on my shit-eating smile and shake her hand. “Okay, well thank you for coming in. I still have some candidates to see, so I will be in touch.”

  “Yeah, okay, thank you.”

  As she scurries out of my office, I rake my fingers through my dark hair, hoping that someone inspires me soon. Why did Callie have to have a baby and decide to stay home to raise her? I understand, but it’s very annoying. She was great at her job. She understood the business well. I don’t know if I’m going to find that again.

  “Jodi Night . . .” I take a glance at the final resume. “I hope you inspire me.”

  I stare hard at the door, silently praying for someone mind-blowing to walk through those doors.

  “Are you ready for me yet?”

  Whoa! Okay, when I asked for someone special, I wasn’t expecting . . . Well, how do I even describe her? Pale, ashy blonde-copper hair, green eyes that pierce my soul, a heart-shaped faced, and painted plump lips which completely dry my mouth out. She’s beyond gorgeous. Like sex on legs.

  “Yes, I’m ready for you. Please, come in. Jodi, is it?”

  “Yes, that’s right, and I presume you’re Brock Stanton?”

  “Ah, you’ve done your research!”

  “I have. Plus, anyone who lives in Las Vegas knows your name.”

  She isn’t dressed in a typical way for a job interview. She has a fifties-style rockabilly dress on, all black with red stitching. Tattoos peek out the top of the dress, making me intrigued to see more . . .

  “So have you always lived in Las Vegas? I feel like I would have seen you around.”