Vanilla and Vice (Empire Sevens Book 1) Read online

  None.

  I had survived harder than anyone else I knew.

  I did what I had to and nothing had ever been handed to me. I either took it or worked my fucking ass off for it, but I didn’t feel the need to defend myself to her. She was going to think what she wanted to about me.

  “Oh, really? And have you survived? Tell me, angel. Have you ever been hungry? Have you ever had to steal to survive?”

  Her face went blank, her large blue eyes looking wounded as she stared back at me.

  She was at a loss for words.

  “I didn’t think so.”

  I turned to walk away, but before I did she spoke.

  “I stole a car to come to Vegas. I did it to get away from the hellhole I called my life where my mother’s current boyfriend didn’t know how to keep his hands to himself.”

  It took me a minute to comprehend what she had said, but once she did, pain struck me in the stomach while rage for whoever this man was began to boil in my gut.

  “I’ve gone to bed hungry many nights because he wouldn’t let my mother and me work. They might’ve been fine without eating since they were too high to care, but I didn’t do the drugs. I was hungry. So, yes, Zander, I know hunger. And I know what it’s like to steal to survive because if I hadn’t stolen something and ran, I wouldn’t have made it another year in that house.”

  Her eyes lowered as if she was embarrassed by her admissions, but to me, it only showed how much of a warrior she was.

  She was a fucking fighter.

  She might have looked angelic, but the devil was just beneath her skin, and I wanted to expose that side of her while enjoying the fruits of her innocence.

  “Come here,” I said, reaching my hand out to her.

  Opening up to another person was something I rarely did, but somehow, it felt safe knowing some of her inner demons.

  She stared at my hand as if it was a venomous snake.

  “I won’t hurt you, Eden,” I promised.

  At least not at that moment I wouldn’t.

  I couldn’t make that kind of promise about any moment past the one we were in.

  She swallowed, the action moving her slender neck and drawing my eyes to her graceful collarbones.

  Finally, she closed her eyes and stepped closer to me. I pulled her into my arms, loving the feel of her tiny body against mine, and then I reached up and pushed her long blond locks from her shoulders, so I could see her beautiful neck.

  “Tell me his name and I’ll have him killed.”

  I was only half joking.

  She looked up at me and shook her head. “I bet you would, too, wouldn’t you? I bet you have that kind of pull.”

  I grinned, giving her an answer without actually saying hell yes.

  “It’s best if I don’t answer that. After all, that would make you an accomplice.”

  Her lips tilted into a grin, but then she sobered. “Don’t make me laugh. I’m furious with you.”

  “Why is that again?”

  She glared. “You know why. You realize this just means now Luke and I will have to have a makeup date to rectify the one you sabotaged.”

  Now I was instantly sober. “The hell you will. I don’t want you dating anyone from Empire Sevens.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Why? Do all your female employees have this rule, or is it just me?”

  “I mean it, Eden.”

  “Is this another one of your ploys to get me to quit?”

  “If that is what it takes to keep you from dating anyone else.”

  She pulled back and crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re serious?”

  I nodded, feeling crazy at just the thought of her and Luke alone again.

  “As a fucking heart attack. I dare you, angel. Try me.”

  19

  EDEN

  THE NEXT MORNING, I took my time getting out of bed. I didn’t want the dreams of Zander and the images of him touching himself in his office and holding me last night in his apartment to be lost with the darkness.

  I tried to still be angry with him, but I couldn’t help it if I had dreams about him and his gorgeous body.

  The muscles.

  The tattoos.

  It all made for a titillating show.

  When I heard Aunt Kennedy call out for me, I knew I couldn’t lay there any longer. Rolling out of bed, I made a trip to the bathroom before I ventured into the living room.

  She’d spent most of her morning packing, and her suitcases were lined up neatly by the living room door. I was sad that she was leaving, and anxious that no one knew for how long.

  “Aunt Kennedy?” I called.

  “I’ll be right out.” Her response came from her bedroom.

  Sitting on one of the barstools in the kitchen, I waited for her to emerge. When she finally did, she looked absolutely stunning as always.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone travel with so much style as you.”

  She laughed. “Believe me, if it weren’t for the fact that I have a meeting to be at with Kade an hour after I land, I’d be in sweats and an oversized shirt.”

  I didn’t believe that for a second. I had yet to see Aunt Kennedy in anything but beautiful clothes since I’d arrived.

  “Do you have time for breakfast?”

  “I wish, hon, but I won’t.” She gave me a sad face.

  “I wish I would’ve asked before. I wouldn’t have waited so long to get out of bed. I could’ve made something.”

  “Nonsense. It’s your day off. You deserve to sleep in.”

  Aunt Kennedy had been busy searching through her purse, checking off the things she needed in her head before she finally looked at me.

  “Are you sure you’re going to be okay while I’m gone?”

  I’d lost track of how many times she needed my reassurance that I would be perfectly fine.

  Sometimes, I was sure Aunt Kennedy forgot I wasn’t a little girl anymore. Truth be told, I didn’t have the luxury of that title even when I was technically considered one.

  “I’ll be fine, Aunt Kennedy. You really don’t have to worry about me.”

  “I just hate leaving you in this big place all alone for so long.”

  “Really, I don’t mind the quiet. Plus, I’ll be working a lot, so I’ll only be here to sleep.”

  “I know you’re only trying to make me feel better.”

  I smiled. “Is it working?”

  “Yes. Thank you.” She pulled me into a hug. “The car will be here any minute to pick me up. Will you help me bring my bags out?”

  “Of course.”

  My aunt was not one to pack lightly. She was taking two duffle bags, three large suitcases, and a smaller one. She wasn’t all that thrilled to be flying to New York to help Kade, Empire’s other owner, but she said it was part of her job description.

  She wasn’t sure how long she would be gone, so that meant she had packed her entire closet.

  Helping her pull her bags outside, I stood out front with her and waited for the car.

  “I wouldn’t have minded taking you to the airport.”

  “I know, but this is easier. Now you can relax on your day off instead of running around that god-awful airport for me.”

  I wanted to laugh at the thought of me relaxing, but my aunt wouldn’t understand the humor behind the words, and there was no way I was going to explain to her what had happened between Zander and me.

  Not that I could technically explain it. I wasn’t exactly sure what Friday night had meant, but I was pretty sure I would not get any sort of explanation from Zander. Not that I was ever going to bring it up.

  And then Saturday.

  No.

  I wasn’t going to think about how angry and completely turned on he had me when I went to his place.

  I felt both relieved and anxious to have the day off. On the one hand, I didn’t have to see Zander or feel those brooding eyes follow me around the casino floor. But, on the other hand, having the entire day to
sit around and obsess and analyze our little moment in his office and the way we talked to each other at his place the night before wasn’t exactly how I wanted to spend my day off.

  I hated feeling so much confusion over Zander Hale. Never in a million years did I expect him to want me. He always seemed so angry and annoyed with me. But after watching him and seeing the desire in his eyes, there was no denying it.

  Once, when I was younger, there was a boy named Jeffery who loved to pick on me at school. My mom used to tell me that he liked me and that was why he was so mean to me. Years later, Jeffery asked me on a date.

  Mom was right.

  And apparently, that notion extended from young boys to grown men.

  Was Zander a jerk toward me because he wanted me so badly?

  I liked to think so.

  “What wrong?” Aunt Kennedy asked.

  I blinked myself back to the present. “Huh? What? Nothing, why?”

  “You’re frowning. Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”

  I laughed. “Yes. I promise I’ll be fine. I was just thinking about work.”

  That wasn’t a complete lie.

  “And that makes you frown? You’re not having any problems, are you? Do I need to kick someone’s ass?”

  “No, nothing like that at all. I actually really enjoy working at Empire. Everyone has been pretty cool so far.”

  I hadn’t told my aunt about any of my run-ins with Zander Hale. I wasn’t about to cause problems between them. Plus, I knew I could handle his wrath.

  “There’s the car now,” Aunt Kennedy said, and we stood there as it stopped in front of us.

  Frank, the driver, got out and came around to help with the bags. Aunt Kennedy took that time to say one last goodbye.

  “If you have any issues or trouble, do not hesitate to call Zander or me.”

  I frowned, and my heart did a stupid little kick. “Zander?” I tried not to sound too obvious.

  “Yes, I told him if you have any problems, he is to take care of them.”

  “Aunt Kennedy, you didn’t need to do that. I’ll be fine.”

  “I did need to do that. I want to make sure you’re safe. I was still hoping you’d take him up on his offer to stay at the hotel while I’m gone.”

  No way was that going to happen, but I didn’t tell her that.

  Frank finished putting the suitcases in and stood next to the back door, waiting.

  “You’d better go. I don’t want you to miss your flight.”

  She pulled me into a tight hug. “Don’t forget to check in so I know you’re okay. Once I know how long I’ll be away, I’ll text you. Bye, sweet girl.”

  “Bye.”

  Frank helped her into the car, and with one last wave, they were gone. I stood there, enjoying the midmorning sun for a bit before I slowly walked back into the building.

  That night, I spent the night alone for the first time in my entire life. I went from living with my mother and her being there every night to living with Aunt Kennedy.

  Being alone was freeing, and it gave me a taste of what it would be like to live on my own.

  I liked it.

  After making myself dinner, I sat in the living room and ate while catching up on a reality TV show I was getting into. Sadly, I spent most of that time overthinking everything that had come to pass between Zander and me.

  It seemed every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was his expression as he orgasmed in his hand. I could still hear the strain in his voice when he told me to stay and watch. And my body remembered, as well, since my breasts were growing heavy, and my nipples were starting to tingle.

  The spot between my thighs grew damp, and I found myself squirming on the couch and watching TV until finally I gave in and slowly began to fall asleep.

  I was almost asleep when a loud bang sounded from the second floor of the condo. I jumped, sitting up, and quickly turned off the TV so I could listen.

  Standing, I quickly crept through the condo, looking behind me on occasion when I felt like I was being followed.

  The condo was dark since I didn’t see a need to leave every light in the place on, and in a way, I was creeped out by the lack of illumination around me.

  I had never been afraid of the dark, but there I was, ready to run to my room and crawl under my bed to cry. Without Kennedy there, the house seemed three times its size and every little noise freaked me out.

  I moved silently through the darkness, making my way into the kitchen and close to the cell phone I had just recently gotten myself. I had never owned one before, but once I got my second paycheck, Aunt Kennedy thought it was time for me to get one.

  I picked it up, holding it to feel more secure but not really ready to make a call. However, when the noise on the second floor sounded once again, I pressed the button on the side of the phone, causing the screen to light up.

  Scrolling through the handful of contacts I had, I found Luke’s number and pushed send. I hadn’t talked to him since our date went south, but I knew I could call him for help.

  I waited, watching the front door like a hawk while it dialed.

  “Please pick up. Please pick up,” I whispered into the phone until I heard his voicemail message.

  I almost burst into tears as I disconnected the call and then dialed another number. It rang three times before Dell, the bartender, picked up.

  “Empire Sevens,” he greeted.

  “Dell! It’s Eden; is Luke there?”

  “Yeah, hold on.”

  Dell’s voice became muffled as he called Luke from wherever he was. I breathed a small sigh of relief when I heard Luke’s voice on the other end.

  “Eden? Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

  Luke had been the first employee I had met at Empire Sevens, and after he had taken his time to show me to Aunt Kennedy’s office that first day, we had become super close. Now, I was worried he would hate me. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case.

  “I’m so sorry to do this to you, Luke, but is there any way you can get someone to cover your shift so you can come over? I hear something upstairs, and I’ve totally freaked myself out. Kennedy’s out of town, and I’m here alone.”

  The line went quiet for a bit before I heard some shuffling. Finally, Luke’s voice sounded again.

  “What’s your address?”

  Quickly, I fired off Aunt Kennedy’s address.

  “Okay. I’m on my way. Sit tight.”

  Relief rushed over me.

  “Thank you so much, Luke.”

  When I disconnected the call this time, I went to the corner of the kitchen, grabbed a large knife from the holder, and waited for Luke. If someone was upstairs, they might come downstairs, and when they did, I would be ready.

  20

  ZANDER

  “I LIKE THESE TWO, and this one,” I said, pointing at the new cocktails Dell had been working on.

  Kade and I paid Dell big bucks for a reason. He was a genius with alcohol, concocting specialty drinks exclusive to Empire Sevens to lure the customers.

  Casinos up and down The Strip tried to copy us, but that only lit a fire under Dell’s ass to make something even more extravagant and tasty.

  “Go ahead and put these on the menu as the new specials,” I said, wiping my mouth with a napkin.

  He nodded and grinned, obviously proud to please me.

  “Sounds good. I’ll get right on that. Have you—” His sentence was cut off when the phone behind the bar rang.

  “Get it,” I told him, grabbing another drink off the bar and tossing it back.

  Alcohol had become my best friend over the past few days. It was the only thing that kept me numb, which helped keep my thoughts off Eden long enough to get me through the night.

  I wanted to feel relief that she wasn’t working tonight, but the hardness of my cock had other plans. Every time I turned, I hoped I would see her there, but then again, I knew that wouldn’t go over well since I needed at least twenty-four hours to think abo
ut what I was planning.

  Jumping off the wagon and letting the sex addict in me take control was a big deal to me. I worried that once he was loose, I would never be able to contain him.

  “Luke!” Dell called to the other bartender. “It’s Eden. She wants you. She sounds kind of funny.”

  The mention of her name and the fact she was calling Luke instantly sobered me. All my attention went to listening to Luke’s one-sided conversation.

  What the fuck was Eden calling Luke for anyway?

  Didn’t I tell her I forbade it?

  Jealousy lit a fire in the pit of my stomach, and I found myself glaring at Luke.

  “Eden? Are you okay? What’s wrong?” Luke asked.

  It annoyed the fuck out of me that I couldn’t hear her response, but he listened for a bit before a tiny grin tugged at his lips as he scribbled something down. Then he nodded and said, “Okay, I’m on my way.” He handed the phone back to Dell. “Can you cover my shift for a couple of hours?” he asked.

  Dell nodded before setting the phone back onto the counter. I waited for him to ask Luke why, but it didn’t seem like he would.

  No one was saying anything. I had no idea what was going on, and I hated being out of the loop on anything.

  “What’s going on?” I demanded.

  Dell and Luke looked over at me as if I hadn’t been standing there the entire time.

  “Uh, it was Eden. She thought she heard something at her place, and with Kennedy out of town, she’s a little freaked out. You know how women can be. I’m sure it’s nothing, but I’m going to go over—”

  I was out of my seat before he could even finish his sentence.

  “Finish your shift. I’ll go.”

  “But ...” he started, obviously hoping to get Eden alone, but one look from me had the rest of his sentence frozen.

  I didn’t waste any more time with the two of them as I walked away and headed toward the entrance to the hotel. Jerome, part of our security detail, saw me going toward the door and was already speaking in the mic on his wrist to get my car.

  Waiting the few minutes for them to bring my car around felt like hours. When they finally pulled around in front, I was out of the parking lot before I could blink. I didn’t know what to think of my reaction to hearing that someone could possibly be inside Kennedy’s place while Eden was there alone.