Bowles, Jan - Claimed for the Master's Pleasure [Guilty Pleasures 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Jan Bowles Read Free Book Online Page B

been through something similar with her fiancé. If only he could trust her enough to confide in her.
    He took a long, slow, deep breath. “I find it very difficult to talk about her.”
    “Emotion is good, Jake, it shows that we’re alive, but keeping it all bottled up will only destroy you in the end. I tried doing the same thing when Joe died. Believe me, it doesn’t work.”
    Jake had to agree. The last three years had been hell on earth, holding everything in check. He took Lia’s hand in his, and pressed it gently to his lips as he looked into her eyes. “You smell so good, Lia. You remind me of her in so many ways,” he confessed, wanting to have things open between them.
    “Is that why you asked me to dinner?” There wasn’t a hint of disappointment in her voice.
    “I honestly don’t know. Partly, I guess. I just wanted to be with you. Get to know you better.”
    He rubbed his fingers over his face, and eased them into the tight muscles of his neck. “Hannah died suddenly. I found her when I returned home from the casino one day. She’d collapsed on the kitchen floor. She was motionless. She must have been dead for several hours because she was cold to my touch. Since she was only thirty-two, the coroner insisted on an autopsy. This showed she had an undiagnosed heart defect, which had probably been there since birth. Her death just couldn’t have been foreseen. Hannah could have died at any time.” Jake grimaced. “I still feel so fucking guilty. I should have been there for her.” He knew his eyes were glassy, but he didn’t care.
    Lia squeezed his hand for comfort. “It’s not your fault, Jake. Look at me. Listen to what I’m telling you. It’s not your fault. It’s just one of those shitty things in life that nobody could predict. Feeling guilty even though you’ve got nothing to feel guilty about is all part of the grieving process. I felt exactly the same way when Joe died. I kept asking myself over and over. Was there anything I could have done to save him? I kept blaming myself even though I knew deep down that it wasn’t my fault. That’s why it’s best to talk these things through with a sympathetic listener. I’m sure you already feel better just by sharing your thoughts with me.”
    Jake smiled, his lightness of heart returning. “For the last three years I’ve worked so hard, I haven’t even allowed myself time to think, let alone grieve. I’ve been busy building the Arabian Nights into the finest casino in Vegas. I’ve succeeded, but I need more, Lia.”
    He took a deep breath, enjoying her closeness and the emotional connection and empathy they now shared. “Shall we make a move? I’d like to show you the casino. Perhaps play a little.”
    Lia nodded, her lashes closing slowly over her gorgeous green eyes. This clearly submissive characteristic turned him on even more. “Sounds good, Jake. But I wouldn’t know how to bet in a casino, so I’ll just watch.”
    Jake stood and shrugged on his jacket. “Come, there’s so much I want to show you before this wonderful evening has to end.” He held out his hand, noting with a certain amount of satisfaction that she readily took it. For the first time in three years he felt whole again. He felt like he had a second chance at life. Maybe even a new beginning. Whatever the outcome of the evening, he would always be grateful for their meeting, however difficult the circumstances. He knew now he would do everything in his power to reduce her father’s debts. If it were in his ability to make them disappear entirely, then he would find a way.
    The casino was already in full swing as he led the way across the floor to the craps tables. The designers had done a fantastic job, fully implementing his ideas for an intimate venue. The lighting was low, and subdued, and between the tables he’d created space to sit and talk. With all the extra alcoves and small enclosures around the tables it meant having more staff to keep an eye