3 years beforeIt was a turbulent morning in downtown Las Vegas, just like all the others. The skyscrapers that were always awake in the city that never sleeps exuded money and power. This was a place where people would never feel at home, but they also wouldn't want to leave.It was still too early for the rest of the world, but not for the ambition of the casinos and clubs that opened their doors and showed the public the best of life: pleasure. The elegant buildings along the avenue had offices, nightclubs and residences. The eclectic mix was what characterized the city of sin, its vastness and love of novelty. Boredom would never settle in Vegas.Among the countless pleasures in the city of sin, the police departments also didn't rest. The phones rang tirelessly at the police station, especially on Saturday mornings.And in the middle of the hurricane that the department proved to be, Blair Collins walked through the reception. She felt out of place in that hectic environment, wit
"Do you want me to work as an undercover agent or something?"- "No. We're not the FBI. It just so happens that a billionaire has come up on our list of suspects, his name is George Banks."Spencer opened the top drawer of his desk and took out a folder. He opened it and took out the first photo from the stack, holding the paper out for Blair to see. It was a printed image of a well-kept man in his early sixties, well-dressed and accompanied by an elegant woman.- "I've been investigating this man for years, but his record is cleaner than distilled water. The Banks family is above suspicion," he continued.- "Then why do you keep investigating?"- "My intuition never fails. I know something is wrong. But the CIA never wanted to get involved in the investigation, because if we're wrong, this family will be against us," Spencer commented, looking wistfully at the photo.- "I need to understand better."- "I don't want you to be an undercover spy, Blair. I just want you to attend events
- "Is a pleasure"- "Equally"- "Jean, let's let you have your moment. We'll be back in five minutes" Drake said, already holding Blair's hand and guiding her to a less applauded corner of the room.He knew, better than anyone else, that this was all an emotional trigger for Blair. Seeing her father treated with so much tenderness, when only she knew his past, was exhausting. As if they were both wearing masks, and not just as accessories.Blair and Drake had lived together for several years, ever since they met in Philadelphia. Since then, they have lived in several states, always running away from old problems or finding new ones. One way or another, they were always together.- "You'll be fine?" Drake asked.He wanted to have a moment of privacy, but he knew it would be almost impossible. Many people looked at them discreetly, admiring the couple's incredible beauty. If everyone didn't know that Deana was the protagonist of the film, they would certainly say that Blair was.- "Yes,
However, by a mischievous twist of fate, she saw the man leave the room and walk with long steps to the elevator. He was a very tall man, with a strong physique and broad shoulders. His tuxedo looked perfectly aligned, except for the three buttons undone.And, contrary to what she expected, he had time to reach out and stop the steel doors from closing. Then nervousness embraced her again.The first thing she smelled was the man's perfume. It was as if his sense of smell was developed just for that aroma. Strong, masculine and addictive. It wasn't just the scent; that sensuality could not be found in a glass bottle. Much of the attraction that scent spread was the man's persona, itself.She didn't see her face covered by the gray mask, but she felt it on her skin as if it was emanating fire. The man was tall and strong, every part of his body strategically filled out his black tuxedo.The mask above the shaped lips, the perfectly aligned nose and the marked jaw brought mystery to the
It was a rainy Saturday in all of Las Vegas and, in the backseat of the car, Blair analyzed the landscape that unfolded through the window. Her thoughts were scattered, traveling through the not-so-recent past.- "The night was crazy" Drake commented.He was wearing sunglasses to hide the dark circles under his eyes after spending much of the night drinking with his friend. After the event, they went back to their apartment and opened some bottles of good wine.- "Of course" Blair agreed, immediately remembering the encounter with a certain knight in the elevator.She still wasn't able to believe that that man had seduced her to the point of making advances on him. What comforted her was the idea that they wouldn't see each other again, as most of the people present at the previous night's event lived in Los Angeles, not Vegas.- "I'll never drink again" Drake snuggled in the backseat of the Bentley as he murmured, happy for the treats that Blair's father offered them. In fact, the en
In the background, female voices shouting and applauding were still heard loudly.- "Ethan Banks" the host repeated, holding out his hands to emphasize his guest, and then the audience burst into hysterical screams again.At that moment, Blair's world stopped spinning and she fell out of orbit. Out of all the people at the party, all the men, all the faces, she had found Ethan Banks, the name on Spencer's blacklist. She didn't know how to react, and seemed to forget to breathe as well. This wasn't just a possible criminal being investigated, but rather the most attractive man her eyes had the pleasure of seeing.- "Well, I could start off easy. But you know these girls, they want to know if you're available" the presenter joked, and the shadow of an insincere smile crossed Ethan's face.-"That can be discussed" was his response.The man's voice was like a breath of life into Blair, even not in person. Serious and hoarse, that was the definition of a sound that seemed more like thunder
The redhead paid attention to every second of the interview. She was enchanted by the control Ethan carried. He behaved as if he were above everyone. No one would be able to tame him. His rigid stance didn't allow for accessibility and, to his own detriment, Blair found herself drawn in. However, deep down, the woman told herself that she was just collecting important information for the investigation.- "What do you think of him?" she asked her friend, who was already lying on the couch as if he was going to spend the rest of the night there.- "Everyone wants to be him and everyone wants to be his" the cliché touch in the answer was intentional.- "Is this bad?" she thought about it.-"No really. He's the type who would make a perfect match with you, if he weren't such a womanizer" despite the comment being an unrealistic hypothesis, Blair thought about it.The woman was definitely not the type who dreamed of love and charming princes. All the struggles she faced taught her to belie
She turned so he could see the entire dress. However, when it comes to Blair Collins, any outfit would make her look good. It was an understandable cause for envy that the redhead looked beautiful on any occasion.- "You look very beautiful, not that it's anything new"She applied one last coat of vivid red lipstick before heading out. It was undeniable that that was her color, as she decorated her hair in such a way as to channel any and all attention.*The city lights of Los Angeles were what illuminated the world in times of darkness. The future was in skyscrapers and their grandeur. Every building located on the outskirts of the city that never slept had a purpose; show your power.The Roosevelt Hotel was an interesting setting. With its white facade and large rounded supporting pillars, the building had a modern look. Its interior was no different, featuring elegance in abundance. The chandeliers in various rooms, the pure marble floors and the superior suites with indoor pools