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part of the money will go to charity, but it’s $100,000 per player just to sit at the table. The senators are asking for credit until the money is wired.”
    “No. They can get cash from one of the other banks in town.”
    Sophia raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “We always approve the wires and the banks have verified they have the cash to support a very large casino credit.”
    “Not for those two we don’t. Don’t worry, Sophia, I’ll be more than happy to tell them we denied their request.” Reid grinned a cold grin. His day had just improved.
     
    Reid smiled for the first time all day as he approached the two senators. They were in deep discussion with one another and didn’t see him coming. Reid knew the instant Senator Westin recognized him. The senator’s jaw clenched and that only served to make Reid happier.
    “What are you doing here, boy?” Senator Westin snapped.
    Reid didn’t let the barb bother him. He just smiled wider. “I wanted to welcome you personally to Luxus. As owner of this casino, it’s with great pleasure I get to inform you that your application for credit has been denied. If you'd like to receive any money, there is a bank across the street you may use. All courtesies normally afforded to our guests are off limits to both of you. I hope you enjoy your stay at Luxus.”
    “Owner?” Ambrose snorted.
    Reid’s smile slipped, and he narrowed his eyes. “That’s right. I own this hotel. It's one of many I own.”
    “You mean your sister owns,” Senator Westin said snidely. “You know, the one your father appointed to run Simpson Global because you were too immature and unqualified to manage.”
    Reid put a smile back on his face, but it must have been predatory since the girl at the credit application desk sucked in an audible breath. “See, I’m having a hard time thinking of how to phrase this since family is a concept you don’t understand. I’m proud of each of my sisters. My father made the right choice, and it’s a choice that doesn’t concern you. My passion is money, and by last count I have more in my small part of Simpson Global than your whole family has. So, for someone who will never amount to a hill of beans, not only have I accomplished more than you, I also have something you will never have . . . a family who loves me. Credit denied. Good day.”
    Reid didn’t bother to look back as he strode from the casino floor. He hadn’t come face to face with the senator since the night Mallory had rejected him. Proving him wrong and showing him he had become wealthy didn’t ease the sharp pain in his heart as he had hoped it would. He had worked all those years to be a man the senator could only wish for Mallory. As he walked away, he still felt empty. Revenge had felt good, but it hadn’t fixed everything—his heart was still broken.

     

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    By the time Mallory was stocked with clothes for the summit and ball, darkness had fallen. Her limo slid to a smooth stop in front of the Luxus. A liveried man opened her door and held out his hand. She accepted it and stood up. Her skintight, knee-length red sheath clung to her curves as she walked on five-inch heels into the lobby.
    She approached the check-in and set her watch. She wondered how long it would take for someone to approach her to kick her out. She was sure Reid had her flagged at each of his properties.
    “Mallory Westin. I’m checking into the Grande Suite.”
    “Of course, Ms. Westin. Welcome to Luxus. What can we do to make your stay perfect? Do you need tickets to tonight’s show?” the woman behind the desk asked.
    Surprised she wasn’t being barred, Mallory smiled nicely and leaned forward conspiratorially. “Actually, I’m here to surprise an old friend of mine. Is Liam . . . oh, I mean, the prince, hosting any parties tonight? I’d hate to wait until tomorrow to see him.”
    The woman smiled. The Playboy Prince was famous for his paramours. “Not tonight, I’m sorry.