Gambler's Folly (Bookstrand Publishing Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

honeymoon is over. It should not be too onerous a duty.”
    “So you’re a gambler, too,” she stated.
    Damiano laughed, finished the apple and shook his head. “Cara, no. I’m no gambler. I play a game here or there to make sure the play is fair. Yes, I have people who keep watch for me, and hidden cameras to check the tables. But the best way to keep things straight is to watch for myself. When people know I’m watching, they tend to watch themselves and each other.”
    “How can you play, and yet say you’re not a gambler?”
    “A gambler is someone who plays and hopes to win. A gambling addict is someone who must play, win or lose. The game is the reason for life. I care not if I win or lose, or even if I play. I play to be seen, that is all.” He reached for another apple.
    “What the hell is with the damned apples?” The question exploded from Karianna’s mouth. She didn’t know which of them was the more surprised. “I’m sorry. I don’t know where that came from,” she said.
    “No, it is a good question,” Damiano answered. “I have no other vices. I don’t drink, except for wine with a meal or before bed. I don’t smoke or take drugs of any kind. I don’t eat to excess. I don’t exercise more than is necessary to keep fit. I don’t gamble. So I eat apples.”
    “Why apples?” she asked him.
    “They taste good, they crunch nicely, and when I’m irritated, chewing them works out some frustration. It’s safer than a lot of things I could do.”
    “Okay, I’m sorry. I just got distracted. So you want me to come down to the casino with you and do what?” She was confused.
    “Just walk around with me, look interested in the crowd, make sure everyone knows you’re mine and happy about it. With me is the safest place for you right now. Paolo and Marco will be with us, too, with orders to keep you safe at all cost.”
    “What about you?” she asked.
    “Me, I can take care of myself, cara. Paolo and Marco can help, but they are mainly for show. They are nearly as skilled as I am, though, and I’ve made sure everyone knows how dangerous they are. What I’ve hidden is how dangerous I can truly be.”
    “What happens during the day?” she asked. “What do you do with the rest of your time?”
    “I have meetings with people about my businesses, I work out. Now, I can have lunch with my beautiful wife and spend time relaxing at home.”
    “But what will I do, Damiano?”
    “Carl will have you for about two hours each day. No, don’t worry. Most days are not as bad as your assessment. You can read, sleep, pick out some clothes. What would you like to do?”
    “I don’t know, really. I’ve never had enough free time to think about it.”
    “Before our first night out in town, I will send up a hair stylist and makeup artist to help you. I know you will want to look your best, so give them some guidelines to work from. You’ll have some evening wear by then, too, so you can show off your figure.”
    “How can I give them guidelines? I never really wore much makeup before.” This was getting seriously weird, she decided.
    “If you prefer, I can tell them what I would like, until you gain some experience. Would you like that?” he asked.
    “Maybe. Probably. Since I’ll be with you, you’ll know what look you want.”
    “There, wasn’t that easy?” he asked.
    “One more thing.”
    “Yes, cara?”
    “When does this honeymoon thing start?”
    “We’ll ‘leave’ tomorrow. I’ll discuss all the details with Paolo and Marco. We will have to appear to leave and then come back secretly. This is where the cameras come in, cara. You will be fine.”

Chapter 6
     
    The next day, Karianna had her workout with Carl, showered, and met Damiano for lunch. He came in as she left the gym.
    “Kari, cara mia, I’m so sorry I’m late. My meeting ran long. I thought that man would never shut up.”
    “Oh, no problem. I just finished anyway. Whatever it is, lunch smells wonderful.”