Jesse & Caden - The Renegade Lovers

Chapter 8: Big in Vegas

The neon lights of Las Vegas blurred past as Caden weaved through traffic, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. In the passenger seat, Jesse fidgeted with his gun, methodically checking and rechecking the clip. Rico lounged in the back, the picture of calm save for the rapid tapping of his foot.

"You sure about this?" Jesse asked for what felt like the hundredth time. "I mean, a fucking casino? That's not exactly low-profile."

Caden's jaw clenched. "Little late for second thoughts, cowboy. We're all in now."

"Relax, hermano," Rico chimed in, leaning forward to clap Jesse on the shoulder. "My guy on the inside says security's been slacking lately. Something about budget cuts and lazy guards. We'll be in and out before they know what hit 'em."

Jesse wasn't convinced, but he kept his doubts to himself. They'd spent weeks planning this job, going over every detail until they could recite it in their sleep. If it worked, they'd be set for life. If it didn't... well, he tried not to think about that.

They pulled into the parking garage of a seedy motel a few blocks from their target. As they unloaded their gear, Caden pulled Jesse aside.

"Hey," he said softly, cupping Jesse's face in his hands. "You good?"

Jesse leaned into the touch, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability. "Yeah, I'm good. Just... nervous, I guess. Lot riding on this one."

Caden's thumb traced Jesse's cheekbone, a tender gesture at odds with the tension thrumming through both their bodies. "I know. But we've got this, okay? You and me, we can do anything."

"Jesus Christ, you two gonna makeout all night or can we get this show on the road?" Rico's voice cut through the moment, equal parts amused and exasperated.

Caden flipped him off without looking away from Jesse. "Fuck off, Rico. We'll be there in a minute."

As Rico wandered off, muttering about "lovesick pendejos," Caden pressed a fierce kiss to Jesse's lips. "For luck," he murmured as they broke apart.

Jesse grinned, some of his nervousness fading in the face of Caden's confidence. "Since when do we need luck?"

"That's my boy," Caden said with a wink. "Now let's go rob us a casino."

The Sunset Strip Casino wasn't the biggest or flashiest joint in Vegas, but it was far from a small-time operation. Security cameras dotted the ceiling, their blinking red lights a constant reminder of the danger they were in. Dealers manned tables stacked with chips, while cocktail waitresses in skimpy outfits navigated the crowded floor.

Jesse tugged at the collar of his rented tux, feeling exposed despite the sea of people around them. "I feel like every fucking person in here is staring at us," he muttered.

Rico snorted, adjusting his own ill-fitting suit. "Paranoid much? Relax, hermano. We look like every other schmuck in here trying to get rich quick."

Caden's hand found the small of Jesse's back, a subtle gesture of comfort. "Rico's right. Just stick to the plan and we'll be fine."

They made their way to the high-stakes poker room, where their inside man had ensured them a seat at the biggest game of the night. As they approached the table, Jesse's eyes widened at the stacks of chips in front of each player.

"Holy shit," he breathed. "That's more money than I've seen in my life."

Caden's grin was sharp enough to cut. "And it's all about to be ours, cowboy."

The next hour passed in a blur of cards and increasingly large bets. Jesse lost track of how much they were up or down, trusting Caden to keep their losses within the acceptable range for their cover. All the while, Rico circulated the room, chatting up the staff and laying the groundwork for their real objective.