Play Me >> Styles

o n e

I'm going to kill Liam.

Harry Styles muttered under his breath as he ended his shift, carefully checking the cards and organizing his table. He'd only been in Vegas for a few short weeks, and already his best friend bossed him around. After convincing him to transfer from London, Liam set him up with a woman for the evening. Harry's temper cranked up a notch. When he got a hold of Liam, he'd kick his ass. He didn't need help recruiting a female for company, despite his friend's good intentions.

With methodical precision, he counted out chips and stacked decks while he brooded. The casino swung into overload as night arrived in full blown, Vegas style. The ching of the machines vibrated with noisy celebration and competed with screams of rivalry around the roulette table. The lushness of the casino beckoned both the novice and experienced gambler to play. From the dripping crystal chandeliers to the merlot carpet, opulence flashed from every room and pampered the crowds. Cocktail waitresses rushed by in low cut tops and short skirts, balancing trays filled with vivid neon drinks. The familiar scents of exotic perfume, musk, and money drifted in the air. He held back a groan. He craved a soft bed and a hard drink. Alone. Instead, the call from his friend beckoned him with other possibilities.

The perfect woman.

He snorted at the impossible thought. The popular dating service,1Night Stand, supposedly hooked up clients for the night with an ideal match. Liam actually believed Madame Eve, who ran the company, possessed the magical power to find him his soul mate.

Mid twenties threatened and he still hadn't found someone to challenge his normally dominant side. Moving to Vegas only made him more depressed as he dated the same women over and over, chasers of money and glory, out for a man to finance their dreams, or to find a cheap thrill for the night. The bars continuously contained a tight knit cluster of friends on a weekend visit for an episode of Girls Gone Wild. If he saw one more drunken wink with the accompanying drawl, Everything in Vegas stays in Vegas, he'd vomit.

Hell, he'd become a grump.

Since Liam began working for Castillo Resorts and Hotels, Liam seemed focused on getting Harry married and settled. Not that Vegas was the best place to put down roots, but Liam had changed since meeting his wife, and wanted to share the bliss. Seems Madame Eve hooked his friend up with Tara. Liam now touted family and commitment, and actually admitted he wanted children. He never spoke of details, but his obsession with Harry using the company's services convinced him that his friend actually believed his one-night stand had potential for more.

Ridiculous.

He ignored the deep pang in his gut and buried it with the ease of an expert. Images of a woman by his side for the long term haunted him. His relationships always lacked something crucial. He craved a woman who challenged him on every level-inside and outside the bedroom. Someone who wouldn't fear his need for dominance and surrender without the strict rules and limits of a Dom/sub relationship. He shook his head at his inner whining. He needed to get the hell over himself and get off. He'd probably feel better.

Grabbing his bag, he changed out of his uniform, and headed toward the bar for a quick drink.

His phone vibrated and he glanced at the text. Bonjour, Harry. Your friend speaks highly of you. Are you ready to begin your adventure?

He hesitated. Hell, what did he have to lose? A night of great sex with no strings attached. Before he could change his mind, his fingers flew across the keys. Good evening, Madame Eve. Since Liam leaves me no choice, I'll put myself in your capable hands.

The phone shook in his palm as if in excitement. Very good. You will find her seated at the blackjack table, far right, second chair from the left. Short dark hair. Dressed in black. Her name is Sloane Keller. Bon chance.