A/N: Hey fellas. Sorry for the lack of update. My family was in mourning - and still is - since my grandfather passed away last week. I'm doing my best to juggle my life right now. Please be paitent with me, and thank you.

I see that the story is doing well, thank you so much everyone, it really made my day. So, I decided to update now rather than next sunday.

Thank you so much!

Enjoy an Happy Reading!

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Three

When we landed in Vegas, the hotel serviced picked us up with a private car for VIP members. I called in before we left, telling them in such a short notice that I would be staying over for the weekend. I felt bad for the manager, Lawrence, about our sudden visit. I knew the staff would be tidying up since I’m coming over. I’m don't seem to be used to it. I never liked to be too domineering to my employees like my dad and grandfather.

When we got to the hotel, Jade didn’t waste time being a diva and started bossing on the staff about or luggage. I eyed her seriously and tugged her long, raven hair that was up in a ponytail.

“What the hell, Mitch!” She cursed silently.

“For goodness sake, Jade, would you stop being a diva. Let them do their job peacefully.” I scolded at her in a whisper, hoping that the staff didn’t hear me curse unsophisticatedly.

“Geez… Okay… You could have told me without increasing my chances of getting bald.” Jade mumbled to herself as she walked on ahead of me.

On my right, Paige walked up to me after greeting the staff. When she got to me, she looked at Jade as she walked away. “What’s with her?” She asked in wonder.

“Same, same… I pissed her off again.” I mumbled in reply before looping my arm around hers. “Let’s get inside and rest before going to that damn party.” I stated, tugging her toward the door.

“You could have said no, you know.” Paige pointed out as we got inside the lobby of the hotel.

“I know. But, I didn’t.”

The general manager escorted us to the top floor suit, which is reserved for VIP guest and for the Newman family who are visiting over. In truth, no one in my father’s side of the family ever comes to Vegas to party. Now, this is a first.

“Would that be all Ms. Newman?” Lawrence, the general manager, asked after they’ve settled down our things.

“That would be all for now, Lawrence. I’ll call you if we need anything.” I replied curtly as I stood by the door.

He gave me a brief nod of reply before getting out of the room without anymore further questions. I felt a little out of bounds with being treated as the head of the company, which is odd since I was raised into his family knowing this all would be mine.

“So, what are we going to do before heading to the party?” Jade asked enthusiastically as she jumped on the couch in the huge living room in front of me.

The room was huge and surrounded by tinted glass wall. You can see the whole view of the hotel and the strip right in front of us. The sun was slowly setting, starting the night of the city that doesn’t sleep. I could feel myself get excited as I thought of seeing the lights and the street events. This is Vegas. I’m sure there is no place that I wouldn’t find entertaining.

“How about we got to a salon and get ready?” Jade suggested when none of us replied to her question.

“Well, I don’t know about that… Mitch?” Paige finally spoke, entering the living with a purse in hand.

I glance at her outfit, feeling a little smug. “You look like you aren’t going to stay here before the party.” I observed.

“Then, to the salon it is!” Jade announced in finality, jumped out of the couch and grabbed her purse that she placed on the glass table in front of her.

Paige looked at me and wiggled her eyebrow in excitement. I waited for Jade to get out of the room first before grabbing Paige. “I thought you wanted to rest.” I stated deadly, feeling slightly betrayed at the only person I could trust at the moment.

“I did. But, Vegas is rubbing off on me.” She replied gleefully, pulling us towards the door.

I snorted but didn’t say anything in reply. She looked too happy right now, and Paige is the only friend that I wouldn’t bitch out on whatever mood she has. She rarely gets this hyped up about something.

As we got to the salon and got out hair and nails done, I think Vegas is also rubbing off on me. I couldn’t help but feel excited as we talked about the plan for tonight. Jade suggested many things to lure men, but I’ve shut out some of her suggestions. They weren’t even doable for me and Paige.

“Oh come on, Mitch. Don’t be a mood killer. It’s not that bad. You aren’t even wearing lingerie while doing it.” Jade probed encouragingly as we walked back toward the lobby.

“I hope I’m not.” I countered softly to myself, ignoring her attempts of sucking me into her plans.

After we got to our room, we quickly changed into our party clothes, which I’ve been sighing as Jade picked it out for me. I think I would need a drink before going in to this party. From the sound of how Jade narrated the night, which I’m sure she had experienced before, I wouldn’t survive it without being slightly mentally decapitated.

“Wait! Before we get out of this car, can I ask you girls something?” I asked, halting Jade from opening the car door.

We had arrived at the venue of the party. And, my nerves have increase drastically as I eyed the crowd and photographers lining up outside. It didn’t take long for us to get to the venue, which had to be closer than I expected.

“What is it?” Paige urged on when I didn’t continue.

“I don’t want us to separate at all tonight. I want you both within my line of eyesight at all times.” I finally said, my voice quivering slightly as I glance at the crowd and back to them.

“Chill out, Michelle. We are going to be fine. I’m with you on this, so no one who is below hotness level seven can go near us.” Jade replied with confidence, her enthusiasm hasn’t rubbed off since we got here.

“That’s very uplifting to hear.” I replied sarcastically and rolled my eyes.

“Let’s go. I can’t wait to hear the music and start the party!” She almost squealed in excitement, making me and Paige cover our ears for protection.

“I'm going to regret this.” I mumbled softly to myself as we got out of the car.

When we entered the venue, I eyed the entrance that had two huge, muscled men guarding the door. As we approached them, one of them eyes us – well, eyed Jade  - with recognition. They didn't ask who we were and let us through. I turned to Jade with awe. I don't really go with her to gathering like this, but I knew how much a partygoer she is. And, seeing the guard’s faces, I finally gasp the gravity of how much she goes partying.

As we entered the venue, the booming speakers that were pumped up to the highest volume greeted us. I flinched and covered my ear from the loud music. I turned towards Paige, who was silently walking beside, looking as much uncomfortable as I am. I couldn't help but smile at our discomfort.

I grabbed her arm, pulling her closely to my side as we continued to walk pass a swarm of people. “Are you okay?” I shouted towards Paige after Jade expertly guided us to an empty booth. I think she knows the layout of this place. If so, I wouldn't be surprise if she did.

“Yes!” She replied, shouting like me, though her voice sounded muffled as the loud music drown it.

Suddenly, the music shifted into a techno beat, making my heart pump with the rhythm. I turned towards Jade, who looked like she was ready to hound the dance floor. “Jade! Where is the bar? I need a drink!” I asked, shouting over the music.

“What?” She shouted back, turning towards me in confusion.

“The bar! I need a drink!” I asked with more volume.

“It's there, on the right side!” She pointed on her right where I saw a huge wall of drinks that was neatly placed. There was also a huge mirror facing towards the crowded dance floor.

I nodded in reply and gestured to them that I'm going. Paige signaled that she’d be coming with me as she stood up from her chair. The journey towards the bar was exhausting as the dancing sea of bodies blocked our way. When we got there, I let out a huge breath and lean on the counter.

Paige moved a little closer to me so that I can hear her better. “Are you okay?” She asked worriedly.

I gave her a weak smile and thumbs up. Then, I turned towards the bartender who walked passed us. I waved my hand to get his attention to order our drinks. At first try, the bartender didn't notice us, but then I started waving my hands hysterically like I was dancing with the music. He finally noticed me with a smug smile.

“Hi! Can we have some cocktail please!” I shouted over the music.

He gave me an okay sign before walking away from us. I turned back to Paige, who was looking at me with amusement. “What?” I asked in confusion.

“You know you look like a crazy person if you do that!” She stated with a huge grin.

“I know! It was the only way!” I agreed with a chuckle.

She laughed at my reply but didn't add anything to it. As we waited for our drinks to arrive, we both remain silent as we watched the person go crazy with the music. I couldn't hide my amusement when I saw people started grinding on the floor, already drunk. I turned to Paige to share the moment, but she was already chuckling beside me as she eyed the same people.

After that, the bartender arrived with our drink. I turned away from the crowd and took a sip. And, as my eyes wanders for a second, I choked on my drink when it landed on someone at the other end of the bar counter, behind Paige.

Paige looked at me with shock and confusion as she asked the bartender for some tissues. “Are you okay?” She asked worried after the bartender disappeared to get me some thing to wipe the mess I made on my face.

I covered my face with my hand and wipe the mess with the back of my hand. After a few seconds, the bartender came back with a bundle of tissue. He handed it to me with a smile. I have him a small smile as thanks and wiped myself clean.

I look up towards Paige and slightly looked back at the person again. “Oh no.” I hissed silently to myself as worry slowly plastered on my face. “This is not happening right now.”

“Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost.” Paige stated as she slowly turned around to check what made me react this way.

“No! Don't look!” I warned and twisted her shoulders, making her face me again. “It's him!” I stated in shock.

“Whose...? Wait, you mean, 'He'...” She asked but trailed off as realization sets in. She slightly turned her body, so that she was facing the bar again. I grabbed her arm in warning, but she gave me a light pat at the back of my hand before proceeding to look at him.

After a quick glance, Paige looked back at me with wide eyes. “What are we going to do?” I asked in desperation.

“Go! Hide!” She ordered urgently, pushing me away from her.

“What about Jade and tonight?” I asked a little hesitant as I started to worry about nonessential things.

“Forget about it. You go back to the hotel. And, cover your face if you don't want him to see you. You won't hear the end of it.” She gestured me to go as she mumbled the rest to herself.

I looked at her for a moment and glance back at him, who was still by the bar talking to a girl. I turned back to Paige, giving her an apologetic smile before turning around and walking out of the party. I know I can't do it, and from my situation now, it's not a good time to see him. He would hound me with questions and asked unnecessary thing. Then, if he continues to drink, he might start talking about that embarrassing day.

I quickly made my way out and went to the nearest taxi stand, glad that there weren't much people in line. And as I got in the taxi a few minutes later, I asked the driver to take me back to the hotel with a hurried tone. The drive back didn't take much time since it was close. Thirty minutes later, I was inside the suite. I quickly crush down on the sofa feeling drain somehow. I don't know why I'm out of breath even though I didn't run. Maybe the nervousness and the adrenaline rush had taken away what little energy I have for the rest of the day.

After laying down there for a whole minute or two, I decided to cool down by taking a quick bath to relax. I took this opportunity to use the huge bathtub and fill it with rose scented bubble bath. I filled it with lukewarm water to loosen up my stiff muscles. I dip and lay down for at least ten minutes before I started wrinkling. When I was done and all dress up with fresh, casual clothes, I sat at the living room flipping on the channel in the flat screen television.

When I reached the end of the list of channels, I saw that there weren't anything nice to watch. So, with a huge sigh, I decided to explore the hotel. And, for someone who owns it, I knew so little on the layout of the building. I felt a little ashamed about this fact.

As I got down on the lobby, I asked one attending staff the way to the bar. The person obliged and kindly showed me the way with a huge smile on his face. For a second, I though he was trying to flirt with me; but then, he address me by my name. He was trying to suck up to the boss. I couldn't help but mentally smile at that. I could get use to this kind of treatment.

As I sat on one of the empty stool at the bar counter, a little shock to see that it was almost empty, I asked the bartender to mix me up a famous house cocktail, which was overdue. I’m surprise I hadn’t opened the wine bottle that was seating idly in the suite’s fridge.

While I waited for it to arrive, I take the time to check up on my best friend. I pulled out my smartphone, which was for personal use, and saw the flood of messages I have. Most of those messages came from Jade, and a few of them are from Paige. I also have a message from my mother, which I didn't have the heart to read yet. If she is texting me about the marriage thing, I am not answering her at all.

“Do you really hate my face so much that you have to get away from the party and find an empty bar to sulk?” A familiar husky voice asked form behind me, stopping me from reading my messages.

I look up at the wall in front of me, but didn't dare myself to turn around just yet. “How the hell did you find me?” I asked in annoyance.

“It wasn't hard to find someone who owns a hotel in Vegas.” He snorted in reply.

“Not everyone who owns a hotel here stays at there own hotel.” I countered, and before I could realize what I just said, the words had come out of my mouth. Of course they would stay at the hotel they own, it's expected.

“And, I don't know why you even bothered with a comeback. I still make you feel nervous, huh?” He asked arrogantly.

Now, I have enough. I turned around on my seat and finally faced him head on. He looked like how he used to look from the last time I saw, which was two years ago at his brother's wedding. Though, now, he looked like some killer businessman in a black suit with a navy blue collar shirt underneath. I didn't bother to linger my eyes on what he was wearing and stared directly at his crystal blue eyes. The pair of eyes I've always loath since that last time I saw him.

“Fuck off, Burns. I don't have time with your shit.” I hissed in rage, not even bothering to filter my mouth anymore.

“I am certainly going to fuck off now. But, before I do that, I just wanted to say Hi to you since it would be rude of me to screw someone at the hotel you own.” He smirked coyly. “Well, anyways, I've got to go. My girl is waiting in my room, already wearing a lingerie.” He added and turned around as he walked away from me.

“Asshole! I hope your balls drop and turn blue!” I shouted in frustration as he left me speechless for a second.

“Only if I sleep with you!” He countered back with a laugh, giving me an arrogant wave as he walked out the door.

I looked at him with wide eyes, speechless yet again at his words. Hugh Burns. He is definitely the kind of man I should avoid for the next hundred days. I only hope this would be the last time I see his stinking face. Asshole!