Excerpt: 'Dominic: The Prince' by MJ Fields

MJ Fields shares an excerpt from her new release, Dominic: The Prince, book two in her Ties of Steel series.

First, here's the blurb:

The Italian, seductive, quiet alpha Dominic Segretti is leaving Livorno, Italy, and headed for the Jersey Shore. His family's business is in danger of crumbling under the management of a man who tormented and grossly underestimated his investment in a business he grew up loving, and the hatred of a man who made his life hell for thirteen years. He has been quietly waiting for the right moment to bring Benito Deluca to his knees.

He comes to the US, armed with enough evidence to prove his case to Josephine Steel, his aunt, and his cousins, Cyrus, Jase, Zandor, and Xavier. The night before he plans to tell them of the corruption that could cause the demise of DeLuca INC, he decides to take a night to de-stress. He plans a night of relaxation and enjoyment for himself at the Hilton Casino on the shore.

Delaney Johnson is starting over after a break-up and graduating college. She has landed the job of her dreams in NYC. Arrangements had been made to stay with her best friend, Nikki Bassett, and her fiancé', Abe O'Donnell. Feeling that her luck has suddenly changed, she stops to play a few slots, just for fun. She finds herself winning big, and gains an admirer. One hot night of uninhibited sex with a stranger takes her places she never knew she could go. Dominic sees something in her, something familiar, something undeniable. Will this one hot night turn into many, or will the Beast's plans crush any hope of them exploring their future?

EXCERPT

We land in New Jersey and a car is waiting on the tarmac. No customs, perfect.

"Mr. Segretti, as requested there is a room for you at the Taj Mahal."

"Thank you." I throw my duffle bag in the car. "You ready to play some cards, Pablo?"

"Of course." Pablo nods.

"Enjoy your stay. Casinos are becoming a rare commodity on the strip. Five are closing down," the cab driver tells me, as we pull in front of the hotel.

"Why is that?"

"Excuse me?" the driver asks.

Oh, god sake, my English wasn't that broken. "Why?"

"Business is down. Can't keep them open."

"Interesting. Well, we will have to give them more reason to close the doors. Ready to take their money, Pablo?"

I am a skilled poker player. I love the game, draw, stud, or any style of poker. I'm sure it messes with people that I can hide emotion and appear relaxed in any situation. Until meeting Sabato, I couldn't be beat.

After a shower and change of clothes, I walk down to meet Pablo to play some cards.

It isn't as busy or lively as I expect. The exception is a group of men surrounding a red haired young woman, in a black denim skirt with a red tank top and a black and red polka dot scarf. She must be winning because the men are applauding, and she is laughing. Her laugh intrigues me. It causes me to walk closer to see what is making this character so happy.

I stand watching as she pulls the arm of the slot machine. When the reels stop, bells and whistles sound, and flashing lights illuminate the area. It is obnoxious, but the little ladybug seems to love it.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. It's Pablo, saying he is on the phone with his girls and will be down soon. I tell him take his time.

She sees me staring and smiles. She has a cute little dimple on her left cheek. When she looks back, I am still staring and her face reddens.

I look around and motion for the wait staff. I take two glasses of wine, down them and take two more. I hand him a hundred dollar bill. "I want to buy the ladybug a drink, too."

"These are complimentary, sir."

"I want to buy her a drink."

"Sir, we don't —"

"Give her a drink," I say, as I hold up another bill.

He smiles and does as he is asked. No wonder casinos were closing around here; free, cheap booze.

I watch as he hands her the drink. He whispers in her ear, and I see a smile creeping up her face with that dimple deepens.

Sexy.

I look at my phone again and then look for the poker room. When I turn back, she is standing in front of me.

"You trying to get me drunk?" Her voice is huskier than I expected.

"Would that make this easier?"

She smiles. "You're not from around here."

"What gave it away, the shoes?"

She looks down. "Those are some big feet."

"I will take that as a compliment. You, too, are foreign to these parts."

"Visiting a friend tomorrow. Got in early."

"Me, as well."

"Visiting you?" she asks.

"Well, you are now. However, I meant that I am visiting people and flew in a day early."

"I see. Well, thanks for the drink."

I lean in next to her ear and whisper, "It was free." I inhale her sweet scent before leaning back.

She nods. "Of course."

"Can I buy you another?"

She looks up and gives a silent chuckle. "I'm winning over here. I've already had too much to drink. I need to sober up so that I can drive."

"Drink, play, enjoy, and then stay with me tonight." Her jaw drops a bit. "You're at least twenty-one, correct?"

"Yes, but—"

"I have a suite. You can take the master bed."

"I'm sorry, I think—"

"I'm going to play poker in that room, over there." I point to the left. "When you are done entertaining the boys and robbing this casino of all their funds, come sit with me, while you sober up to drive. You are a lucky little ladybug. I want some of that luck, and something to entertain my eyes, while I take the rest of their money."

I take her hand and kiss it, then turn and walk away.

Find out more about MJ and her books at mjfieldsbooks.com.