It’s 1955, Las Vegas is swinging, and David Lonergan has the chance of a lifetime when he accompanies his cousin to be the headlining act at the Thunderbird Casino. A pianist who cut his teeth in the jazz clubs of Chicago, David is a dazzled by the lights, the music, and the “anything goes” attitude of Las Vegas. But he’s not knocked off his feet until he meets Vincent “Shorty” Accardo.<br><br>Vincent is a full-time bodyguard and sometimes hitman for the mob-controlled casino. He doesn’t indulge his interest in men very often, but there’s something different about David from the moment they meet. He’s attracted to David’s talent, his surprising innocence, and his easy smile.<br><br.There are a million reasons to stay away from the young piano player, but Vincent can’t help himself. Even when there are lives at risk.

The Bad and the Beautiful

“No, no, I can do it.” He stepped back to give Vince room to enter. “Come on in. I’ll just wash up really quick. Won’t be a tick.”


Vince came in, but just far enough to lean against the wall near the door. “You sure it was lunch? You’ve been looking a little green for the past week.”


The observation startled him to a halt. He’d thought he’d been hiding it pretty well, considering the fact he’d never been threatened like this before. Kate hadn’t noticed a thing, not during their rehearsals, not during the shows. As he swung his gaze back to meet Vince’s, though, it dawned on him he’d actually been spending more time with Vince than anyone else. When Jimmy took them out after the show, he and Kate had eyes only for each other, leaving Vince and David to share each other’s company. And Vince had long practice looking out for Jimmy. It made sense he’d picked up on David’s upset.


Chapter 11