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

“Speaking of Shorty…” He dropped his cigarette to the ground and stepped on it, crushing its burning tip into the dirt. “I should get back to them before they leave me here. They’re my ride back to the Thunderbird.”


“When are you dragging your ass back to the Rouge?” Joseph asked.


“Soon,” he promised. He tipped a finger and nodded good-bye to the others, then turned on his heel and strolled back to the front of the church. He would’ve preferred to run, but the last thing he was going to do now was draw even more attention to the fact he needed to find Vince. Now.


Jimmy and Kate were still waiting in the receiving line, though they were much closer to the front now. Vince wasn’t with them. David scanned the room, certain that he would choose to stick close to his boss. People were milling around, congregating into small groups full of whispered, intense conversations, but none of them were the tall, broad-shouldered man David was searching for.


Chapter 31