What Happens in Vegas: A BWWM Alpha Male Romance by Cristina Grenier, Stacey Mills

what exactly was so major about his family name he had to keep it a secret. “My family has not made its money through entirely honest means,” he informed her, stopping in front of the balcony window and staring out onto the city lights. “The Verraud family is one of the largest organizations in Las Vegas. Authorities might even categorize us as organized crime. But we have not done anything highly illegal or harmful to anyone’s well being in years, even since before my oldest brother has been at the forefront. I’ve never wanted anything to do with that kind of life and I’ve never wanted to take on that kind of business. I’ve studied hard and been successful in my academic career. I have my own goals I’m well on my way to achieving. Honest ambitions.” He turned to her but avoided her gaze as he said, “There is only one other family large and powerful enough to match us. They are not our friends and even though we are not at war, so to speak, they tend to play much dirtier than we do. They like to stir things up sometimes if they are not happy about something and that’s why there was a misleading article about me.”
     
    “I can’t believe it,” Shauna whispered, looking down at her hand resting on top of the dining table. It was all too surreal. She could not possibly have someone involved in this kind of lifestyle in her house; she could not possibly be considering a relationship with that kind of person. Even though he did not want to have anything to do with the family business or even contribute to it in a small way, he was still connected to his family and that put her at risk simply by association. She knew this was the moment to walk away from him and this relationship, she knew if she stayed she would only end up deeper into it and would be unable to tear herself away. She knew it was dangerous to continue being with him and allow her face to be seen next to his. Despite all of this knowledge and defying all logic, she stood up and walked right up to Nick. Cupping his face between her hands, she pulled his head down and gave him a long, tender kiss on the lips. “I’m taking the plunge,” she whispered.
     
     
     

Chapter 7: Getaway
     
    It was the dead of night and the harbor was completely deserted except for Nick and Shauna, who had just pulled up in his car minutes ago and were now walking to the dock where his boat was, bags in hand. They would be going away for the weekend but Shauna was not entirely sure why. When he had proposed the idea, it had made perfect sense and she was completely up for it. But now, as he helped carry her bags on board only mere hours after the huge revelation about his family had been made, she was not sure why she agreed to this. It made no sense how going on a weekend getaway was the answer or how it would help her decide if she had made the right choice. Actually, she knew she had not made the right choice. Nothing was worth the danger she was putting herself in but that did not stop her from plunging forward anyway. She was not even in love with him; at least she did not think she was, so it made no sense to her why she was sticking this out.
     
    She walked straight into the cabin and sat on the couch, staring off into space with her mind trying to think of too many things at once. Her thoughts were so loud they were deafening and she just had no idea what to do about it anymore. Nick, meanwhile, had started up the boat and they were already out on the lake. It was a very large lake and he decided to anchor them somewhere in the middle of it some time later. Shauna had still not moved from her spot, she had barely even looked around the entire time. He came inside and shut the cabin door, taking care to bolt it, before he sat down next to her. She could feel him staring at her with concern but she had no idea what to do or say. Part of her wanted to demand he take her back to shore, back home, and leave her alone but that part of her was too small and