Goddess of Vengeance - Jackie Collins [67]
Her dream evening had somehow or other turned into a disastrous nightmare.
She hated Billy Melina.
* * *
Danny got off on filling Lucky in on all the hotel gossip, scurrilous and otherwise. Danny collected information without even trying, it came to him whether he wanted to hear it or not. Yes, Danny was a magnet for all things juicy; he culled all the latest news over a very early coffee with some of the staff before everyone reported for duty.
It amused Lucky to hear everything that was going on in her hotel, and Danny was always a great source.
Friday morning the news was all about the pit boss caught cheating with a married woman who worked in the catering department. Then there was the delectable and extremely young PR engaged to a croupier, but busy having a side affair with a teenage singing sensation who visited Vegas a lot. And lastly the perverted pig in the Presidential Suite who’d refused to pay hookers for extra services rendered.
‘Men!’ Danny exclaimed, rolling his eyes at his boss. ‘Why order in if you’re not prepared to pay?’
‘Ah,’ Lucky sighed, as they made their way onto the terrace of her magnificent penthouse where a breakfast feast was laid out on a marble side-table. ‘Men can be mysterious creatures, exactly like women.’
‘You’re too kind,’ Danny said with a snippy edge. ‘But believe me – most men are nasty little piggies.’
‘Do you really think that?’ Lucky asked mildly.
‘Oh yes, indeedy,’ Danny responded. ‘I could tell you a thing or two about men. You know, before Buff and I got together—’
Lucky cut him short. ‘Much as I would love hearing your life stories, Danny, I’d prefer you go pick up Venus and escort her here.’
‘One day,’ Danny said, slightly put out that Lucky didn’t want to hear what he had to say, ‘you should listen to my stories.’
‘One day I will,’ Lucky assured him. ‘But not today.’
‘You’re such a machine,’ Danny said with a knowing nod. ‘Everything and everyone has to be on time – no room for error.’
‘And fortunately for you, Danny, you never make errors,’ Lucky said briskly. ‘So I suggest you move your tight little ass and go fetch Venus.’
‘In some circles that remark might be construed as sexual harassment,’ Danny sniffed. ‘Besides, you know Venus will keep me waiting, she’s such a diva.’
‘Goodbye,’ Lucky said, thinking that one of the reasons she got along with Danny so well was that he wasn’t scared of her. Because of everything she’d achieved, some people viewed her as intimidating. Danny was never intimidated; he had a sweet but sometimes perverse nature, plus he was efficient and full of energy. He was the perfect assistant for her.
Danny reappeared with Venus fifteen minutes later. Venus, a vision in an all-white workout outfit trimmed with gold braid, her platinum-blonde hair piled on top of her head.
Danny escorted her onto the terrace to join Lucky, then left. The two women exchanged a warm hug. ‘I’m so glad you made it,’ Lucky said. ‘Wasn’t sure you would.’
‘You know I love Vegas,’ Venus remarked. ‘And I was thinking we could work out after breakfast.’ She did an elaborate twirl. ‘You see, I dressed the part. This is from my new clothing line – Body By Venus. You like?’
‘Sensational, but I can’t get sweaty today,’ Lucky said, wishing she had the time. ‘Got a meeting, followed by the board meeting with potential investors you promised to show your face at. Remember?’
‘I did?’ Venus said innocently.
‘You did,’ Lucky assured her.
‘Damn!’
‘Suck it up, superstar,’ Lucky said, laughing. ‘You know you get off when everyone’s creaming all over you. You’re an attention junkie and it shows.’
Venus smiled. It was true, she never tired of being in the spotlight. ‘I guess Danny can work out with me,’ she said, checking out the table of food. ‘Right, Danny?’
‘Sorry to disappoint you,’ Lucky said, helping herself to a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. ‘But Danny will be with me, taking notes.’
‘You’re no fun,’ Venus said, opting for a dish