"You've been grinning like a villain since we took off. What's the punchline?" Chloe asked, waking up from her nap.

"Villain, huh? Maybe I prefer to be a charismatic anti-hero. This is our first stop." Damian smiled as the jet made a smooth landing.

Looking out the window, Chloe noticed the flat ground blanketed in darkness among a sparkle of lights. She tried loosening the elastic of her dress, which tightened around the waist when she moved. Her breasts were tender—just another perk of hitting the second trimester.

Moments later, the jet door hissed open, and the desert air rushed in, wrapping around them like a heated blanket.

"Welcome to Las Vegas, where what happens here only happens here," the flight attendant said with a polished smile, standing by the door.

Chloe grabbed her jacket and gave Damian a playful punch. "Vegas? You could've warned me. I expected the Swiss Alps, not the city of neon."

Damian smirked. "Wouldn't have been much of a surprise, then."

Chloe rolled her eyes and turned to the flight attendant. "Thanks, Angela. You should start charging my husband for all the secrets."

Angela's grin widened. "I'd be a billionaire by now."

Damian laughed, stepping forward. "See you next time, Angela." He nodded to the attendant, who took her cue to retreat into the cabin.

Chase appeared in the doorway with a familiar grin before Chloe could leave. "Ah, Vegas. Hope you two are ready for it."

Chloe rolled her eyes. "We're always ready for Vegas. It's Vegas that isn't ready for us."

Chase laughed, shaking his head. "I'll let you two handle that. I'll be in the air, safely out of range."

Damian chuckled, offering Chase a firm handshake. "Thanks, Miller."

"Any time. Take care of her. Spoil her like a queen," Chase replied, winking at Chloe before stepping back into the cockpit.

Chloe departed the jet and entered the heat of the Las Vegas night, the dry desert air mixing with the faint smell of jet fuel. She wrinkled her nose—her senses were sharper these days—as they headed toward the sleek black limo waiting on the tarmac.

Inside the limousine, she rested her head on Damian's shoulder, sighing. "I need food. Now."

Damian slid in next to her, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't you just eat?"

"That was a snack," she said, waving him off. "I need something real."

Damian chuckled, glancing at the Vegas skyline as it flashed in the distance. "Alright. I'll have the driver make a stop."

After pulling into the driveway of a fast food chain and ordering fries, Chloe devoured the meal and sipped on her bottled sparkling water. Somehow, the fizz and the salt eased her churning stomach. Damian declined her offer of fries, preferring a diet of protein and greens.

"You've got a habit of throwing me into the unknown," she said, glancing out the window at the high-rise buildings.

Damian shrugged, his hand sliding lazily over her thigh. "Keeps things interesting."

"You think so?" Chloe crossed her legs, pushing his hand away, but a teasing glint shone from her eyes. "I'm not that easy to impress."

"That's what makes it fun," he murmured, kissing her head.

The limo stopped at the Venetian Resort, its façade a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance architecture. Massive arches framed sparkling glass windows, and beneath them, serene canals mirrored the vibrant Las Vegas lights. Elegant gondolas drifted by, their gondoliers offering warm smiles to arriving guests. As the doors opened, a uniformed staff member stepped forward, assisting Chloe and Damian from the limo.

Chloe's sharp eyes surveyed the intricate stonework and graceful bridges spanning the water. She tossed Damian a sideways glance, her smirk playful. "So, the big reveal? The Venetian?"

Damian placed one arm on top of the limo door, effortlessly handsome in his fitted shirt and dark jeans. His tousled hair framed a chiseled jawline, and his smoldering gaze held a hint of mischief. "This is only part of the reveal."

A sharply dressed porter approached, bowing before extending a hand. "Welcome to the Venetian. How may we assist you tonight?"

Damian firmly gripped the porter's hand. "We have a reservation for the penthouse suite under Scott."

The porter nodded, signaling a private team to transport the luggage. "Right this way, please."

Inside, the grand lobby greeted them with soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers casting prismatic light over polished marble floors. Plush velvet seating areas offered comfort and privacy, while discreet staff anticipated their every move.

Damian led Chloe through the bustling lobby, their steps in sync.

An attractive receptionist greeted them at the check-in desk. "Good evening, Mister Scott," the brunette said with a slight southern European accent, handing two keycards. "I've arranged access to the finest lounges, exclusive dining, and a private spa. Everything is set."

Chloe leaned in, inhaling his enticing cologne. "You always did know how to pick a place. I love this."

"I knew you would, babe," Damian whispered, kissing her earlobe warmly. His hand rested on the small of her back.

They approached a secluded elevator, where a dedicated bellhop in a pristine uniform awaited, pressing the button for their floor. As the doors began to close, the bellhop stepped forward, offering to take their coats and bags. Chloe waved him off with a flick of her wrist. "No need, thanks."

The dulcet tones of Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major played inside the elevator, mingling with the subtle scent of jasmine perfume. Damian leaned in, his voice low and teasing. "With you by my side, this trip will be a picture-perfect memory."

"Have you ever been in Vegas with another woman?" Chloe asked, curious about Damian's life when they were apart.

He remained silent, adjusting his Rolex watch.

Chloe tilted her head, studying him. "You have, haven't you? Gemma, huh?"

Damian took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers. "Babe, please don't."

"Do you think I'm naive?" Chloe pulled away from him, feeling a flush of hot anger splash on her cheeks. She knew the hormones were rising, and the swell of hot air from her chest was uncontrollable.

"Gemma and I were on a business trip. We didn't stay in this hotel."

"Hmm. Why'd you take me to the same city?" Chloe pressed, crossing her arms.

His gaze softened, and vulnerability flickered like a flame in his darkened eyes. "I have my reasons, I promise. I'm not trying to hurt you. You'll understand tomorrow."

The elevator chimed as it reached the top floor, the doors sliding open to reveal the Venetian's most luxurious penthouse suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered an uninterrupted panorama of the Vegas Strip, lights flickering like stars below. A private terrace extended outward, featuring an infinity pool that seemed to merge with the skyline and an elegant lounge area perfect for intimacy.

Chloe strolled into the suite, her eyes absorbing the sleek marble floors and bespoke Italian furnishings. She reached out to touch the smooth surface of a grand piano in the corner. "Okay, I'll admit. You're not boring."

Damian moved up behind her, his hands resting on her hips as his warm breath tickled her ear. "We're just getting started."

She laughed softly, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a full smile. Turning to face him, her eyes flashed with challenge. "Impress me."

He poured two glasses of sparkling water garnished with fresh berries and mint, setting one before her with a lingering touch. "Imagine a private chef tonight, maybe a rooftop dinner under the stars."

Chloe took the glass, the cool refreshment a welcome contrast. "You always find a way to cater to me, don't you?"

Damian's eyes darkened as he took a sip. "Only the best for you and our little one."

They moved to the terrace, the city's hum below providing a perfect backdrop. Damian draped a blanket around Chloe's shoulders, pulling her close. "Just us and the best view in Vegas. I want to make love to you."

Chloe sighed, her head leaning against his shoulder. "Mmm, I'm tired. Not in the mood right now."

Damian's smile faltered, his grip tightening before he masked his hurt with a soft laugh. "Come on, don't be like that."

She looked up at him, frustration flickering in her eyes. "Dami, can we not tonight? My hormones are a mess, you know? If you want total honesty, here's how it feels. One minute, I want to climb on top and milk your cock. The next minute, I'm pissed at you for no good reason, and I want to bite your head off. I'm off balance, and I'm exhausted. I need sleep."

Damian's eyebrows shot up. "Bite my head off?"

Chloe laughed, pointing at her expanding waistline. "I'm dealing with an alien invasion right here. You put it in, and it's taking over me. It's draining all the energy out of me right now."

Damian pulled her closer, his arm circling her waist. "Shit, Chloe. I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were feeling this way."

Chloe stroked his arm, then caressed his jaw. "You have no idea."

***

Sunlight spilled into the bedroom, casting a golden glow over the sleek marble floors. Chloe blinked awake, the silk sheets cool against her skin. She stretched lazily, then winced as a familiar wave of nausea rolled over her. Pressing a hand to her stomach, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

The aroma of freshly brewed tea with a hint of ginger wafted from the open living area. Damian stood by the gigantic windows, his athletic silhouette outlined against the Las Vegas skyline. Clad in casual jeans and a crisp white T-shirt that clung to his muscular frame, he looked every bit the irresistible rogue.

"You're up early," she called out, her voice tinged with grogginess.

He turned, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Couldn't resist the view," he replied, his eyes drifting appreciatively over her. "And I don't mean the city."

Chloe rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Flattery won't get you everywhere."

He sauntered over, carrying a tray laden with breakfast—fresh fruit, buttered toast, and a steaming mug of herbal tea. "Thought you might be hungry," he said, setting it on the bedside table.

She eyed the spread skeptically. "Not sure my stomach agrees."

"Just a nibble?" he coaxed, plucking a ripe slice of watermelon from the plate and holding it to her lips.

She hesitated before taking a small bite. The sweetness burst on her tongue, surprisingly soothing. "Okay, not terrible."

"High praise," he teased, settling onto the edge of the bed.

Chloe sipped the tea, the warmth easing the knots in her stomach. "You're unusually attentive this morning," she noted, arching an eyebrow.

"Is it so unusual for me to care about you?" he countered, his gaze steady.

She met his eyes, the sincerity there disarming. "No, I suppose not. The hormones are a little wild."

He reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I hear mood swings come with the territory."

She smirked. "Reading up on pregnancy now, are we?"

"Maybe doing a little research," he admitted with a wink. "Can't have you thinking I'm not committed."

Her expression softened. "Damian, I—" Another wave of nausea cut her off, and she set the tea down hastily.

He was immediately alert. "Chloe?"

She took a few measured breaths. "I'm fine. Just queasy. It's prolonged morning sickness. Not as bad as a week or two ago, but still around."

"Is there anything I can do?" he asked, concern etching lines on his forehead.

"Unless you can fast-forward the next few weeks, not really." She gave a half-hearted laugh.

He frowned thoughtfully. "Well, short of time travel, how about a distraction?"

She eyed him warily. "What did you have in mind?"

"We can hit the casinos. Or try a gondola ride through the canals downstairs. Private, serene. Might take your mind off things."

She considered it. "Fresh air could be nice."

"Exactly," he said, his enthusiasm palpable. "And if you're up for it, we can grab something light at the café afterward."

She managed a genuine smile. "You're persistent."

He leaned in closer. "Only because I know you. You won't let a little nausea keep you down."

"Flattering and manipulative," she quipped. "Fine, you win. But if I turn green, it's on you."

"Deal," he agreed, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Besides, green's your color."

She swatted his arm playfully. "You're impossible."

"Yet, you tolerate me," he said, capturing her hand.

"Somebody has to," she retorted, but her tone was light.

Chloe closed her eyes, letting the serenity wash over her. "Thank you," she murmured.

"For what?" Damian asked, his voice low.

"For being here. For... understanding."

"You're my wife. I love you."

Chloe noticed a flicker of uncertainty in Damian's eyes. "Is everything okay?"

He took a deep breath. "There's something I need to tell you about this trip. I'm finalizing a deal with a customer, and I'd like you to meet him."

Chloe blinked, curiosity and a hint of apprehension stirring within her. "Who?"

***

A/N: Who do you think Chloe will meet?

I also found this pic on Pinterest. It made me think of Damian and Chase. Should Chloe stick with Damian, or would Chase have been the safer option?