Chapter One
The next morning, they all decided to go sightseeing. River suggested that they opt for the early morning helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.
So they took a cab and reached the heliport, just off Las Vegas Blvd. The excited four boarded an A-Star helicopter for an aerial adventure to the Grand Canyon's West Rim. They flew over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam on the way listening to recorded narration via provided headphones. It was an out of the world experience for them.
They landed on a canyon bluff 3,200 feet (960 meters) below the rim, and hopped out of the helicopter to soak up the incredible scenery.
They were served a glass of Champagne and a basket full of snacks under an American Indian Ramada shelter. They took amazing pictures of themselves as well as of the amazing landscape around them.
It was time to hop back onto the helicopter for the return journey back to Vegas. They flew low over the Las Vegas Strip for a bird's-eye view of the glitzy resorts and casinos. The girls squealed with delight as they spotted the famous ones. After alighting from the helicopter they decided to have fun at the Strip.
Their next visit was the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas located on the Strip. They gasped at the grandeur of the themed shopping arcade inside built to resemble the city of Venice, complete with blue skies, canals, and gondoliers, attractions of Venice like the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, along with many others. They took the famous Venetian Gondola ride to see the entire complex.
They had lunch at the food court of the mall and checked out the Paris Las Vegas hotel and the scale model of the Eiffel Tower. Forty-six stories above the city streets, they climbed the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower for incredible 360-degree views.
They checked out the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens located in the Bellagio resort complex. They watched the famous Bellagio Fountain show as more than a thousand fountains danced in front of the hotel, enhanced by music and light. The display spanned more than 1,000 feet with water soaring as high as 460 feet into the air. It was a fascinating experience, a once in a lifetime opportunity for them.
They returned back to the apartment tired and exhausted and went to their rooms to take a nap. After waking up fresh, they decided to go check out the nightlife of Vegas. They took a cab to The Solitaire which was a privately owned club meant for its rich members only.
River's uncle had membership at grand billionaire's club and they all trooped in showing her uncle's card. The night club was overcrowded with hot sweaty bodies gyrating to loud dance music on the dance floor. The bartenders were too busy mixing up drinks and serving the huge crowd gathered around their counter. There was a deck above for the members to enjoy with tight security at the entrance.
The girls entered excitedly and River led them upstairs. They sat at plush chairs while River and Sera went to get their drinks.
It was the first time that the girls had come to such a place, apart from River of course. She used to live in Vegas for thirteen years with her family.
"Why's that guy staring at me, Julie? It's so creepy," said Carol, glancing at a sinfully gorgeous man, with hooded eyes staring at her. He was sitting with two men and sipping some drink as he watched Carol like a hawk. His smouldering dark eyes and chocolate brown hair and chiseled features made him stand out in a million. Carol tried her best to ignore his hot gaze.
"Ignore him and enjoy yourself, Car," said Julianna, fiddling with her mobile.
The girls returned with their drinks and they chatted excitedly making plans for tomorrow.
"We haven't seen all of Vegas. Tomorrow we can check out the places that we missed. Then we can have dinner at a friend's house. He has invited all of us," said River.
"He?" Asked Sera, quirking an eyebrow at her.
"Yeah, he's a family friend. We grew up together. Relax he's just like a brother to me," said River and Sera rolled her eyes.
"Oh how boring!" She said and Carol grinned.
The waiter came and set down a tray full of drinks and appetizers on their table. "Hey, we didn't order these?" Said Julianna.
"Yes ma'am. The gentleman from that table sent these just for ma'am," he said, pointing at Carol.
"For me? But who sent them? I don't know anyone here," said Carol in confusion.
"That gentleman at the corner, Mr Maxwell Stephens sent you these. He owns this place," said the waiter and everyone's jaws dropped. They all whirled around and Carol saw the same guy who was staring at her, grin and tilt his head at her in acknowledgment. River thanked him and he grinned at her too.
Carol's face turned pale. So he was the owner of this place? Were the drinks spiked? She panicked but Sera had already started sipping hers. River attacked the appetizers while Julianna picked up a mini meatball and fed Carol.
"He seems whipped with you, Car. He hasn't looked away from you since we came here," said Julianna.
"Yeah, even I've noticed, " said Sera, slapping River's hand away from the appetizers and attacking them herself.
"He's too good looking and he's loaded too. It's a deadly combination. Why would he choose girls like us? I would be careful if I were you, Car. Such men just prey upon innocent women for a one night stand. Then throw them away like trash after having a way with them," warned River.
"I'm not interested. Don't worry, we'll never see him again. Let's finish off these and then go back," said Carol.
They finished it all off and another round of drink came for them from Maxwell Stephens. River and Sera went downstairs to the dance floor to enjoy.
Julianna and Carol sat quietly watching them. "Julie, I've had enough, let's go home," said Carol.
"Yeah, let them come back," said Julianna. They were all slurring from too much drinking. It was the first time they drank and they couldn't control themselves.
Carol felt a bout of nausea attack her and she rushed to the washroom. She was so wasted that she just couldn't make it back to her friends. After around 45 minutes, she somehow staggered back to see that her friends were gone. Panicking, she searched for her mobile but couldn't find her clutch bag anywhere.
A hand went around her waist and she was pulled onto a hard chest. She lay her head on it. Looking up she was lost in two piercing chocolate brown orbs of Maxwell Stephens. Her eyes closed and she fell unconscious.
