He looked to Claudio. "Is there some way I could return to our room without going through the casino? My companion is a little overcome."

"Of course, Ben!" the General Manager said as he gestured for one of the security guards to come closer. "Escort Mr. Shepherd and his companion to the elevators through the access corridors."

Ben shook the General Manager's hand and guided Steph after the guard through some long hallways to exit next to the elevator banks.

He got Russo upstairs and into their room.

Once the door was closed, she spun and pummeled his chest as the tears came.

"You just had to lose to him!...