Crossing Kingdoms--Las Vegas, page 1
Crossing Kingdoms - Las Vegas
Crossing Kingdoms, Volume 1
C.L. Kaye
Published by Life Written Publishing, 2024.
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
CROSSING KINGDOMS - LAS VEGAS
First edition. August 28, 2024.
Copyright © 2024 C.L. Kaye.
ISBN: 978-1068971204
Written by C.L. Kaye.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 34
CHAPTER 1
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About the Author
This book is dedicated to my beloved husband and daughters who are the fulfillment my first and most precious life long dream.
Hey Mom, look what I did!
CHAPTER 1
Las Vegas. The land of lights, extravagance, and thrill. A city of sin, secrets, and seduction. Visitors flood the boulevards while families sustain the scaffolding, keeping the machine running. Protecting children from the city that employs the family is a complex reality for those who are without many other options.
Dante Karsten was an only child, born and raised in Vegas by his mother, Ella. She supported them by working for the machine as an escort. Designer clothes and jewelry were her business attire, accessorized with a history of an expensive addiction to pain medications and rehab treatments, which had consumed much of her income. Though she had been clean for a short while, the ghost of addiction lurked ever ready to lure her back. A top-of-the-line gaming system was her consolation to her son, hoping that would occupy him as a teenager, and keep him home rather than wandering the streets getting into trouble. She knew the dark side of the city and tried to shield her son from as much of it as she could.
Home cooked meals were rare as Ella hated cooking and was usually at “business” dinners, which led Dante to learn to cook at a young age from tv shows and online recipes. He would save grocery money to buy the ingredients for one amazing meal each week. Otherwise, he ate pretty basic food with the limited funds his mom left for him. After a particularly successful night at work, she would come home in the morning just before Dante was to leave for school, and insist they go out to breakfast together as a treat.
He was always torn about this. Dante hated his mom’s job and did not ever want to celebrate it. But he never knew when the opportunity to share a meal together would come up again, and eating together helped him feel closer to a normal family. Plus, she was adamant they spend that time together as she “missed her boy.” Though he sometimes wondered if she was just trying to soothe her mother’s guilt.
The kids whose moms worked in the escort business were well known at the school. Most of the other kids loved to crack jokes around them, calling them the ICKs, which stood for Immaculate Conception Kids, since several did not know who fathered them. Some of the very wealthy kids wouldn’t even look at them. At first, he thought it was because they felt too good for him. But as he got older, Dante discovered it was actually because some of their fathers hired escorts, and the kids were embarrassed especially when word got out that their parents were divorcing because of it.
Sadly, there were also some who only wanted to be his friend for his presumed connections in the industry. Guys hoped they could meet some of the escorts, and girls naively wanted to get into the business, thinking it was a path to excitement and glamor. It disgusted him, but also caused significant loneliness at times.
Dante kept his social circle extremely small, not having the patience to deal with the fake and deceitful side of adolescent friendships. He also didn’t want to risk people finding out that his mom left him home alone most nights of the week from the time he was thirteen. Ella had put the fear of Child Protective Services into her son until he turned sixteen, when they could both ease up on some of the secrecy of their lives.
In his junior year of high school, Dante enrolled in a culinary arts program. Wanting access to good food each day was the main motivation, but he was also pursuing a growing dream. He wanted culinary training so he could one day create a charity feeding disadvantaged kids and teaching them the skills to cook for themselves. His life experience and passion for cooking ignited a spark to make a difference. Although he didn’t know how, Dante was determined to make it happen.
In cooking class, Dante was partnered with Beth Black. He had seen her around school over the years but knew very little about her. Undeniably, Beth was gorgeous with long, golden hair and green eyes. There was a brightness in her eyes that matched her personality. At the beginning of the school year her skin was like a perfectly roasted marshmallow after a summer of fun in the sun.
Though his physical attraction to her was strong, his life had taught him that looks can be deceiving. Dante was guarded around everyone, while Beth was sweet, always friendly, and seemed like a lot of fun to be with. Blending their personalities may require an acquired taste if they were to work as a team.
Beth was nervous to partner with Dante. She wasn’t one to be judgemental of others, but there was no ignoring what she’d noticed about him. He usually kept to himself around school, seeming to be rather anti-social and angry. He’d also been involved in a few fights. Gossip painted him as trouble, though she knew rumors were often exaggerated, if true at all. Dante was clearly different than the friends she hung out with, who were mostly from her church, but she wanted to be open-minded. Besides, how bad could it be just cooking together?
His presence was intimidating yet appealing to her. Six feet tall, Dante was significantly taller than five-foot-seven Beth, and she could tell he was strong. What really stood out to her were his dark molasses-brown eyes, framed by long charcoal lashes, garnishments to his medium length hair. Beth liked how black waves skimmed across his forehead whenever he looked down. The darkness of his features was a stark contrast to her light characteristics, physically and otherwise.
The first week of the semester they were both shy and reserved, only briefly talking as needed for their assignments, which at that point were just academic and safety measures. It was after they began cooking that they found their groove together. Though her skills weren’t as advanced as Dante’s, the two made a great team.
Beth quickly discovered Dante’s sense of humor as he drizzled sarcasm with their recipes, often leaving her giggling and drawing the attention of the teacher and classmates. Dante would give a playful shushing elbow, causing her to stifle her laughter by hiding her face in a dish towel. He could maintain a straight face and serious demeanor, when in reality he was being a total goofball.
She soon realized her initial hesitation to working with Dante was completely unfounded. Outside of the classroom he still appeared unapproachable and irritable, but when they passed each other in the hall or on campus he would always brighten up, smile, and wave at her. When they were together in class he was relaxed, funny, and deviously mischievous.
One of their first baking assignments was cream puffs, which required attention and a quick hand to stir the batter as it cooked in the pot. Their first batch ended up burning within minutes, creating an obnoxious smell that spread through the classroom drawing groans and laughs from the other students. Beth was embarrassed at the mistake as she had not stirred it fast enough.
Dante declared, “Cajun cream puffs will be a delicacy one day, just you wait and see! These delicate palates and noses don’t realize the finesse required to make such a unique dessert. Unfortunately, Beth, we should tone down our skill to meet their level and make just the boring, non-Cajun version. One day though ... one day, we will be the ones laughing! Word will begin to spread and then, this plain flour,” he held up his two palms full of flour toward her in demonstration, “will turn magical and POOF! We will be famous!”
With emphasis on the word, his flour-filled opened hands popped in celebration, causing the flour to poof all over Beth’s head. She let out a shocked squeal as the white cloud distilled, covering her hair and everything around her. The teacher saw Beth and was about to come over to find out what had happened.
Dante quickly spoke up to the teacher and class, “I’m so sorry! Beth was about to sneeze and tried to hold it in, but the force within her bumped my arms and, well, you can see what happened.” He turned to his stammering partner and said only slightly quieter, “Beth, trying to hold in sneezes can be dangerous. You should just let it rip next time; but turn away so you don’t infect the food.”
She was speechless at his convoluted story but found it hilarious at the same time. He watched her green eyes expand with touches of shock, humor, and a hint of pending revenge, while he raised his eyebrow in challenge to see if she would retaliate right then.
Turning to the teacher, she conceded defeat to Dante’s shenanigans, “I’m really sorry. I guess the smell of our first burnt attempt was more than my nose could handle.”
The teacher eyed the two of them suspiciously and suggested they get back to work quickly or else they will run out of time to finish before the class ends. They both nodded in submission and got back to work.
Beth muttered under her breath, “I can’t believe you did that, and then turned it around and made it my fault! Challenge accepted, Dante. I will get you back.”
Laughing as they worked, he nodded in satisfaction and taunted, “I look forward to you trying.” It was another poke at her, clearly implying he didn’t think she could, or would, be able to get back at him, which fueled her friendly irritation even more. He was learning how to get her reactive and found it to be immensely fun. She was feisty and easily riled up but was also a good sport and didn’t get mad at him.
As each week passed, they started learning more about each other, their interests, and goals. Obviously, they both enjoyed cooking, and Dante had shared with her his hope to start a charity feeding kids. That opened Beth’s eyes to a more tender side of Dante. Normally he was the goofball cracking jokes, teasing, and getting her messy with ingredients or hiding her tools. But when he talked about his dream, a different look filled his eyes. It was a deep and complex tenderness, and she wondered where it originated from.
He had not told her about his childhood or family life circumstances, other than living with just his mom, so his motives were a mystery to Beth. She asked him initially what made him want to start the charity, but when he only shrugged and evasively said, “why not?” she chose not to push the topic.
Beth was undecided about her future and so most of the things she shared were about her interests – swimming, dancing, reading, and hanging out with her friends. She mentioned movie nights but, realizing he never indicated spending time with friends, she felt she should talk less about her social life.
Finding common ground by watching the latest food competition shows, they looked forward to seeing each other in class. Discussing their opinions of those who were eliminated or saved, the dishes made in the challenges, and predictions for new episodes brought a mixture of agreement and rivalry. Dante suggested they start making bets on the shows and whoever lost the bet would be responsible for doing all the dishes after their next class. Their friendly competition became an intense amusement.
Dante assumed Beth had forgotten her declaration of revenge for covering her with flour since many weeks had passed and she hadn’t mentioned or tried anything. But she did remember and was watching for the best way to get him back. Thinking she had it figured out, she plotted for one of their Christmas baking classes.
They were going to make a yule log, and she determined her weapon of choice would be cocoa powder. Not only was it easy to sprinkle or spill, but it also left a residue that looked like dirt. Sensing she was a bit different that day as she wasn’t joking around as much, Dante wondered what was up with her and responded by teasing her less, trying to be sensitive to whatever she was going through.
He didn’t see it coming until it was too late. She had been measuring cocoa and dry ingredients while he worked on the wet ones. Ready to bring the wet and dry together, he glanced into the bowl before pouring his in. Beth quickly flicked the switch turning the mixer on, exploding a cloud of flour and cocoa into his face. He saw her grin appear just as she reached for the switch, which was the only indicator he had.
Unsuccessfully attempting to back away, he wasn’t fast enough, leaving his forehead and hair to take the brunt of the retaliation. She was desperately trying not to laugh too loud as he silently calculated his response.
“Well played,” he acknowledged with admiration at her long game.
“Oops. Let me help,” she offered as she quickly reached up with a towel and smeared the cocoa mixture across his forehead and down his cheek. His expression did her in and she had to sit down to restrain herself in the hilarity. “Truce?” she finally proposed.
“Not a chance,” he countered.
“Dante, we have to stop, or we’re going to get in a lot of trouble,” she tried to reason with him, between giggles.
Shaking his head he countered, “Then I’ll have to be stealth. But this isn’t over.”
The teacher came to their station to see the progress they were making, and with one look at Dante, declared, “You two are the messiest students I have ever had. Talented, but my goodness you are disasters!”
Beth hadn’t yet realized that some of the fallout of her retaliation landed on her too, all down the front of her lavender colored shirt. Looking at herself brought on another round of giggles that she could not contain. Trying to brush it off only made it worse. The teacher just shook her head, suggested they remeasure the dry ingredients, and walked away checking on other students.
“Truce for today?” Beth asked between giggles. Dante was laughing too and could only nod in agreement.
They only had two more classes together before Christmas break and behaved themselves, for the most part, at least not leaving any visible signs of their goofing around. Beth surprised Dante with a Christmas card on the last day of class, her thoughtfulness making him deeply happy. But he also felt bad that he hadn’t thought to get her anything. Assuring him not to worry about it, she changed the subject and asked what his plans were over the holidays.
He vaguely answered that they don’t do much for Christmas, but he would make a nice meal for his mom. Beth could tell Dante’s mom meant a lot to him from the rare times he mentioned her, and she found that to be an endearing trait he had. She sensed there was a lot more to Dante than he let anyone see, and really liked it when she caught glimpses of that side of him.
When the bell rang at the end of their last class, she looked at him with a kind smile and paused as though considering something. Wrapping her arms around him, she gave him a spontaneous quick but strong hug and said sweetly, “Merry Christmas, Dante. I hope you have an awesome break. See you in the New Year!”
He was not expecting the hug from her, which flustered him beyond words. A lame, “Thanks, you too,” escaped from him as she waved goodbye and ran out of the class to meet her friends. Dante sat alone looking out the empty doorway, trying to process the impact of the previous five minutes.
They had never hugged before. Any prior physical contact was usually made in jest. The hug felt genuine but tentative, and really good, for the brief seconds it lasted. He thought she seemed nervous, which made him speculate what would make her act that way since Beth always appeared so confident. Did she feel like she had to hug him because they were friends and wouldn’t see each other for a bit? A pity Christmas hug? Or could it be that she felt something more for him and was nervous to show it?
He surprised himself with how much he liked the idea of Beth possibly having feelings for him. Did that mean he had developed feelings for her too? Did it even matter since it was clear their worlds were too different? Eventually convincing himself he was reading way more into it than was reality, he grabbed his things, feeling a mixture of happiness and frustration, headed to the bus stop and to his empty home.
CHAPTER 2
Dante didn’t see much of his mom over the holidays as there were many parties and events for her to attend for work. But she always provided him with extra money for cooking during this time of year knowing how much he enjoyed it. So, he entertained himself for two weeks with solitary culinary adventures, trying, unsuccessfully, to force himself to limit thinking about Beth each day. She became the happy place where his mind lingered, especially while he was in the kitchen or watching cooking shows. Was she watching the same shows? Would she be thinking about him?
If he was honest, the only time he didn’t think of her was when he could distract himself with gaming, or when he was talking to his mom. He logicized it was pointless to think about Beth so much since a girl like her would never be interested in a guy like him. But it was one of his few enjoyments picturing her laugh and how her smile lit up even when he teased her. She had always been a willing friendly rival to his pranks. That became the image often captivating his mind as he fell asleep.
