Disclaimer: I own absolutely NOTHING! These characters are the complete property of their creators. No infringement intended.

A/N: I am new to the Hollyoaks fandom, but not new to writing. I recently discovered this amazing program and like so many others have become captivated by the one and only Brendan Brady. The tumultuous relationship between Brendan and Stephen totally mesmerizes me, so here I am. This story will be totally AU – but, I do intend to keep them as much in character as possible for an alternate world. This story will be set in Las Vegas, Nevada where Brendan owns a small casino with his sister, Cheryl. They are equal partners and split the responsibilities. Brendan has not met Stephen yet, but that is about to change. He has interviewed for a blackjack dealer position with Cheryl, and must complete the process with Brendan before he can be hired. Let's just say some sparks will fly... and Mr. Brady could just become ruthlessly obsessed with acquiring Stephen in all ways. I will add that I do plan on keeping Brendan in character, but without any domestic violence towards Stephen. Not that he won't frighten and totally unnerve the sweet lad, but he will never strike out against him. One more point, Brendan is very much out of the closet in this story. So, some things out of character, but I hope you will enjoy. Please bear with me on the updates. I have many stories in progress in multiple fandoms, and do rotate between them equally. =)

Chapter 1

Brendan Brady looked up from his desk with a fierce scowl upon his face when his office door abruptly opened and closed. His irritated expression turned to one of momentary warmth, until the stern look reappeared; the unexpected interruption being from the only person that could get away with it. As his sister approached his desk, taking a seat across from him, he arched a brow before telling her, "I really need to remember to lock that door."

"Poor Brendan, so serious. When are you going to relax and have some fun?" Cheryl asked in what was closer to a demand, crossing her arms across her chest as she stared him down.

"Time and a place, Sis. This is the time for work... so, no fun for Brendan tonight..." the drawl came, tongue-in-cheek.

Cheryl sighed. "My darling, Brendan. Tell me, when was the last time you went out some place other than the casino floor?"

"I go out all the time. When I have things to do I go. I'm not some sort of recluse," he answered, looking back and forth between her and the papers he was signing.

"I actually meant as in a date. You do know what those are, right?"

"Hmmmm, a date. Yes, I have a vague recollection. But, I don't have time for such frivolous nonsense. This is Vegas, dear sister. If I need to get laid – I do exactly that," Brendan told her with a smile that disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

Cheryl snorted indelicately. "I'd really like it if you at least tried to meet someone nice... someone you could have a relationship."

"Relationship? You are kidding, right? And, nice? Okay, Cheryl how about this – you find me a nice, yet fuckable guy here in Sin City... and, I'll consider it," Brendan smirked, looking back down at the file in front of him, considering the matter to be closed.

"Don't challenge me, Brendan. You might not like the results. I would just like to see you live a fuller life. I mean, we came to America to broaden our horizons – live a different life. It's not all about work," Cheryl told him, wishing he would make more out of his life than what he had.

"Cheryl, I appreciate what you're trying to do here... and I love you for it. Really, I do. But, focus on the realities. This is a rough life, albeit it's been a good one. We were struggling before we made this move, but the casino has made us wealthier than either of us ever imagined being. But, we have to keep our focus, stay strong or we'll be wiped right off of this strip. All the other casinos are our enemies. They'll squash us like bugs if we don't stay at the top of our game, tough, and gendering respect. I know you understand this, Cheryl. Fuck, you're my sister. You know the damned score," Brendan said fiercely.

Cheryl nodded. "Of course, I know all of that. We have reached this success due to your diligence. However, I do think you're a bit too hard. Sometimes, you need to cut people a break."

"It's not wise to question my tactics, Sis. I do what I do to keep us at the top. If you are not respected in this town – you're finished, destroyed... and, more often than not – dead. Everything I do prevents that from happening. You do get that, don't you?" he asked, staring her down unflinchingly.

She sighed. "Yeah, I get it, Bren. I just wish you didn't have to be so cutthroat all of the time." Looking down at the clock behind Brendan's desk, she suddenly remembered the other reason she came to see him. "Oh! I'd almost forgotten. Did you have your interview with the new blackjack dealer yet?"

"No. Jacqui is entertaining him at the bar right now, I believe. I wanted to review his file and make some calls first. You interviewed him last night. What did you think?" Brendan asked, giving her his full attention.

"Sure, now I have your attention since we're back to business," she grumbled, before laughing at his annoyed glare. "Fine, fine. For certain, he's a charmer. He has this air of sweetness about him that will undoubtedly attract the ladies to his table... and the men thinking they can take advantage of the dealer."

"And, you're suggesting I hire him?" Brendan asked, eyeing her dubiously.

"Yes, I am. I said he has the air of sweetness. I think he is a sweet boy, but I also have the feeling it's also part of his charm. This kid can handle himself. I just know it. And, he's simply adorable," she smiled, remembering the engaging smile and the accent that made her feel like she was back home again.

Brendan visibly shuddered. "Adorable... and sweet. Just what I want at my primary tables. I'll talk to him... but, I'm reserving judgment."

"Just give him a chance, Brendan. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised," she said, standing up to let him get down to it. Almost at the door, she turned to look at him almost reprovingly, as she warned, "And, when you meet him, don't get any ideas, Brendan. He is in a relationship - with a girl... and he is not in your league. This one, I think, is the relationship kind – not a one-off. So, hands off of this one – promise me!"

Brendan rolled his eyes, unable to imagine in this city with all sorts of pleasures for the flesh, this boy could be all that tempting. "I think I can manage to restrain myself, Cheryl. Now, run along, Sis... let big brother do some work."

"Yes Sir," she mock saluted. "Let me know how it goes."

Brendan shook his head in amusement, as he continued to leaf through the file; unbeknownst to his sister having been the application/resume of one Stephen Hay. He had already checked his references, and did the standard background check when he'd signed off on it at his initial interview. If all went well, more likely than not, he would be hiring the lad. He was in dire need of another dealer... and he needed one now. Brendan picked up the phone to call down to the bar. When Jacqui answered, Brendan told her simply, "Send Mr. Hay up."

"Right away, Brendan."

Hanging up the phone, Brendan flipped the switch on the surveillance cameras, wanting to catch his first glimpse of the job candidate. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he watched the young man moving away from the bar, and towards the elevators leading to his office. His eyes focused on the monitor, deciphering all he could on the small screen, immediately agreeing with his sister's assessment. For certain Stephen Hay had a sweet face, not to mention a completely hot body. Brendan was immediately intrigued... and that was not something that came easily for Brendan Brady.

Brendan watched until the elevator doors closed the hopeful blackjack dealer away from his sights. A slow smile began to spread across Brendan's face. He hoped this boy was all Cheryl thought him to be. Regardless, he had the feeling this would be a very interesting meeting. Oh yes, he thought, very interesting indeed.

TBC