He didn’t budge. His grip was like steel. A chuckle rumbled from deep within his chest—a sound that only stoked the flames of my fury.
“So you’re the puppy causing trouble in my hotel,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain.
It hit me then—like a punch to the gut—who this man must be. Matt Caine.The Matt Caine.The notorious billionaire who ran Las Vegas with an iron fist and a heart as cold as ice.
Fear gripped me harder than his hand on my face. My bravado faltered for just a moment before I forced myself to meet his gaze again. “Yeah? Well, your hospitality leaves something to be desired.”
Matt’s chuckle deepened in amusement. The grip on my throat didn’t let up though, and as his eyes bored into mine, I felt something stir inside me—something that wasn’t just fear. His gaze was dark, and I couldn’t ignore the way it sent a jolt of electricity through my veins. A thumb traced the curve of my bottom lip, sending shivers down my spine. It was a touch that felt both possessive and terrifyingly intimate. I fought the urge to shudder at his touch, determined not to show any weakness.
He leaned in closer until his face was almost touching mine. His breath was warm against my skin, mingling with the scent of expensive cologne and power. “Andy Donovan?” he murmured, his voice a deep, rumbling purr that seemed to vibrate through me.
I met his gaze defiantly. “Yeah?”
A slow smile spread across his face.
“I have business with you,” he said, his voice low and dangerously calm. “I have it on good authority you owe my business partner James Maxwell two million dollars.”
Hearing those words made my stomach twist into knots. A cold sweat broke out across my brow as images of Matt’s ruthless reputation flashed through my mind. Panic surged through me as my imagination went wild with horrific scenarios.
Would he have metaken care oflike some low-level thug who couldn’t pay the debts? Would he break my kneecaps witha baseball bat? Or maybe he’d tie me to a chair and use pliers to pull out my teeth one by one? Maybe I’d end up sleeping with the fishes, cement shoes and all. Or worse, would he go after Mia, using her as leverage to get the money back? The thought of what could happen next sent a cold sweat trickling down my back.
Swallowing hard, I tried to keep my voice from wavering. “Technically speaking, it’s more like one million, the other half’s Sean’s.”
Matt burst out laughing—a deep, rich sound that echoed through the small room. It wasn’t the reaction I’d expected, and it left me even more unsettled.
“Technically speaking,” he said, still chuckling, “it’s two million, puppy, according to the contract signed under your name alone.”
My face drained of color as reality hit me like a freight train. The loan was indeed under my name. Sean had convinced me to sign the papers while he played the charming sidekick. Now I realized just how stupid I’d been.
Matt’s expression softened ever so slightly, but there was no mistaking the glint of amusement in his eyes as he studied my reaction. “Now, how about we negotiate?”
Two
MATT
Matt leaned back in his plush leather chair, his broad shoulders filling out the exquisite fabric as he surveyed the organized chaos on his desk. Financial reports, proposals, and contracts vied for his attention, each document representing another strand in the intricate web of his business empire.
At six foot three, Matt’s presence dominated any space he entered. Despite his wealth, he retained the rugged handsomeness of a self-made man who knew how to command a room with just a look.
The phone on his desk buzzed. Matt glanced at the caller ID and smirked before picking up.
“James,” he greeted.
“Matt, my man!” James Maxwell’s voice crackled through the line, equal parts mirth and exasperation. “How’s life treating the king of Sin City?”
Matt allowed a grin to tug at the corners of his mouth. “You know me, James. Always keeping the empire in line.”
James laughed. “That’s why you’re the best. Listen, I need a favor.”
Matt raised an eyebrow. “Another one of your charity cases?”
“Not exactly,” James said, chuckling. “A kid named Andy Donovan borrowed two million from me to start some venture. Problem is, he let his partner gamble it all away right under our roof.”
Matt leaned forward, interest piqued. “In our casino? That’s rich.”
“Yeah, well, now the kid’s in over his head,” James continued. “I need you to keep an eye on him until this debt gets sorted out.”
Matt’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Babysitting? Really?”
