I wanted to get this app streamlined and ready for pretesting. If I could present a near-perfect prototype to Matt, it might just shift the balance of power back in my favor. A glimmer of hope flickered as lines of code came together, forming the backbone of something promising.
Just as I found my groove, my phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, I saw a message from Sean.Hey Andy, you free to meet up?
A snort escaped me as I texted back with all the warmth of an Arctic breeze.Can’t. House arrest after your last stunt at the casino.I didn’t bother elaborating; Sean knew damn well what kind of shitstorm he’d dragged me into.
I hit send without bothering to explain further. Just hearing from him eased some of my worry—at least he wasn’t lying dead in a ditch somewhere. But getting involved with him again? No, thanks. My dream and Mia’s future were on the line.
My focus shifted back to my work—back to lines of code that promised a future free from debt and disgrace—when another ding rattled off. Reluctantly, I answered Sean’s call.
“Look, Andy,” Sean’s voice crackled with earnestness, “I’m sorry for everything. Seriously.”
He sounded different—like he’d found religion or maybe just sobered up long enough to see straight.
“Mr. Caine’s given me a second chance,” he continued. “I’m on this undercover gig now—big stuff, dealing with drugs coming into Vegas and Carlos Cartel’s mixed up in it.”
My stomach churned at the mention of Carlos—a man who reeked of danger like a cologne too strong to wash off.
Sean pressed on. “It’s all under Mr. Caine’s direction. You in? If you join me, you’ll get a hefty percentage—millions!”
The temptation dangled before me—a siren call promising riches—but I was done being lured onto rocks by Sean’s tune.
“No, thanks,” I cut him off sharply. “Good luck with your secret mission.”
And with that, I hung up.
A heavy sigh escaped me as I stared at my phone for a moment longer than necessary. Relief mingled with concern forSean, but knowing where his path led made it easier to turn away.
Returning to my laptop, I plunged back into my digital sanctuary. My dream—and Mia’s future—depended on it. The keys clicked under my fingers once more as lines of code unfurled across the screen like a road stretching out before me—one I intended to follow no matter what distractions came calling.
Fourteen
MATT
Sunlight waned, casting a warm glow through the blinds of Matt’s office. The day’s end approached, but for Matt, it was merely a transition into another phase of work. The digital clock on his desk read 5:47 p.m. when he finally leaned back in his chair, a sigh escaping his lips as he marked the last item off his to-do list. It was done—the negotiations that had tethered him to his office all day had reached their satisfying conclusion.
The door opened and Eddie stepped in, flanked by two men whose sharp suits and deferential postures spoke of their trade’s high caliber.
“Boss, the item you requested—it’s ready,” Eddie announced with a hint of pride.
Matt rose and strode over to the plush sofa at the edge of his office. He settled into the cushions as the jeweler and his assistant approached. The assistant carefully placed a sleek case on the coffee table before him and began to reveal its contents: smaller cases, each holding its own promise of elegance.
With a flourish, the lids were lifted, revealing exquisite chokers crafted from supple leather and adorned with gleaminggold accents. The craftsmanship was impeccable, each piece a work of art that spoke of luxury and refinement.
Matt’s gaze swept over the offerings, his discerning eye appraising every detail. Finally, his attention settled on one particular choker, its elegance and simplicity captivating him. He could already envision it adorning Andy’s slender neck.
“That one,” Matt said, pointing at his choice.
“Excellent choice,” murmured the jeweler.
With a nod from Matt, the deal was sealed. The men packed away the remaining chokers and left with Eddie trailing behind them. Alone now, Matt allowed himself a moment to admire the chosen piece before slipping it into his desk drawer for safekeeping.
He rose from the sofa, locking away thoughts of leather and gold as he made for the door. Moments later, Matt paused at the penthouse doorway, leaning nonchalantly against the frame as his gaze landed on Andy hunched over his laptop, fingers dancing across the keyboard. The sight was one of focused dedication, a testament to the young man’s determination. The gentle click-clack of keys punctuated the room’s silence.
With a stretch that spoke of long hours in the same position, Andy finally noticed his observer. “Don’t you have anything better to do than lurk in doorways?” Andy chided without heat, an eyebrow arching in playful reproach.
A chuckle rumbled in Matt’s chest as he sauntered into the room, closing the distance between them. He leaned over Andy’s shoulder, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from him. “Feeling better, I see,” Matt remarked, noting the fervor with which Andy attacked his work.
Andy tilted his head back to meet Matt’s gaze, their faces mere inches apart. “I’m sore everywhere,” he grumbled, “thanks to a certain sneaky bastard who can’t keep his hands—or other parts—to himself while I’m sleeping.”
