“Nice office,” I finally managed, my voice laced with sarcasm. “Did you rob a museum or just buy it outright?”
A chuckle escaped Matt’s lips, a low rumble that filled the room. “You’re braver than you look.”
“I have my moments.”
More silence, and those eyes of his. Damn, couldn’t he look somewhere else? I swore he was boring a hole into me.
“So, is this the part where you make me an offer I can’t refuse?” I asked.
He smirked. “Something like that.” His eyes glinted with amusement, as if he found my bravado entertaining.
Leaning back in his chair, he steepled his fingers together. “James has asked me to… look after you until this debt is settled.”
I swallowed hard, understanding the implication behind those words.Look afterwas just a polite way of saying I was his prisoner, to ensure I didn’t flee.
“Look after me?” I repeated, a bitter laugh escaping. “That’s rich. What are you planning? House arrest?”
“You could call it that.” His gaze remained unwavering.
I leaned forward, gripping the armrests of the chair. “Listen, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll do whatever it takes to pay back every cent.”
Matt waved a dismissive hand. “That’s none of my concern. My job is to keep an eye on you until the debt is resolved.”
Desperation clawed at my insides. “Maybe I could work for you?” I suggested, grasping at straws. “Cut me a deal, and I can help pay it off that way.”
One dark brow arched upward as he regarded me with undisguised interest. “Work for me?” A slow smile curved his lips. “You mean, with that body of yours?” He chuckled again, this time with a darker edge. “I don’t mind the idea; I like what I see. And just so you know, I always topped.”
Heat flushed through me—not the good kind—and I clenched my fists. “That’s not what I meant!”
“Oh?” He leaned in closer, eyes gleaming with mischief and menace.
“I want to work for you,” I said firmly. “As one of your men.”
His laughter echoed off the walls, cold and dismissive. “I have enough capable men. Don’t need a puppy like you around causing trouble.”
“I won’t cause trouble,” I shot back.
Matt’s smirk widened, and I could see the amusement dancing in his eyes. “You won’t cause trouble? I disagree. Your behavior earlier left much to be desired as an employee, and your looks…” He paused, letting his gaze travel over me, letting the implication hang in the air. “Let’s just say you’ll have men coming after you left and right.”
Heat crept up my neck as I fought the urge to squirm under his scrutinizing gaze. “I’m not like that,” I shot back, unable to keep the defensive edge out of my voice. “I was just… scared and angry earlier. I’m sorry I caused a ruckus.”
Matt waved a dismissive hand. “I don’t need your apology. I need you to pay for the damages.”
I blinked, taken aback. “Damages?”
With a casual air, he leaned back in his chair, rattling off the destruction Sean and I had left in our wake with infuriating precision. “Let’s see… twenty broken wineglasses, three overturned tables, one ruined roulette wheel, not to mention the disturbance to my other guests…”
As the tally grew, I felt my mouth go dry. How did he keep track of every little detail?
“Are you always this detailed when it comes to business?” I couldn’t help but ask with a touch of wry amusement.
One side of Matt’s mouth quirked up in a half smile. “Always.”
I swallowed hard, my earlier bravado dissipating. “Look, I have no money,” I admitted quietly. “Whatever little savings I had, Sean has probably already gambled it away.”
Matt nodded, unsurprised. “That’s right. Sean lost around a hundred grand tonight alone.”
A hundred thousand dollars? My head spun at the sheer amount. “Where is that money even coming from?”
