He walked to the door in the outer room. As he put his hand on the doorknob, he turned and gave that take-no-prisoners grin once more. “Enjoy the suite while you can. You’ll trade it in for my bed soon enough.”
“Uh, that won’t happen.”
“Oh, it will and you know it. Enjoy your stay, sugar.”
She watched him stride out of the room, unable to say anything that would make him understand why they couldn’t. Before the door closed behind him, she saw him speak to the security guard posted outside.
Riddled with tension, Kate flopped onto her luxurious bed, rolled down the covers and kicked off her shorts and underwear.
Remembering Liam’s velvety voice and naughty smile, she touched herself and imagined him there. Right there. As she visualized his hard body between her legs, she came with a silent scream that did nothing to eradicate her fever for him. After removing her hand, she moaned, turned her face into the pillow and tried to sleep.
Chapter Eight
Liam stormed into Sin, the first casino he’d built on the Strip, ready to bust some heads. He’d been called by John, the head of security there, before he even got twenty winks, let alone forty. They discovered who’d been stealing from him, and he was not impressed.
He’d dealt with theft before. It was a fact of life in the casino world. And each time they’d encountered a shark amongst the ranks, he’d been quick to act. If there was one thing he didn’t tolerate, it was disloyalty. He treated his people well, and expected the same in return. No one fucked with Liam Doyle.
Wade, John’s peer at Vice, accompanied him so he could offer input. He muttered as he tried to keep pace. “Liam, hold on. I can’t keep up with you. It makes me look bad.”
“So walk faster.”
He headed toward the staff elevators behind the casino floor, ignoring the pointed looks from a couple of women in flashy dresses who looked as if they hadn’t gone to bed yet either. They waved at him, clinking their wineglasses together. One of them gave him an unmistakably suggestive wink.
“Have a nice day, ladies,” he said, ignoring their interest.
“Damn,” Wade whispered. “You’re stronger than I am, Liam. Those two are clearly looking for some action. Hell, that might have turned into a Liam sandwich.”
They got to the elevator and Liam hit the button hard. “I’m not interested.”
Wade raised a brow and stared at him. “It’s her, isn’t it? That Callender girl?”
He crossed his arms and glared at the closed door. Why was the elevator taking so long? “We’re here on business, remember?”
Wade let out a hoot, clearly not believing a word he said. “I can’t believe it. You’re fucking Kate. Talk about screwing your rivals.”
The door opened. Finally. He wished he could shut it on Wade and make him take the stairs. When his security head stifled a guffaw, Liam turned to him. “One, don’t talk about her like that. She’s been through a lot. Two, none of your goddamn business. If you weren’t a friend, I’d fire your ass. Bad enough I have to deal with a goddamn thief right now.”
“Excuse me for stating the obvious, boss.” He peered at him through narrowed eyes. “Hang on. You’re not fucking her, are you?That’swhy you’re pissed.”
“Wade,” he threatened.
“No wonder you went to so much trouble to make sure your little protestor was tucked away safe at Vice.” He grinned and pinched Liam’s cheek, as he would a child’s. “Well, I hope you get some action soon. It’s been a while.”
The elevator stopped on their floor and he got out. “Are you keeping notes on me or something?”
“As head of security I’m obliged to.” Wade smirked. “Naw. I just know you.” He stopped Liam by putting a hand on his shoulder and changed the subject. “Look, I know you’re in a hurry to pound something, or someone, but I’m trying to make you take a second to breathe. You look ready to kill. Patrick’s a kid. From what I’ve been told, he’s been a model employee up until now. If he’s been stealing from you, there’s a reason. Let’s just talk to him before you give him the axe.”
“I didn’t say I was going to axe him.”
“You look like you wanna axe somebody.”
Liam’s lips pressed together “When did you turn into such a big softie?”
“It’s part of my natural charm.” He offered his boss a sly smile. “So, Kate, huh? She makes good cookies, you know.”
Liam let out a grunt and proceeded to John’s office. “Not now, Wade.” Now he was in the mood to axe someone. A big, nosy, security guard someone.
Inside the security office, John already had Patrick Lester sitting uncomfortably at his desk. The kid stiffened as soon as he entered.
