Page 107 of Chained By Fate (Dark Billionaires: Vegas #1)

“Great.” Sophie sighed, though she was smiling. “Now we’ll never get them to sleep.”

“They can tire themselves out exploring the east wing,” Catherine said, ever the practical grandmother. “There are only so many hiding spots they can find before exhaustion sets in.”

Matt watched as Aria took charge, organizing what appeared to be a very serious expedition to find treasure in Grandma’s art collection, with Ella and Logan falling in line like loyal subjects following their queen.

The sounds of their adventure—excited whispers and hurried footsteps—provided a playful backdrop to the elegant gathering.

As the evening progressed, the party settled into a comfortable rhythm.

Matt found himself observing the various scenes playing out around the vast space: his mother fussing over the catering staff, his father deep in conversation with William about some new business venture, and most entertainingly, Tory cornering Ethan by the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The latter clutched his champagne glass like a lifeline while Fin not-so-subtly hovered nearby, practically vibrating with matchmaking energy.

“Your friend’s about as subtle as a Vegas billboard,” Matt murmured to Andy, nodding toward Fin.

Andy snorted into his drink. “Still better than your brother’s idea of going undercover. A leather jacket and ripped jeans isn’t exactly a master disguise.”

“At least it was better than his Elvis phase,” Matt groaned. “I still can’t believe he tried to blend in with a sequined jumpsuit and kept breaking into ‘Jailhouse Rock’ in the casino.”

“He did mention something about looking like ‘Elvis had a baby with a disco ball.’”

The arrival of Xavier Kingsley created one of those momentary lulls in conversation that seemed to follow him everywhere—like the universe itself needed a second to appreciate his entrance.

Matt didn’t miss the way Ryan suddenly straightened from his slouch against the bar, nearly knocking over his drink in the process.

His youngest brother’s attempt at casual nonchalance might have been more convincing if he hadn’t just spent five minutes fixing his hair in the reflection of his phone.

“Kingsley,” Matt acknowledged with a slight nod. “Couldn’t wait until tomorrow’s meeting to start annoying me?”

“And miss the chance to see you in your natural habitat?” Xavier’s smile was sharp but not unkind. “Besides, Catherine insisted. Something about ‘missing the good old college days when you boys were inseparable.’”

Matt’s lips twitched despite himself, remembering those days before rivalry and Ryan had complicated everything. “Mother does love living in the past.”

“Speaking of the past…” Xavier’s eyes flickered to where Ryan was trying very hard to look occupied with his phone. “Some things do change for the better.”

Ryan’s cough sounded suspiciously like a strangled squeak, though Matt noticed his youngest brother wasn’t exactly moving away from Xavier’s general vicinity.

“The Vegas hospitality scene certainly has,” Xavier continued smoothly. “Ryan’s been quite… enlightening about the current trends.”

“I bet he has,” Andy muttered under his breath, earning himself a gentle squeeze from Matt.

William chose that moment to appear with Savannah, saving Ryan from further scrutiny. “If you’re done with the corporate foreplay, some of us would like to actually enjoy the party. Though I have to say, Matt, only you could turn getting kidnapped into a networking opportunity.”

“It’s a gift,” Matt deadpanned. “I’m thinking of adding it to my professional profile.”

“Right after ‘surviving family gatherings’ and before ‘dealing with Xavier Kingsley,’” Andy added helpfully.

The tension broke as laughter rippled through the group. Even Xavier cracked a genuine smile, though his eyes kept drifting to where Ryan was.

Across the room, Fin’s voice carried clearly. “Come on, Ethan, this is perfect. He was just talking about the new casino expansion. You’ve been studying those architectural designs for weeks.”

“That’s different,” Ethan hissed back. “That’s work-related.”

“Exactly! A perfect excuse. Go ask him about the traditional Japanese elements they’re incorporating. Show off that research you’ve been doing.”

Ethan’s response was lost in the music, but judging by the way he was turning the same shade as the red accent wall, he wasn’t buying into his brother’s supposedly brilliant plan.

“Should we rescue him?” Andy asked, watching as Tory circled back toward Ethan like a particularly well-dressed shark.

“Absolutely not,” Matt replied, pulling Andy closer. “This is the most entertainment I’ve had since getting out of the hospital.”

The evening progressed in a blur of expensive wine and even more expensive laughter.

Daniel’s kids and Aria had finally crashed from their sugar high, all three of them curled up like cats on one of the oversized sofas.

Aria was nestled between Ella and Logan, her little tiara slightly askew, while Sophie took pictures that would undoubtedly become future blackmail material.

James kept glancing over at his sleeping daughter with soft eyes, even as Mia and Savannah had him cornered in an elaborate discussion about interior design that had him looking increasingly alarmed.

Matt watched it all from his vantage point, content to have Andy warm against his side and his family safe and happy around him. Even the sight of Xavier subtly maneuvering closer to Ryan throughout the evening couldn’t dampen his mood.

“I swear to God, Ethan, if you don’t go talk to him, I will tell him about the shrine of magazine clippings under your bed,” Fin’s theatrical whisper carried across the room.

“I do not have a shrine!” Ethan hissed back, though his face suggested otherwise. “And they’re business articles. For research.”

“Right,” Fin drawled. “Because normal people ‘research’ shirtless charity calendar photos.”

Matt couldn’t help it—he burst out laughing, nearly choking on his drink. Andy patted his back, trying and failing to hide his own amusement.

“Your best friend’s quite the matchmaker,” Matt managed once he’d recovered.

“Oh, you have no idea.” Andy grinned. “He once tried to set me up with our mailman because, and I quote, ‘he has good benefits and strong hands from carrying packages all day.’”

“Should I be jealous?”

“Of Mr. Smith and his arthritis? Probably not.”

The cool evening air beckoned through the open balcony doors, and Matt found himself craving a moment of quiet with Andy. He stood, tugging Andy with him, ignoring his mother’s knowing look as they slipped away from the party.

The Las Vegas skyline sparkled before them like a carpet of stars brought down to earth, the desert wind carrying the faint scent of night-blooming jasmine from his mother’s prized garden below. Matt wrapped his arms around Andy from behind, pulling him close against his chest.

“So,” Matt murmured against Andy’s ear, “want to tell me about Fin’s master plan to marry his brother off to a billionaire?”

Andy laughed, leaning back into Matt’s embrace. “He thinks he’s being subtle about it. Yesterday, he actually made a pros and cons list. Pros included ‘probably has a yacht’ and ‘definitely knows what wine goes with fancy cheese.’”

“And the cons?”

“‘Might be too tall for kitchen counter makeouts,’” Andy quoted.

“Apparently, Fin’s worried about the height difference.

Tory’s got almost half a foot on Ethan.” He smirked.

“I told him he shouldn’t worry about that.

After all, you’ve got several inches on me, and we manage just fine with… creative positions.”

Matt’s laughter rumbled through both their bodies. “Should we tell him Tory’s been asking about Ethan’s work schedule for weeks?”

“God, no.” Andy turned in Matt’s arms, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Let him think his masterful plan is working. It’s the most fun he’s had since he tried to train his goldfish to do tricks.”

“How did that work out?”

“Let’s just say the funeral was very tasteful.”

Matt pressed a soft kiss to Andy’s temple, breathing in the familiar scent of his shampoo mixed with the desert night air.

Below them, the party’s warmth and laughter spilled out through the French doors, carrying snippets of conversation—Tory’s deep laugh, Ryan’s animated voice as he chatted with Xavier, and what sounded suspiciously like Fin giving Ethan a pep talk about “seizing the moment and the billionaire.”

“Speaking of seizing moments,” Andy said, his tone shifting to something more serious despite his playful smile. “I talked to Eddie about upgrading your security.”

“Andy—”

“Nope, not negotiable. Eddie’s already assigned four new personal bodyguards to your detail. They’ll work in rotation, two at a time, more… closely than your usual security team.”

Matt raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been plotting with my head of security?”

“Obviously. Also, I’m developing a security system specifically for you. Eddie thinks it’ll complement the current protocols nicely.”

“I already have?—”

“Matt, you once ditched your security team to get coffee at three in the morning.”

“The coffee cart guy makes the best espresso in Vegas.”

Andy twisted in his arms to face him fully, his expression caught between exasperation and fondness. “This isn’t a joke. I can’t—” His voice caught slightly. “I can’t go through that again. Not knowing where you were, if you were hurt…”

Matt’s humor faded as he caught the real fear behind Andy’s words. He cupped Andy’s face in his hands, thumbs brushing over his cheekbones. “Hey,” he said softly, “I’m okay. I’m right here.”

“Yeah, well, next time some obsessed stalker tries to kidnap you, they’ll have to get through Eddie’s enhanced security protocols and your new personal detail first.”

“Only four?”

“I considered suggesting more, but Eddie pointed out it might make dinner reservations awkward.”

Matt laughed, pulling Andy closer. “What about dates? Am I going to have a security team hovering like chaperones at a high school dance?”

“They’ll maintain a respectful distance,” Andy said primly, then added with a wicked grin, “unless you’re into that sort of thing?”

“The only person I’m into is you,” Matt growled, capturing Andy’s lips in a kiss that started sweet but quickly turned heated.

When they finally broke apart, Andy’s eyes were slightly glazed. “Smooth talker.”

“I try.” Matt pressed their foreheads together. “So, this security system—what exactly are you planning?”

“Well, I was thinking about adding some specialized features to work with your current setup. Something that integrates with the hotel’s systems but adds an extra layer of protection just for you.”

“You’re turning into quite the protective little tyrant.” Matt kissed Andy again, slow and deep, pouring all his love and gratitude into it. When they parted, Andy’s eyes were soft and full of starlight.

“I love you,” he murmured against his lips. “Even if you are turning into a tech-savvy control freak.”

“I love you too,” Andy replied.

From inside, they heard Fin’s voice rise above the party noise. “Ethan Collins, I swear to God, if you don’t tell him about your ideas for the Japanese garden design right now, I’m showing him that detailed analysis you wrote about all his charity gala speeches!”

Matt burst out laughing against Andy’s shoulder. “Should we go rescue your friends?”

“Nah.” Andy grinned. “Let’s stay here a while longer. The view’s better.”

“The skyline is pretty spectacular.”

“I wasn’t talking about the skyline.”

Matt’s response was lost in another kiss, and for a moment, everything was perfect—the night, the stars, and Andy in his arms, safe and whole and his.