Page 13 of Chained By Fate (Dark Billionaires: Vegas #1)

Nine

ANDY

I glared at the door Matt had just closed behind him. My cheeks suddenly flushed hot, and I groaned. What the hell was I thinking, kissing Matt like that?

When I’d woken up earlier, I thought he was fast asleep.

With his proposal weighing on my mind, and despite my decision made, I couldn’t help but wonder if I could actually go through with it.

Could I really become his… boy toy? The thought of having sex with another man made my stomach twist, memories of Herbert’s unwanted touches flashing through my mind.

But as I’d studied Matt’s sleeping face, I felt a pull I couldn’t explain.

Groaning, I buried my face in the pillow, the scent of his cologne surrounding me.

I could still feel the ghost of his lips on mine, the warmth of his skin beneath my fingertips as I’d caressed his face.

It had been an impulsive move, born of restless contemplation and the need to test the waters.

And I hadn’t disliked it.

In fact, the thought of Matt kissing me, touching me, sent a strange thrill through my body. I flushed hotly, despair washing over me as I realized the truth—I didn’t find the idea entirely revolting.

With a sigh, I ran a hand through my hair, the promise of continuing that kiss making me flush all over again. I shook my head, forcing the thought from my mind as I climbed out of the bed and made my way to the bathroom for a much-needed shower.

After ordering a lavish breakfast from room service, I spent the morning immersed in coding, losing myself in the familiar rhythm of typing away at my laptop. It was a welcome distraction from the tangled mess of thoughts and emotions swirling through my mind.

The sudden ding of my phone pulled me from my focused state. Assuming it was Matt, I was surprised to see Finley’s name pop up instead.

I read the message. Yo, what’s going on? Saw you and Sean causing trouble at the casino. Then some dudes were fixing your door when I tried to visit. You okay?

I bit my lip, torn between relief at hearing from my best friend and worry about how Matt would react. But I needed this. I needed to see a familiar face.

Meet me in the lobby of The Maxwell’s , I texted back, not caring if Matt got pissed. I needed this slice of normalcy, even if it was just for a moment.

With Finley’s okay, see you soon glowing on my screen, I shut my laptop and slid it into its case with a sense of urgency. I grabbed my wallet, already picturing Finley’s raised eyebrow and the teasing quip he’d have ready for me. I could use a dose of his sarcasm right about now.

I was halfway out the door, the taste of freedom already sweet on my tongue, when I damn near collided with a wall. Not a wall, though—it was one of Matt’s suited goons. Big, bald, and built like he ate cinder blocks for breakfast.

“Jesus!” I staggered back, clutching at my racing heart. “Ever heard of personal space?”

The man didn’t so much as crack a smile. “Where do you think you’re going?” His voice was like gravel tossed in a metal drum.

“I need to get out,” I said, endeavoring to sidestep him. “Cabin fever is setting in, and if I don’t stretch my legs, I’ll go stir-crazy.”

His stance didn’t waver. “Boss says you can’t leave.”

My temper flared, butting heads with my desperation. “Look, all I want is to take a stroll around the hotel. Grounds only. Cross my heart.” I drew an X over my chest for good measure.

He shook his head—a boulder refusing to roll. “No can do. A no from the boss is a no from me.”

With a frustrated huff, I whipped out the phone Matt had given me—his name still burned into the contacts list—and dialed without hesitation. Whether he was in a meeting or plotting world domination didn’t matter to me at that moment. This prison guard routine was too much.

Matt’s voice, slick as a Vegas card dealer’s shuffle, answered the phone before the first ring even faded. “Well, well, what a pleasant surprise to have my cute little pet phoning me.”

I didn’t bother with pleasantries. “There’s a hulk here who won’t let me leave the penthouse,” I said, my voice flat.

“Ah, you must be referring to Bruno,” Matt replied, a chuckle lacing his words. “He’s not just a pretty face; he’s your bodyguard.”

“Bodyguard, my ass,” I muttered under my breath. Then, louder, I said, “Look, I need to get out of here for a bit. Can’t I just take a stroll around the hotel?”

There was a pause on the other end, and I could almost hear the gears turning in Matt’s head. “I suppose my little pet does need to stretch his legs now and again,” he finally conceded. “You’re fine to leave the penthouse and stroll about in the hotel, but Bruno has to be with you at all times.”

Before I could argue that a shadow wasn’t necessary, Matt hung up.

I turned to Bruno and raised an eyebrow. “You heard the man,” I said with a sigh. Bruno simply nodded, his expression unchanging.

Leaving the penthouse felt like taking a deep breath after holding it for too long. Bruno, my newly minted shadow, followed closely behind me. We descended to the first floor, the elevator ride silent save for the occasional mechanical hum.

The lobby was a cavernous space of luxury—marble floors so polished I could see my reflection, chandeliers dripping with crystals that cast a warm glow over everything, and sumptuous seating arrangements that looked like they belonged in a palace.

Amid the grandeur, the lobby hummed with activity. Sharply dressed guests milled about, sipping cocktails or chatting animatedly, while staff in crisp uniforms darted to and fro, attending to every need with impeccable efficiency.

I sank into one of the plush sofas near an extravagant floral arrangement, the scent of exotic blooms filling my nostrils. They were beautiful, sure, but I was more focused on Bruno looming behind me, his presence as unyielding as the marble beneath my feet.

“Hey, Mount Bruno,” I said, attempting to peer around his hulking form. “Mind standing over there? You’re blocking my sun—and my sanity.”

His stony expression didn’t waver. “Can’t do that. Boss’ orders.”

I sighed and leaned back into the sofa, pulling out my phone to distract myself from feeling like a prisoner in paradise. Finley had texted me. Here.

Moments later, I spotted him making his way through the lobby at breakneck speed. Finley Collins—pearl-blond hair tousled just right, piercing blue eyes that could make you forget your own name, and a grin that could light up Vegas on its own.

“Andy!” he called out, arms open wide as he approached.

“Fin!” I stood up just in time for him to envelop me in a bear hug. We slapped each other on the back in that exaggerated bro hug style we’d perfected over the years.

“Dude,” he said with a grin that spelled trouble. “Heard you’ve been mixing it up with casino royalty and diving headfirst into crazy shenanigans.” His gaze shifted to Bruno, and his eyebrows shot up. “Whoa! Who’s your shadow? The Hulk’s cousin?”

“Let’s grab lunch first,” I said quickly, eager to avoid any questions about my current predicament—or my bodyguard.

The clink of fine china and the murmur of posh accents set the tone as Finley, Bruno, and I sat in a cafe that screamed, I’m worth more than your car .

I took a sip of my iced tea, the condensation beading on the glass. “It’s a long story,” I said with a sigh, glancing sidelong at Bruno. The man sat silently at the neighboring table, his gaze fixed on us like a watchful gargoyle.

Finley followed my gaze, his eyebrows knitting together. “Dude, what’s with the muscle? You get mixed up in some shady business?” A mischievous grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Or did you finally join the mob?”

I rolled my eyes, unable to suppress a chuckle at his antics. Leave it to Fin to make light of even the darkest situations. “I wish it were that simple,” I muttered, taking another sip to buy myself a moment.

Finley shot me a look that said spill it .

So I did—like a slot machine hitting jackpot, I spilled every detail about the mess I was tangled up in.

He listened, his face going through an entire season of emotions as I recounted my encounters with Matt, the debt Sean had dumped on me, and the proposal that had me caught between a rock and a very hard place.

I kept my cards close to my chest about Herbert though; some hands are just too painful to lay out on the table.

Finley’s face was a picture of shock as my story unfolded.

“Dude,” he said after I finished, his voice barely above a whisper.

“You gotta watch out for Sean. That guy’s always been shifty.

And now you’re in deep with casino bigwigs?

This is next-level crazy.” He paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. “Maybe I can help with the debt?”

I scoffed. Like he had the cash. I knew he was just as strapped as I was, but Fin was Fin.

He’d sell his own soul to save me in a heartbeat.

That was just the kind of guy he was. And honestly, I’d do the same for him, just like I was about to for Mia and my own dreams. The stakes were higher than ever, and the thought of failure gnawed at my insides, but I couldn’t back down now.

Not when everything I cared about was on the line.

“No way am I dragging you into this mess,” I said firmly. “It’s my problem to fix.”

“But how much are we talking here?” he asked, curiosity lighting up those mischief-sparkling eyes.

I leaned in closer, lowering my voice despite Bruno’s presence. “Two million,” I confessed.

Finley choked on his drink, coughing as he tried to regain composure. “Two million?” he sputtered. “You’ll have to work till you’re dead to pay that off!”

“Yeah,” I said with a wry smile. “I’m well aware. But don’t worry about it—I’ve got some irons in the fire.”

Finley shook his head, his expression serious for once. “Just… be careful, Andy.” He glanced at Bruno before lowering his voice even further. “And if this Matt guy is making you uncomfortable?—”