Page 5 of Chained By Fate (Dark Billionaires: Vegas #1)

Four

MATT

M att lounged in an oversized leather armchair, his tall frame exuding an aura of command that even the opulence of the room couldn’t overshadow.

The luxurious lounge, with its high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, offered a breathtaking view of the Las Vegas Strip bathed in the glow of neon lights.

The city below pulsed with life, but within this cocoon of wealth and privilege, Matt felt like the king surveying his kingdom.

He let his eyes drift over the sparkling cityscape, anticipation coiling tightly in his chest. This night promised to be anything but dull. The polished waitstaff moved like shadows around him, one approaching with a sleek efficiency that spoke of rigorous training.

A crystal tumbler appeared before him, filled with amber liquid. Matt’s fingers wrapped around the glass, feeling its weight. He brought it to his lips and took a slow sip, savoring the burn of the expensive whiskey as it slid down his throat.

Eddie stood a respectful distance behind him, always alert. His presence was as constant as it was reliable. The quiet murmur of Eddie’s voice reached Matt’s ears as he communicated with his team through an earpiece.

“Eddie,” Matt said without turning around, already sensing a shift in Eddie’s stance.

Eddie leaned in closer. “Boss, Andy’s just left the hotel.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of Matt’s mouth. “Doesn’t take him long to run,” he murmured, more to himself than to Eddie. There was something exhilarating about the chase; Andy’s spirit was both frustrating and intoxicating.

Matt continued, his voice low but firm. “Keep track of him.”

Eddie nodded and stepped back into the shadows, seamlessly blending into the background as he relayed Matt’s orders.

Matt took another sip of his whiskey, feeling a familiar thrill course through him. When he set down his glass, he said, “Take me to Sean.”

The car purred along the deserted highway, leaving the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip behind.

Matt gazed out the tinted window as the city faded into the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert.

Rudd handled the vehicle with a steady hand, navigating the twisting roads that led deeper into the arid wasteland.

Eddie sat beside Matt, his bulky frame a reassuring presence. The two men had an unspoken understanding, forged through years of loyalty and trust. No words were needed as the sleek sedan approached a dilapidated warehouse, its corrugated walls bleached by the relentless desert sun.

The car rolled to a stop, and Matt stepped out, the cool night air hitting him as he adjusted his suit jacket. The warehouse loomed like a forgotten relic, its windows dark and foreboding.

Inside, the space was dimly lit by a few hanging bulbs that cast shadows across the dusty floor. The air smelled of oil and rust, and the faint hum of machinery echoed in the background. Matt’s footsteps were deliberate as he walked through the corridors, Eddie and Rudd flanking him.

They reached a door, and Eddie paused, his hand resting on the handle. With a nod from Matt, he pushed it open, revealing a stark room illuminated by a single harsh light.

In the center, a battered figure sat slumped in a chair, arms bound behind his back. Sean’s face was a grotesque mask of bruises and dried blood, his eyes swollen shut. Matt felt a flicker of satisfaction at the sight of the man who had dared to cross him.

One of his men dragged in another chair, scraping it across the floor. Matt settled into it, his imposing frame looming over Sean’s beaten form.

Sean stirred, his eyelids fluttering open. When his gaze fell on Matt, his entire body tensed, fear radiating from him in palpable waves.

“You’re lucky you’re still breathing,” Matt began. “If it weren’t for Andy…”

Sean’s eyes widened further at the mention of Andy’s name.

“I’ve taken a liking to him,” Matt continued. “And I don’t want him upset because you died under my watch.”

Sean’s voice was shaky as he spoke, desperation clear. “I’ll repay all my debt… I promise.”

Matt leaned back slightly. His steely gaze bored into Sean’s pathetic form, taking in the man’s bruised and battered state with cold indifference.

A muscle twitched in his jaw as he considered the staggering debt this sniveling wretch owed him—four million dollars, racked up over five reckless years of gambling in the glittering dens of sin that lined the Vegas Strip.

The amount was astronomical, but it wasn’t the sum that infuriated Matt.

It was the betrayal, the utter disrespect Sean had shown by conning Andy into securing that extra two-million-dollar loan from James under false pretenses.

Matt knew the sordid details—how Sean had convinced the na?ve Andy to pitch a business plan for some savvy tech app, playing on the young man’s talent and ambition.

James, ever the opportunist, had seen the potential for exponential growth and loaned them two million dollars to kickstart the venture.

But instead of using that capital to build their fledgling company, Sean had done the unthinkable—he’d squandered every last cent in a desperate bid to gamble his way out of the four-million-dollar hole he’d dug for himself.

A foolish, reckless move that had only compounded his debt and left Andy holding the bag.

Matt’s jaw clenched as he stared down at the crumpled figure before him. Sean’s whimpering pleas for mercy rang hollow in his ears. This pathetic excuse for a man had not only jeopardized Matt’s investment but had dragged an innocent like Andy into his sordid web of lies and deceit.

“Four million, Sean,” he said, his voice like ice. “That’s how much you owe me after five years of your gambling spree.”

Sean’s breath hitched, his body trembling. Matt reveled in the fear radiating off him. It was the least the man deserved after dragging Andy into this mess.

“You convinced Andy to pitch that tech app to James, didn’t you?” Matt continued, a hint of amusement creeping into his tone. “A savvy idea. Something that could have taken off.”

Sean’s swollen eyes blinked rapidly, confusion mixing with terror.

“James saw the potential,” Matt said, leaning back and crossing his legs.

Sean’s mouth opened, but no words came out. He knew where this was heading.

“Instead of using it to build the app and company, you thought you could gamble it away to pay off your debt to me,” Matt said, his voice hardening. “A brilliant plan—except it failed spectacularly.”

Sean’s head drooped lower, shame and fear evident in his posture.

Matt stood, towering over Sean like a dark specter. “Now here we are,” he said quietly. “You’ve dug yourself a grave so deep not even Andy can pull you out.”

The silence that followed was thick with tension. Matt watched as realization and hopelessness washed over Sean’s bruised face.

“But lucky for you, I’m feeling generous tonight,” he said, his voice dripping with cold amusement. “I’m willing to give you another shot at redeeming yourself.”

Sean’s head snapped up, hope flickering in his swollen eyes. “Y-yes, of course! I won’t let you down again, Mr. Caine. I swear it.”

A deep chuckle rumbled in Matt’s chest. “Don’t get too excited. You haven’t heard what you’re supposed to do yet.”

The flicker of hope in Sean’s eyes dimmed, replaced by trepidation. “W-what do you have in store for me?”

Matt’s gaze was as sharp as a dagger, pinning Sean in place. “Carlos is ruining business in this town, and I plan to destroy him.” His words were clipped, leaving no room for argument.

Sean swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously.

“There’s a cargo of drugs coming in from Mexico, and a deal is going down within the week,” Matt continued, his tone matter of fact. “You’re going to insert yourself into that deal.”

A heavy silence hung in the air as Sean processed the gravity of the task. Sweat beaded on his brow, his breathing shallow and rapid.

Finally, he gave a shaky nod. “I… I understand.”

“Good. My men will handle the details.” He turned to leave but paused at the door, casting one last glance at Sean. “Remember, failure is not an option.”

With that, Matt exited the room, Eddie and Rudd flanking him.

Matt leaned back in the plush leather seat of the car, the hum of the engine a steady backdrop to his thoughts.

His mind drifted inevitably to Andy. The young man had an effect on him that was as puzzling as it was powerful.

Andy’s defiance, his raw spirit, and that damnable pretty face had lodged themselves firmly in Matt’s consciousness.

“Eddie,” Matt called without turning his head.

“Yeah, boss?” Eddie’s voice cut through the quiet.

“Where’s Andy now?”

Eddie’s fingers flew over his phone. “He’s back at his apartment.”

A slow smile spread across Matt’s face. “Take me there.”

Eddie nodded and relayed the address to Rudd, who adjusted their route with practiced ease. The car navigated through the neon labyrinth of Las Vegas, heading toward a part of town where luxury took a back seat to necessity.

They arrived at Andy’s apartment building—a far cry from the opulence Matt was accustomed to. He stepped out of the car, his imposing figure cutting a sharp contrast against the modest surroundings. Matt made his way up the narrow staircase, each step bringing him closer to his quarry.

At Andy’s door, Matt didn’t bother with subtlety. He banged his fist against it, calling out, “Andy! Open up!”

There was no immediate response. Annoyed, he tested the handle and found it locked. With a grunt of effort, he kicked the door open, the flimsy lock giving way easily.

The apartment was small but surprisingly clean and tidy. Matt took in the sparse but neat furnishings before his gaze snapped to movement from the hallway.

Andy rushed out from what appeared to be the bathroom, stark naked except for a small towel clinging precariously around his waist. Water droplets glistened on his toned skin, catching the light and making him appear almost ethereal.

His ebony hair dripped onto his flushed face, framing those stunning gold-brown eyes.

Matt’s breath hitched at the sight. Andy’s chest rose and fell rapidly, every muscle defined and taut from whatever exercise or hard labor he’d been doing to survive in this city. His pink lips were parted slightly in surprise and indignation.

“What are you doing here?” Andy’s voice snapped Matt out of his reverie, sharp and laced with irritation. “You just broke down my fucking door!”

“Relax, sweetheart,” Matt drawled, his tone rich with amusement. “I’ll have Eddie replace the door. No need to get your panties in a twist.”