Page 9 of Chained By Fate (Dark Billionaires: Vegas #1)

Six

MATT

S tanding outside his penthouse door, Matt heard the unmistakable crash. He smirked, already knowing Andy had smashed the phone. Reckless, but not unexpected.

Eddie and a few of Matt’s men waited along the corridor, their expressions impassive. With a subtle nod, Matt gestured for Eddie to approach. “Get him the latest smartphone model. And find an artisan who can design a choker with a tracking device embedded. Discreetly.”

Eddie’s nod was brisk. “On it, boss.”

Moments later, Matt slid into the back of his sleek town car, the plush leather interior enveloping him as Rudd navigated through the neon-drenched streets.

When the car rolled to a stop, Matt stepped out, his presence immediately commanding attention, his gaze sweeping over the opulent facade of the Bellagio Hotel.

His men flanked him as he strode through the lobby, a sleek and stylish blend of marble and gold. Suits nodded in recognition, eyes following his every move. He entered the grand hall where the elite mingled, their laughter and conversation a symphony of wealth and power.

A lavish party was in full swing, the air thick with the scents of expensive cologne and champagne. Matt’s arrival drew appreciative glances from both men and women, their eyes raking over his powerful physique and chiseled features.

A server materialized at his side, offering a tray of crystal flutes brimming with champagne. Matt accepted one with a polished smile, his eyes scanning the crowd.

“Matt!” The jovial voice of Tory Masuda cut through the din as the billionaire investor approached, his dark eyes twinkling with warmth. Tory’s lean frame was draped in an impeccably tailored tuxedo, his black hair styled to perfection. “You look like you own the place.”

“I might as well,” Matt replied smoothly, clinking glasses with Tory.

“How’s life treating you?” Tory asked, genuinely curious.

“Busy as ever,” Matt said. “Keeping tabs on some… interesting investments.”

Tory’s interest piqued, his brow arched with curiosity. “Oh? Do tell.”

Matt took a sip of his champagne, the bubbles tingling on his tongue. “It’s an investment that’s hard to control. Likes to go wild. Gotta keep a tight rein on it.”

A low chuckle rumbled from Tory’s throat. “Sounds intriguing, indeed.”

Just then, a tall figure approached, his pale-blond hair glinting white-gold under the chandeliers.

William Bosworth cut an imposing figure in his immaculately tailored suit, his pale-blue eyes held an amused glint as he caught the tail end of their conversation.

“Sounds like you’re talking about a wild dog. ”

Matt’s eyes flickered with amusement. “More like a puppy I picked up off the street.”

William’s lips twisted into a sardonic smirk. “I didn’t realize you were into puppies and charity work, Matt.”

“This one is very cute,” Matt replied, his gaze distant for a moment as he thought of Andy’s fiery spirit and defiant eyes. “Though it barks a lot. As for the bite, I’ve yet to experience it.”

Tory and William exchanged glances, their shared history with Matt evident in their easy camaraderie.

They—Matt Caine, James Maxwell, Mark Sinclair, Tory Masuda, and William Bosworth—had been friends since high school, ruling the hallways and the streets with an air of entitled confidence.

Now, as the sons of billionaire empires, they commanded respect in the glittering world of Las Vegas.

Tory’s smile was knowing as he leaned in slightly. “Well, just make sure this puppy doesn’t bite off more than it can chew.”

Matt’s smirk widened. “Trust me, Tory. I’ve got it handled.”

William’s gaze shifted to Tory. “So, where’s Mark these days?”

Tory took a sip of his champagne, the bubbles catching the light as he swirled the glass. “New York. He’s knee-deep in some major deals over there. You know Mark, always got his hands in something big.”

Turning to Matt, William asked, “And what about our esteemed James Maxwell? Still lording over his family’s empire in Los Angeles?”

A wry smirk tugged at the corner of Matt’s mouth. “James is keeping busy, as always. Too busy to deal with a particular… problem of his. So he passed it on to me.”

William’s eyes glinted with undisguised interest. “Is that so? Well, in that case, I might have to pay James a visit. It’s been too long since I’ve seen him.”

Matt and Tory exchanged a knowing look, aware of the thinly veiled tension between William and James. The two billionaires had a history of butting heads, their competitive natures often leading to heated exchanges whenever they crossed paths.

“Just don’t set anything on fire,” Tory quipped, earning a chuckle from Matt.

Before William could respond, an older man with silver hair and a dignified presence approached them. The host of the party, Jonathan Hawthorne, greeted them with a warm smile. “Gentlemen, enjoying yourselves?”

Matt shook Jonathan’s hand firmly. “Absolutely, Jonathan. You throw quite the party.”

“Only for the best,” Jonathan replied, his eyes twinkling with genuine pleasure.

As the afternoon progressed, Matt found himself surrounded by a constant flurry of attention, both men and women vying for his favor with flirtatious glances and subtle touches.

Under normal circumstances, he would have gladly accepted their invitations, indulging in the fleeting pleasures of a casual fling.

But his thoughts kept drifting back to Andy. Matt could still vividly recall the sight of the young man, clad in nothing but a plush bathrobe, his slender frame and disheveled hair exuding an air of tousled sensuality.

Despite Andy’s defiant attitude and sharp tongue, Matt couldn’t help but find him utterly captivating, a delicious blend of vulnerability and strength that ignited a primal hunger within him.

The way Andy’s lithe body had pressed against his own, the heat of his skin searing through the fabric of the robe, had sent a jolt of desire coursing through Matt’s veins.

Matt could sense the undercurrent of attraction simmering beneath Andy’s prickly exterior.

Whenever he moved closer, invading Andy’s personal space, the young man’s eyes would widen ever so slightly, his pupils dilating as his gaze flickered down to Matt’s lips.

A delicate flush would dust his cheekbones, and his breath would hitch, a subtle yet telling reaction that sent a thrill coursing through Matt.

Yet Andy remained steadfastly defiant, his sharp tongue lashing out with biting retorts, as if he was trying to push Matt away.

Matt couldn’t help but wonder if this was all an act, a game of hard-to-get designed to tantalize and tease.

Or perhaps there was something deeper, a vulnerability that Andy guarded fiercely beneath his tough exterior.

Hours later, as Matt exited the lavish party, Eddie was there to greet him, holding the door of the car open. Matt slid into the back seat, and Eddie handed him a slim package containing the latest smartphone model.

With deft fingers, Matt tore through the packaging, his eyes flickering with approval as he powered on the device. He quickly entered his contact information, ensuring that this new line of communication would be secure and untraceable.

When they reached The Maxwell’s, Matt’s long strides carried him swiftly to his penthouse.

As the doors slid open, he was greeted by the sight of Andy hunched over his laptop, his slender fingers flying across the keyboard with a focused intensity.

The young man was so engrossed in his coding that he didn’t even notice Matt’s arrival.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Matt’s mouth as he watched Andy, his gaze drinking in the sight before him.

The soft glow of the laptop cast an ethereal light over Andy’s features, highlighting the delicate curves of his cheekbones and the sweep of his lashes against his flushed skin.

His ebony hair fell in tousled waves, framing his face in a way that made Matt’s fingers itch to brush the strands back.

Andy’s body arched in a languid stretch, the vertebrae in his neck popping softly. As he twisted, his eyes locked on to Matt, and a sharp intake of breath followed. “Jesus, you nearly gave me a heart attack. How long have you been standing there?”

“Awhile,” Matt replied, his voice an even timbre as he leaned against the doorframe.

A smirk twisted Andy’s lips, a flash of annoyance in his eyes. “Don’t billionaires have better things to do than lurking in doorways?”

The retort drew a half smile from Matt. “Sometimes we find interesting ways to pass the time,” he replied smoothly, enjoying seeing the spark of irritation in those beautiful eyes.

He pushed off from the doorframe and approached Andy.

With each step, the space between them shrank until they were close enough to share breaths.

He could see the subtle shift in Andy’s expression, the way his pupils dilated and his breath hitched ever so slightly. Matt reveled in the response, finding Andy’s flustered state irresistibly endearing.

Setting the new phone on the table, Matt’s voice softened to a murmur. “Accidents happen, but phones can be broken all too easily. You’ll want to take extra care with this one.”

His fingers grazed Andy’s neck with the lightest touch, envisioning the slender band of a choker encircling it.

Andy’s swallow was audible this time, his Adam’s apple bobbing against Matt’s fingertips, and Matt felt a rush of possessiveness at the sight.

Unable to resist, he leaned in closer and pressed his lips to Andy’s forehead in a brief, tender kiss.

The heat bloomed across Andy’s cheeks—a blush that spread like wildfire.

“You’re such a cute little pet,” Matt said with affectionate mockery.

“Only in your twisted billionaire fantasy,” Andy shot back, sarcasm lacing every syllable. “Does your pet get treats for good behavior too?”

Matt chuckled softly. “Only the best.” Straightening up, he let his hand drop from Andy’s neck and took a step back. “We’re going out for dinner tonight,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Wear something nice.”

Without waiting for a response, Matt turned on his heel and strode toward the door, already mentally preparing for the work that awaited him.