Claimed for the Master's Pleasure (Guilty Pleasures #5)(21)
“You didn’t tell me you were leaving Vegas. You didn’t say good-bye, princess.”
Lia swallowed hard. Just the way he spoke her pet name sent a shiver down her spine. His eyes held hers. Cold slivers of glacial blue pierced her tranquility, unsettling her. Jake could so easily melt the frozen wastes of her heart, if she ever allowed him to. She’d learned from bitter experience that men like Jake were not dependable. They were a law unto themselves.
“I waited for your call. It didn’t come,” she reminded him.
“I had things to do, princess. You do realize you can’t just leave?”
“Why not? I’m a free woman. This is a free country. I can do whatever I want.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, princess. You still owe Arabian Nights Casino a serious amount of money.”
When Jake hadn’t contacted her after they’d spent a wonderful, mind-blowing night together, she’d naively assumed that her debt would be written off. Wrong, so very wrong. “But, Jake, I thought—”
A cynical smile touched his lips as he leaned in and whispered against her ear. Lia closed her eyes, reveling in his nearness and the way he made her feel inside—all hot and excited. “I see. You thought one night with me and I’d write off a million bucks.” He snapped his fingers dismissively. “Just like that. You value yourself very highly.” He was so close, his warm breath fanned against her neck, reminding her even more of their night of unbridled passion. An ache pulsed in her *. Damn. Her body betrayed her. In that instant, she knew she still wanted him.
Jake continued, “What we shared was wonderful, but I live in the real world, Lia. I suggest you wise up and do the same.”
Lia looked up into his hard features. Even when Jake was being harsh with her he simply oozed sex appeal. The idea of him dominating her sexually made her panties go wet.
“Listen, Jake, even though I’ve sold my parents’ house. I still can’t raise a million dollars. Besides, why should I be responsible for my father’s debt?” she added defensively.
“Because that’s how Nevada law works. Whatever your father left you in his will legally belongs to Arabian Nights Casino. I know you’ve got the money, Lia. I want what’s rightfully mine.”
“I won’t receive a cent until the paperwork for the sale goes through. That could take weeks, months even. Besides, it comes to less than eight hundred thousand. You’re well aware you’ll be taking every cent I own.” She stared directly at him, unafraid to hold his gaze. “You bastard. My inheritance will be gone. There’ll be nothing left. Is that really what you want, Mr. Benetti?” Lia felt her lip quiver as she spat out the words with venom. The happiness she’d been feeling dissolved like a puff of smoke in the breeze. “Do you want to see me on my knees? Is that what you want, my humiliation?”
“Lia, by selling the house you have freed up a large amount of money and therefore put me in an impossible situation. Nevada law will follow you all the way to Florida and beyond. If you don’t come back with me, I’ll have no option but to apply for a warrant for your arrest. We’re talking about a million bucks here, lady. Not a bag of candy from your father’s grocery store. You’ll barely set sail before you’re arrested and brought back to Vegas.”
“How did you know I was here?” What else had he found out?
“Lia, there’s nothing I don’t know about you. Goddamn it, woman, I have connections everywhere. You’re not dealing with a Boy Scout here.”
A chill filtered through her bones. There didn’t seem to be a way out of this, or maybe there was?
“Then what exactly are you proposing, Mr. Benetti?”
“You come back with me. I pay the debt off out of my own money. That way I keep the shareholders happy, and there will be no need to call the cops.”
“And then I pay you when the money comes through? Is that what you’re suggesting?” Perhaps there was a way out after all.
When he didn’t answer, Lia had the distinct impression that he didn’t even care about the money. Instead he took hold of her hand, and stared into her eyes. His deep voice washed over her, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. “Lia, I’d like us to finish what we started a month ago.”
Lia pulled away, and folded her arms defensively across her chest. She might be attracted to him, but he was taking too much for granted. “You had your chance, and you blew it, Mister. Why didn’t you call me the next day, or even the day after?” She’d have been happy to continue what they’d started then. It just didn’t make any sense to put her in this position when she was just about to catch a flight to Florida.
“That’s my offer, Lia. Think about it.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear as he stroked a stray hair from her face. “You remember what we talked about that night, in my bed.” His lips brushed her sensitive flesh, making her stomach spasm with sexual need. “Well, I can deliver those fantasies, your fantasies, and more besides. I know it turns you on. I know your panties are soaking wet just sitting here talking to me.” Excitement coursed through her veins as his warm breath feathered her skin. God, she wanted him to master her. “When I get you home, I’m gonna give you exactly what you need, princess. Exactly what you crave.” With that he stood and began walking away. “I’ll be waiting outside in the parking lot.”