Page 1 of The Billionaire's Buy-In

Chapter 1

Chord

“Boss,yourladyiscausing a scene….”

Ryker, my head of security, is shaking his head. He’s leans against the doorframe, pressing his two-way radio to his ear as if expecting more reports from his team. “Do you want us to throw her out, or do you want to take care of it?”

I wave my hand dismissively. “I got her this time. Just make sure she doesn’t leave.”

Sitting back in my chair, I observe the nightclub surveillance cameras as I roll my lucky coin through my fingers. It’s my habit when I’m deep in thought. In the shadows of the darkly lit security room, a monitor displays the shapely figure of a young woman waving her hands wildly in a standoff with one of the club’s largest bouncers.

Despite my frustration, my mouth curves in a smile because I know this curvy troublemaker all too well, and she’s trouble with a capital “T.” This isn’t the first time she’s caused a scene in my casino. This spitfire is a magnet for conflict, but I recognize perhaps that’s the reason I’m so attracted to her. Not only is Abbie Bates difficult, she’s hot as hell. And she's my current obsession.

To say I have her exactly where I want her sounds like I’m the villain in a bad action movie. She’s notexactlywhere I want her, because I want her in my bed, moaning my name, and riding my cock, but for now, she’s at my mercy. Me, being the bastard that I am, will use this to my advantage.

The object of said-obsession is currently creating havoc and, as Ryker points out, causing a scene. She’s trying to enter my casino’s trendy night club with a fake ID. Yep, my fantasy girl isn’t even old enough to drink. Does that make me a dirty old man? Most likely, but I’ve wanted Abbie Bates since I put eyes on her. She’s only twenty, but that’s legal enough for me, just not legal to drink in my club.

“You’ve gone and done it now, little one.” I mutter under my breath, narrowing my eyes at the glowing monitors in front of me.

In most bars in New Orleans, no questions would be asked. With her petite, luscious curves, and auburn hair, she looks legal, but I refuse to allow any part of my resort to be shut down because of a careless error, such as serving a minor.

Ryker loudly clears his throat, reminding me he needs a response to relay to his team. Pausing a moment to think it through, I finally say, “Have them take her to the basement.”

Time to play my hand with little Miss Bates.

He raises his eyebrows. Ryker knows “the basement” is usually reserved for cheats and the criminal element who frequent the casino. It’s not a place for a young woman. He doesn't approve of my tactics, but gives the directive anyway. Like everyone else, myself included, I’m sure he’s wondering why I’m so fascinated with a twenty-year-old college student.

“Tell them to keep their fucking hands off her,” I threaten sharply, “or they’ll be picking up their teeth with broken fingers.” The image of another man touching her, even if it’s only to keep her from running, makes my blood boil. Knowing I don’t throw out idle threats, he relays this message as well.

In most statute books, I’ve more than met the criteria to qualify as a stalker. Personally, I take offense at the demeaning label. That’s fucking creepy. I’m more of her self-appointed guardian angel. A protector of all things Abbie. Most of the time, this means just protecting her from herself. Other times, it’s more like protecting the rest of humanity from Abbie.

Since her best friend married my long-time friend and business partner, Ty Baron, it seems I’ve assumed the task of keeping an eye on the young, feisty college student. Someone has to do the job because I’ve determined she’s a menace to herself, with her careless attitude and disregard for her own safety.

Watching her through the monitors, I struggle to conceal my lust and attraction to the woman from the view of my employees in the security room. She’s so damn beautiful; it’s an effort to maintain any semblance of professionalism and hide the painful erection straining against the front of my slacks.

“She’s just a kid, boss,” Ryker warns me in a rare moment of sympathy for the girl. Ryker’s six-foot five of bad ass, former special ops, who both looks and acts the part. “She’s not used to seeing you like this, in our world, in your element. You’re gonna scare her, man.”

“Wrong, Ryker. Miss Bates is a grown woman. She’s been fucking around my casino, as well as taking needless risks with everything she touches. I’ve warned her. She wants to play at being an adult; she can have adult consequences.”

And by consequences, I mean the possibility of getting her beautiful, lily-white ass spanked. A punishment I’d like to administer. Repeatedly. I’m rock hard just thinking about it. At this rate, I may have to give myself some relief before I charge in like a raging bull.

“Whatever this is,” he gestures vaguely between me and the image of her on the monitor, “y'all are wearing my ass out. Shit or get off the pot, as they say.” He mutters grumpily as he walks out the door.

Arrogant asshole. He’s not wrong.

I’m aware this isn’t normal behavior, most likely not even legal. But our cat-and-mouse game has become a source of entertainment in the monotony of the bullshit that’s my life as a member of the Gallo family. There are some nights I just follow her home from her part-time retail gig, making sure she gets to her apartment. Other times, I have my people watching her, protecting her.

Abbie loves to pretend she hates me, but I know better. She needs me, whether she likes it or not. Never more apparent than when she puts herself in danger by making poor choices like getting sloppy drunk or walking out to her car late at night alone. When those things happen, I’ll text her, letting her know she’s messed up, and I’m watching. She hates it.

Whether or not it's legal, I don't give a shit. It won't be the first time I’ve crossed the line into criminal behavior and, with my family’s history, it won’t be the last. What’s more important is that she's back at my resort for the first time since the wedding of our best friends, Ty, and Grace. For two months, I’ve bided my time, waiting for the perfect moment to make my move.

The moment doesn’t get much better than this one. I pocket my coin, preparing for confrontation, not able to hide my smile of anticipation.

Chapter 2

Abbie

Fuckinggreat.

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