Page 52 of Peyton's Price

He said the name with an audible sneer.

“As a matter a fact, it does,” Matthias replied with an expansive gesture. He shouldn’t be enjoying this, but he couldn’t help himself. “Or it might. I guess it depends on how well he and Peyton get on.”

Liam’s eyes narrowed to slits. “Bryce is a brainless trust funder who has never done an honest day’s work in his life. He considers shopping for a sugar daddy his profession. That and getting laid. All he wants is to get into your pants.”

Matthias acknowledged that with a nod. “Well, in this case, that last may be a bonus. But I don’t know how well he’ll mesh with Peyton. She gets final say, of course.”

Dawning horror began to slide over Liam’s face. “You better not be implying what I think you are.”

“I didn’t mean to imply anything—I’m saying it outright. Peyton and I are shopping around for a third. I think Bryce will do nicely.”

The explosion wasn’t long in coming. Liam almost lunged for Matthias, but he checked himself at the last moment when Matthias’ bodyguards, a precaution for the evening, ominously stepped forward.

Settling back into his seat, Liam opened and closed his mouth a few times. “You’re not fucking serious,” he spat.

“I assure you I am.”

“Peyton would never agree to something like that.”

He raised a brow. “Are you sure?”

“Yes!”

“Well, that’s presumptuous.” He sniffed. “As luck would have it, I don’t have to guess what Peyton wants, because I have the luxury of being able toaskher. So that’s what I did. And after a lifetime of…shall we call it misguided chastity…she’s eager to explore and try new things.”

“But athreesome? You and I both know she’s not experienced enough for any crap like that.”

“If she’s not up for it, she’ll say so. Peyton isn’t afraid to speak her mind. In fact, she’s not afraid of a single damn thing. She’s brilliant, beautiful, and daring. I think we’re going to do very well together.”

Matthias stood. “I’ve done what I came here to do— I’ve invited Bryce out to Miami. TheOrmen Langewill be docked there this weekend. If Bryce and Peyton hit it off, he’ll stay on for a while. If not, then we’ll take a look at someone else. We have time to figure it out.”

Matthias started for the door, but he hadn’t gotten far when Liam grabbed his arm, forcing him to stop. “Did you really come here to rub this invite in my face or are you trying to tell me something?”

Pleading ignorance seemed the safer bet. “Sorry? I don’t follow.”

“Did you come here to Boston—to my best friend’s club—for Bryce fucking Brogan or were you here to ask me?” Liam rasped.

Matthias could see what the question cost the other man. But he had to tell him the truth…as he saw it. “I came here for Bryce.”

“But—”

“I have to be honest, Liam. Peyton only put one restriction on my search for a third.”

He watched as Liam visibly braced himself. “What was it?”

“The man can be anyone…except you.”

* * *

Liam satin the now-empty VIP salon. He stared at his shoes until Calen waved a bottle of something in his face. He took the bottle, ignoring the glass his friend offered with it.

“That was painful to watch.”

“Did you hear everything?” He gestured vaguely at the walls, unsure where the discreet security camera was hidden.

“That would be illegal. I don’t have the sound on. Of course, it pays to learn how to lip read.”

“Is that something your dad taught you?” Liam sneered slightly.

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