Page 22 of Tempted and Taken

“Patricia,” he started.

“He thinks, like I do, that a marriage between our two families would be incredibly lucrative.”

Matt was trying to figure out if Richard Eddington truly believed that or if he was simply telling Patricia what she wanted to hear. Richard didn’t need Russo money any more than Matt needed the Eddingtons.

However, as far as Matt could tell, there was nothing Patricia had ever wanted that she hadn’t received. The word no hadn’t played a role in her upbringing. So if Daddy Eddington thought she wanted Matt, he’d move heaven and earth to get it—him—for her.

“As I told you when you brought up the subject of marriage, I have more than enough money. I don’t need to increase the family coffers.”

Patricia’s pout was pronounced, making her look like the poster child for spoiled brats everywhere. This was the kickback he’d expected the night of their dinner date, and while he was grateful he was able to address it without a hangover, he still wasn’t functioning at his best because he was anxious about Liza’s imminent arrival.

“I know you said that.” She brushed that reason away as inconsequential. “But Daddy was hoping now that some time has passed, you might have reconsidered.”

Daddy or Patricia?

“I haven’t.”

“He plans to call your PA, to set up a meeting so that the two of you can discuss?—”

Matt’s patience was at an end. “I am always happy to meet with your father about business opportunities, but as far as I’m concerned, this marriage discussion is over. I am not getting married to you for money, love, sex, or fame. I am not getting married. Period.”

Patricia looked ready to continue the battle, so he stood up, circling his desk, gesturing toward the door and giving her no choice but to follow suit, though she stood up reluctantly. “If you could just talk to Daddy, I think?—”

“No, Patricia.”

Her eyes narrowed, her cheeks flushed with anger, and her nostrils flared. She really didn’t like hearing that word.

However, he had to hand it to her. She was good at keeping her flashes of tempers just that. A flash, then gone again.

“Matt,” she said sweetly, reaching out to place her hand on his forearm, leaning toward him so that her breasts would brush against him. “You’re making a mistake.”

“No. I’m not.” Subtlety would never work with this woman. Matt had hoped to be able to maintain a comfortable working relationship with Richard, but he was over that now. He’d make up the loss of income somewhere else if Richard tried to sever ties. At this point, Matt would embrace the pauper’s life if it meant he didn’t have to deal with Patricia again. “In the future, please contact Henri if you’d like to schedule an appointment.”

Patricia’s lips thinned, and he could see her struggling for a way to continue pressing her case.

“Goodbye,” he said, dismissing her once and for all.

She walked to the door, flinging it open. He didn’t bother to see her out, so he was surprised when she twisted back to him, the fury he’d just seen in her eyes gone. She gave him a seductive smile as she blew him a kiss. “See you later, lover,” she purred, before turning and walking out.

It was then that he saw Liza standing next to Henri’s desk, her expression unreadable.

“Oh, hello, Liza,” Patricia said, her tone pure venom. “I didn’t know they let you out of your cubicle during the day.”

Liza’s eyes narrowed, but before she could offer a retort, Patricia tittered at her own joke, then sauntered down the hall to the elevators like she owned the place.

“Ms. Moretti is here for your one o’clock,” Henri said, stating the obvious when neither Matt nor Liza spoke.

“I can see that.” Matt gestured for Liza to enter the office. She walked in as he closed the door behind her.

Liza, damn her, looked gorgeous in her silky white blouse, fitted black slacks, and tailored maroon blazer. Her jewelry was understated, a thick gold chain around her neck, a pair of drop earrings, and her Apple watch with a chunky, knotted gold band.

“Why don’t you have a seat, Ms. Moretti?” he offered.

She snorted. “Back to that, are we?”

Matt sighed. Sixty seconds in and he was already fucking up. “No, Liza, we’re not.”

“Actually, I’ve changed my mind. Let’s do a full reboot, Mr. Russo.” She drew out the mister in his name. “I prefer it when you call me Ms. Moretti.” The anger in her voice didn’t quite reach her eyes. He wished it did because he hated thinking he’d been the one to put that disappointment there.

---