Chapter 4
“Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing. She suddenly looked disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction but held it in.
“I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You call my office—I decide whether I see them. Not you.”
She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if looking directly at him caused her pain.
“Come with me.”
It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled trying to catch up. He led me through a luxurious waiting room to a glass elevator.
It was high-tech, with a touchscreen interface. He pulled up a keypad, entered a sequence, then pressed the floor number.
He stood so close that the elevator felt cramped despite its spacious design. His incredible minty scent, mixed with aftershave, filled my nose, and my heart skipped a beat.
But he didn’t even look at me. Doubt crept in—maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought. I suddenly felt awkward, knowing that beneath this coat was nothing but lingerie.
The elevator stopped, and the doors slid open. The space before me was massive, with marble flooring and granite walls.
“Where exactly is your office?” I asked, glancing around the breathtaking area.
He shot me a neutral look. “This is my office.”
My eyes widened. He continued walking, rounding a corner, and sure enough, his desk stood before large windows overlooking the human city. The view was stunning, and my stomach twisted with nerves.
He didn’t sit in his chair. Instead, he leaned against his desk, folding his arms. I swallowed hard, taking him in. His white dress shirt had the sleeves rolled halfway up, revealing toned forearms, and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, emphasizing his incredible form.
My wolf purred in satisfaction. I stared at him longer than I should have.
He cleared his throat. I nearly jumped as my gaze snapped up to meet his. He smirked, as if to say, “Caught you.”
Heat flooded my cheeks.
“So, what did you come here for?” he asked, breaking the tension.
Oh. Right. The reason I was here.
“I have a problem, and I need your help,” I blurted.
He raised a brow. “What kind of problem?”
I cleared my throat. “My father was arrested the other night. His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money—roughly five million dollars.”
He remained silent, studying me, waiting for more—probably wanting to know exactly how I needed his help.
“I was hoping you could help him. Maybe pay his debt so he can get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip.
Another moment of silence. He ran a hand over his face, processing my request.
“And what would I get in return for helping your family?” he asked.
I swallowed hard.
Confidence. I needed confidence.
I held my head high and met his gaze. Locking eyes with an Alpha was a challenge—even more so with a Lycan—but instead of anger, he looked intrigued.
“Well,” I began, lowering my voice as I stepped closer. “At the party the other night, we had a connection…” My cheeks burned at my own words. “And I thought maybe…”
I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet. His eyes darkened as they roamed my body, and I nearly melted under his gaze.
A surge of confidence hit me, and I reached out to touch his arm.
“I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student, very clean. I haven’t had sex before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.”
His breathing grew heavy as he straightened, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, my heart hammering in my chest. His scent surrounded me, making me lightheaded.
He raised a hand, fingers grazing my cheek, sending warmth through my entire body. We were so close I thought I might pass out from the heat between us.
His eyes were as dark as they had been in the VIP suite.
He swallowed hard, and I watched his Adam’s apple bob. I closed my eyes, waiting for him to kiss me. His breath touched my lips, and I leaned in…
But it never came.
Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering me.
My eyes flew open. He wore a stern expression.
“Do you really think I need to pay a woman for sex?” he asked. “You said it yourself—I have many options.”
My cheeks flamed.
“I just thought—”
“You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he interrupted. “You’re young, Miss Montague. You’ll regret taking shortcuts like this in the future.”
How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat, but his words crushed me.
He didn’t want me.
I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face felt. He could see my shame.
When he spoke again, his voice was softer, almost compassionate.
“Look, I have a daughter,” he said. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her, for her future. And I expect better from her.”
He reached out, fingers brushing the nape of my neck. My breath hitched as I met his eyes.
“I expected better from you,” he added, and my stomach dropped.
He was right. I was better than this.
I nodded, opening my mouth to speak—but footsteps sounded behind me. I turned to see two security guards. My head whipped back to Gavin, eyes wide.
“I’m afraid my time and patience have run out,” Gavin said. “Escort Miss Montague out of the building.”
“Yes, sir,” they said in unison.
One stood on either side of me. I stared at Gavin in shock but didn’t resist.
“Thank you for your time,” I managed before leaving. Shame burned inside me, but I had bigger problems.
I needed a new job.
I glanced down. The short skirt and crop top showed too much cleavage. I felt like I was on display.
Especially at night, when this place turned into a club. The wealthy men tipped generously. I needed the money. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
“That’s what friends are for,” Nan said, nudging my arm.
She sighed, looking past me. “Looks like we have a group of guys. Good luck.”
I turned to greet them—and froze.
Among them was him.
