I swallow hard as his gray eyes remain locked on me. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying since I’m sure by now that you know there’s no swaying Yamada away from me with whatever plan you came out here with, we might as well enjoy the rest of the weekend . . . and each other.”
My brows furrow. “You want me to be your fuck buddy for the weekend?”
His shoulders rise in a noncommittal shrug. “If you must put a label on it, then yes. I want you to willingly give yourself to me for the weekend, whenever I want to fuck.”
“No,” I instantly respond and push him back a bit so that there’s more space between us. Having him so close clouds my judgment. “I told you before we came out here to not expect me to be one of your paid whores. I don’t work like that.”
“Who said anything about paying you? You’ve fucked me twice already for free.”
My nostrils flare as I pull back and smack him with all my might. “You’re such a bastard.”
The spot on his cheek where I made contact turns scarlet, and he raises his hand to rub the spot. “So that’s a no then?”
I flip him off. “That’s a hell fucking no.”
I don’t give him another minute to say anything else before I storm out of the bathroom. The party is still in full swing, but I don’t feel like having fun anymore. I’m mad as hell. It’s one thing to make a mistake by sleeping together, but it’s an entirely different thing when he insinuates that I’m an easy slut.
That bastard will never get into these panties again.
Yamada stands in front me, blocking my path as I head toward the door. “Whoa there. Where are you running off to?”
“I’m going back to my room.”
“Why?” Yamada asks. “King pissed you off, huh?”
“He’s an asshole.” It’s all I can manage to say.
Yamada smiles. “He is, but you already knew that. He’s testing you.”
I flinch. “Testing me? For what?”
He shrugs. “To see how much of his bullshit you will put up with before you leave him. He’s trying to push you away so that he doesn’t have to open up to you. It’s a defense mechanism. Every woman he’s opened up to has left him.” I stare at Yamada with my mouth agape, which only causes his smile to widen. “Come on, Dime Piece. Don’t look so shocked. Yamada is not only devastatingly handsome with an amazing personality, but he’s an intelligent madafucka too with a minor in psychology.”
I stand there flabbergasted. “So you’re saying that I should stay?”
“Yes,” he answers. “Show him that he doesn’t intimidate you, and that you’ll stand your ground.”
I sigh deeply. He’s probably right. It’s not like I’ll never have to see Alexander again after we leave Vegas. I’m still his employee. I’ll need to stand my ground and prepare myself for when I see him at work so that he knows that I’m not someone he can shove around and bend to his will.
“Okay, but I think I’m going to need another drink,” I say.
“That’s the spirit,” Yamada praises before grabbing my hand and towing me back through the crowd. “I’ve got to take a leak. Go get that drink.”
As soon as Yamada walks off, I step up to the bar and order a shot of tequila, needing to drink myself into oblivion if I’m going to coexist in the same room with Alexander.
I sense him before I feel him, and there’s no question who has just flanked my side. Alexander’s chest pushes against my arm. His spicy cologne fills my nose and my mouth waters.
Gah! Stop it! Even his damn scent is sexy.
“I’m surprised to find you still here,” Alexander growls into my ear. “I figured you’d be holed up in your room down in our sex den.”
I turn and level my stare with his. His eyes hold so many questions—ones I’m sure he’s waiting for me to answer—but I’m not going to give him what he wants. Instead I decide to do a little teasing of my own. “Yamada’s argument for me to stay was very compelling.”
He obviously wasn’t expecting that response because he raises both of his eyebrows and he licks his lips nervously. “And what, might I ask, did he say to you?”
I shrug. “That’s between Yamada and me. We’re really bonding, you know. I’m sure it won’t be long now before he considers me a friend too and cuts my father a deal instead of you.”
Instead of getting mad like I expect, Alexander chuckles. I grip the counter a little tighter than needed be to keep myself from smacking his condescending face yet again.
“Margo, I really wish you would stop trying to outdo me in everything. You’ll eventually learn that I always win. It’s silly for you to keep expelling energy on any other outcome. I get my way in all things.”
I roll my eyes. “That’s not possible. Everyone loses at some point or another.”
Alexander smiles. “Not me.”
“Well, neither do I,” I say just as the bartender sets my shot down. I instantly pick it up and throw it back.