"I know, I know, the big title fight. I suppose you do have to go support your other client. Don't worry, you still have plenty of time," Jackson said. "Why not enjoy the view from your suite one more time? I mean, your boss wouldn't want it to go to waste while he's paying for it, would he?"
"I'm sorry, really," I said. "I promised some friends I would meet them early."
"Your friends will understand. Just tell them I wouldn't take no for an answer," he said. He stepped forward and put a wide hand on the suite door. "Come on, nothing wrong with us spending a little time together."
"Fine, let's go have a drink out by the pool. It’s one of my favorite spots. Where we first met for the second time." I tried to laugh, but it got caught in my throat. I almost choked.
He pushed hard against the door and stepped past me. If I stood my ground, he would have just shoved me aside. So instead, I shuffled back and had to welcome him inside. It suddenly seemed important not to upset him. Jackson smiled and there was still warmth in his brown eyes, but there was a sharpness, an impatience to him that put me on edge.
"I brought you a bottle of champagne. I knew you'd finally be alone, what with your other client off getting ready for his big moment. I think we should celebrate."
"Celebrate what?" I asked. The suite was isolated. There were no other guests on the floor that day. I did not like to think about how the soundproofing had already been tested by loud parties.
Jackson reached in his pocket and pulled out a manila envelope. "Here's the signed contract. Our business is finalized and that means we can put it aside. Now that it's done, we don't have to be so businesslike, either. We don't have to celebrate as colleagues – I don't want to be just your colleague."
"This is wonderful. I'll call my boss right away and tell him the good news. Like you said, get all the business out of the way," I said. I gripped the phone hard to stop my hand from trembling.
Jackson shook his head and reached for my phone. "Don't you think your boss would be really upset if you didn't close this deal? I mean, you'd have unhappy clients, and from what I've heard, the power tool people are longstanding clients of your boss. They'd all be unhappy if you messed this up somehow."
"And, how would I mess it up?" I asked. "I know things have been a little crazy here in Las Vegas, but the contract is sound and you have no objections. So, what is the problem?"
He dangled the signed contract high in the air. "I don't know. I'd like to say I'm a satisfied client. I'd like to think you've taken care of me."
"Is there something you want me to change? Let's go down to the hotel's business center and we can review the contract while we get my boss on a conference call," I said.
I headed for the door, but Jackson caught my arm and turned me around. "So professional, so polished. It’s very attractive. I like a woman who likes to get things done. Tie everything up in a pretty bow. That's why I can see a future with you, Kya. You know how to make everything look and sound so perfect."
"Thanks," I said. It was hard to tell what Jackson was thinking. Maybe I was overreacting. Maybe I was just nervous because of Fenton's fight. All I knew was that my skin was crawling, and I did not want to be alone with him. "Well, if everything is fine with the contract, then I demand you let me take you out to celebrate. My boss would be mad if I made you settle for a quick drink in my suite. Especially one that you brought yourself."
Jackson held on to my arm, shook his head and smiled. "No, I think it’s my choice. I've made you happy by signing the contract, and now it’s your turn to make me happy." He set the champagne down on the coffee table and drew me towards the master bedroom.
My jaw dropped, but I could not force a sound out. I wrenched my arm free, unable to pretend anymore. "What exactly are you suggesting?"
"I'm suggesting, no, demanding as you said, that you stop teasing me and give me what we both want," he said.
"This is not what I want. I want you to leave," I said.
Jackson's smile disappeared. "Don't be like that, Kya, don't think you get something for nothing. You've got my business, the commission, and you've got me. Now, how about a kiss? Just a little kiss, to start."
"No. To start? Do you hear yourself? What do you think you're doing? I don't trade contracts for sexual favors, and I'm disgusted that you think that."
"Disgusted? I'm disgusted at the way you tease me. Do you really think you can get away with that? I know you want me. I'm practically bachelor of the goddamn year. So, when I say I want a kiss, the least you can do is give me a kiss."
"Is that what you asked Sienna for? When you cornered her at the golf luncheon? And to think I believed you," I said.
I backed away around the coffee table and tried to aim for the door. Jackson lunged and grabbed for my arm, but I twisted away at the last second. He stumbled and slammed his shin against the glass coffee table. I saw his face turn crimson before I turned and ran.
He made it to the door one step behind me and slammed his hands on either side of my head. He pounded them on the door a second time, for terrifying effect. I cringed against the door and felt panic cloud my thinking.
His breath was on my neck, but I forced myself to stop and think. Then, I ducked down and ran for my discarded phone. I scooped it up, but it was
no comfort. Jackson had turned it off before he set it aside, and I had been pressing frantically at a blank screen. I turned it on and faced him.
His cheerful chuckle froze the blood in my veins. "And who exactly are you going to call? Your boss is thousands of miles away and will be more annoyed that you are compromising the deal than he will be concerned about your sudden chastity. Your big bad fighter is already at the arena. And, face it, whoever you call is not going to believe you, anyway."
"I'm calling the police," I said.
Jackson lunged at me again, and he knocked my shoulder as I turned. I stumbled off balance and saved myself on the edge of the couch. He was right behind me, his hands clamping around my waist. I started to pummel his chest with my fists, but all he did was chuckle again.