Stripped Bare (Vegas Billionaire 1)

Finn is leaning against the doorjamb with his hands in his pockets, wearing denim jeans and a button-up shirt with his sleeves rolled. His black hair is tousled, making him look like he’s straight out of a magazine.

“The shampoo and soap you gave me, it’s too much. I don’t need anything other than the stuff I have in my bag.”

He pushes off and stalks into the closet, ignoring me. “I cleaned this area for you.”

“I won’t be needing it.”

Finn laughs and shakes his head. “Surely, you plan to hang the clothes you buy.”

“That I buy? Does my wardrobe allowance come out of the money you’re paying me?”

He walks over to me, causing my breathing to become sporadic. When his finger touches my exposed neck, shivers run down my spine and my eyes close unwillingly. I try not to let his touch affect me, but he can see that it clearly does and by the expression on his face, he’s enjoying this far too much.

“I told you that I’d take care of you this week.”

“In exchange I spread myself willingly.”

He smirks and shrugs. “I think for the amount that I’m paying you, you’d be willing to do anything I ask.”

My temper rises as my hand clenches into a fist. I want to punch the smug look off his pretty face and show him exactly what type of woman I am.

“I’m not a whore.”

“I never said you were, Macey. You’re the one who keeps implying that our arrangement isn’t mutually beneficial.”

Finn turns on his heel and starts to leave, only to pause at the door. “We have a reservation in an hour.” He doesn’t tell me where or even wait for my response, but gathering by the dress that is hanging in the part of the closet he’s cleared for me, I’m expected to wear it.

Between the bathroom and closet there’s a room. I suppose these rich people call it a dressing room, whereas I call it a waste of space, but it’s someplace I never thought I’d find myself in.

My curling iron and blow dryer are there and plugged in, along with my makeup. It’s laid out for me so I can see everything. This whole setup has me wondering if Finn is a damn woman dressed in sheep’s clothing, considering he knows how to set up a woman’s vanity. It’s either that or he has help. Someone I have yet to meet.

Sitting down on the plush stool, my makeup-less face stares back at me. Hours ago I was crying and trying to will away the puffiness of my eyes so I could make decent tips before I had to fly home and now I’m here.

The thought of home has me racing back into the closet, searching my belongings until I find my phone. It’s an old flip phone, but it does the job. I dial Steph’s number and wait, hoping that I’ve caught her before she’s left.

“I haven’t forgotten,” she says, answering the phone.

“Steph.” I draw her name out, unable to form the words I need in order to tell her what I’ve done.

“What’s wrong?”

I carry my phone back to the vanity and sit down. Even staring at myself in the mirror, knowing what I’m about to tell her and ask of her, makes me sick to my stomach.

“I lost the money. All of it.”

The immediate silence is followed by a slew of curse words and a screeching, “WHAT?”

“But if you can watch Morgan for one more week, I’ll have it. And I won’t ever ask you to do this again.”

“How will you have it in a week, Macey?”

I look over my shoulder on the off chance that Finn is behind me. Even though I can’t see him through the mirror, his ninja-like stalking skills have me on edge. I contemplate telling her about Finn, but realize that will only make her worry more.

“It’s nothing illegal, I promise. I just need one more week and then I’ll be home and I can put this all behind me.”

“So you’re staying for another week, but you can’t tell me why or what for?”

“I’d rather not, Steph. I know you’re worried, but I promise you, I’m fine. More than fine, really.” I look around the room and realize that I couldn’t have asked for anything better, unless Finn is a closet freak with a sadistic side.

“Look, you know I’d do anything for you, but—”

“I know and I’m begging you. One more week, that is all I need and everything will be better for Morgan and me.”

“Fine,” she says, sighing. “Hang on, Morgan wants to speak to you.”

“Hi, Mommy.” As soon as I hear the sweet sound of her voice my eyes are glancing into the mirror to see if Finn is behind me.

“Hi, I miss you.”

“I miss you too. When are you coming home?”