Caleb wasn’t so sure. Regardless, he wanted her away from Vincent. “Joe and Amanda are waiting for you. Give me a minute and we’ll get out of here, okay?”
She studied him for a long moment, as if trying to read his thoughts. Caleb knew that look. Her suspicions were actively creating scenarios and outcomes—suspicions that would bite him in the ass.
He should’ve just told her the truth, but old habits die hard. He’d rolled the dice and lost.
“Do what you need to do,” she said finally and pulled from his grasp. “Find me when you’re done,” she tossed over her shoulder as she walked away.
“What’s your game here?” Caleb demanded as he stepped in front of Vincent’s wandering gaze, blocking any attempt to stare at Samantha’s backside as she retreated.
“I should ask you the same question. You’ve been trying to track me down for months. I expected a bit more hospitality for making myself available to you.”
“You could’ve done that a year ago when I first contacted your office.” Caleb looked over his shoulder in time to see Samantha snag Amanda’s arm and drag her towards the ladies room. Joe smirked and followed behind. If they stayed in there too long, Joe wouldn’t think twice about barging in.
“I’m a busy man, Mr. Martin, as I’m sure my assistant informed you.”
“Repeatedly,” Caleb said dryly, his own suspicions developing. “You knew I’d come looking for you tonight.”
Vincent stopped a passing waiter and helped himself to a glass of wine. He swirled the vibrant red liquid before taking a liberal drink. “I simply made sure my attendance was well advertised. The rest was entirely your doing. We have much in common, wouldn’t you agree? Determined men, willing to do anything to achieve our goals.”
Caleb smiled as if he were enjoying a pleasant conversation, when inwardly he seethed at the implication. “You tormented and beat up your wife for sport. I’d say that makes us very different.” A husband should love and protect his wife, cherish and honor the vows spoken. Vows that didn’t include fear and pain.
“Have you ever done anything you’ve regretted?”
Vincent’s thoughtful expression turned his stomach as familiar images burned his brain, a past that would stay with him forever. Vincent didn’t know anything about real regret. He was a schoolyard bully who threw his money and power around to get his way.
“I’d imagine a man like you has plenty to regret. For example, if you’d hired someone to take shots at Samantha. That would be regrettable.”
Vincent downed his remaining wine. “Regrettable, indeed. It would be a shame to lose such a beautiful creature, would it not? With the right hand, she might even learn to control her tongue.”
Her tongue was perfect. Delicious and tempting. Whether she was using it to torment his lust or chastise him for being an ass, every time she opened her mouth, he burned with desire for her.
Caleb didn’t need to hear any more. This man was a viable threat. He’d not stop until he got what he wanted—or until Caleb stopped him. Which meant he needed a new game plan. Still, he issued his warning.
“Hotshot businessman like you understands deals, right? Well, here’s one for you. Leave Samantha alone. Forget you’ve ever heard of her, or you’ll deal with me. And let me assure you, I’m not an enemy you want to make.”
Vincent chuckled. “Not much for negotiations, are you?”
“There’s nothing to negotiate. Back the fuck off. In case you missed it, that’s not a request. Personally, I think you should thank me for being so generous.” Caleb lowered his voice in veiled threat. “It wasn’t my first choice.”
“And I suppose you have some kind of evidence as a basis for your threat?”
Caleb straightened to his full height and took a step forward. “I’m gonna make myself real clear. You wanna play with the big boys, then stay on the path you’ve chosen. Do it, and the sting of your wife leaving your sorry ass will pale in comparison to the pain I’ll leave you with. Trust me when I say that no amount of money can save you if any harm comes to Samantha.”
Vincent’s eyes darkened and he clenched a fist, as if the threat and reminder of losing his wife renewed his anger.
“My, my.” His haughty accent became clipped. “That’s an awfully big threat over one, insignificant female. But, I know that look.” Vincent raised his empty glass in a mock toast. “You’ve fucked the little redhead, haven’t you? Tell me, Mr. Martin, was she worth it? I find very few pussies are. Maybe I’ll have to see for myself what she feels like wrapped around my dick.”