Page 50 of Theirs to Corrupt
Lorenzo’s office speaks of power and class. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a stunning view of Las Vegas. In the distance, beyond the strip, lies the starkness of the desert.
“Welcome,” Lorenzo says, standing to greet us.
He’s every bit as striking asScandaliciousclaimed. Tall, dark, and undeniably powerful, he exudes an aura of authority that makes Link seem tame in comparison.
“Link,” Lorenzo greets warmly, coming around the desk to embrace him. They clap each other on the back like old friends. Then Lorenzo turns to Pax and shakes his hand firmly. “Good to see you.”
Finally his gaze locks onto me, and I feel like he’s seeing all my secrets. Despite myself, I clutch my purse tighter.
“You must be Tessa. Delighted to meet you.”
Aware of how out of place I feel, I return the greeting. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Carrington.” Should I curtsey or something?
“Lorenzo, please,” he insists, taking my hand. “We’re delighted to have you here. I hope you’re finding everything to your liking?”
“It’s a little…much,” I admit, then immediately wish I could take my words back.
Lorenzo laughs, putting me slightly more at ease.
“I hope that’s in a good way. Please, have a seat. Can I offer you a drink? Champagne, perhaps?”
Before I can answer, a bar cart materializes, pushed by a silent, efficient server. Lorenzo pours four glasses of champagne that probably costs more than my old car, handing them out with practiced ease.
As we settle into a seating area with a view that makes me slightly dizzy, Lorenzo turns to Link. “I understand congratulations are in order.”
“They are.” Link takes my hand. “Thank you again for accommodating us on such short notice.”
“Anything for you.” With that, he lifts his glass, taking in the three of us.“Che l’amore e la felicità vi accompagnino sempre.”Then he switches to English. “May love and happiness always be with you. Salute!”
I glance at Link. Love has nothing to do with this.
All of us raise our flutes.
After we’ve all had a taste, Lorenzo looks at Link. “How are things progressing with our mutual…interests?”
The conversation shifts then, into territory I can barely follow. They speak in a shorthand of names and places I don’t recognize, interlaced with financial terms that make my head spin. Pax contributes occasionally, his deep voice a counterpoint to Link and Lorenzo’s back-and-forth.
As the men talk, I sip my champagne and study them. There’s a rugged edge to Lorenzo, a hint of danger beneath the polishedexterior that reminds me of Link. These are men accustomed to getting what they want.
Even though I would give anything to be walking into the Rusty Nail for my shift right now, I’m swept up in their world.
After what feels like an eternity but is probably only another fifteen minutes, Lorenzo thanks us for stopping by. “I’m sure you have wedding details to attend to.”
We’re being dismissed. Politely, but firmly.
He stands, and we all follow suit. “Tessa, it was a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to seeing you both at the ceremony.”
We make our way back to the elevator, Link’s hand on the small of my back as always, his touch possessive.
In the privacy of the compartment, I look at Link. “I feel like I just had an audience with royalty.”
Link inclines his head. “In a way, you did. Lorenzo is the crown prince of Vegas.”
The rest of the ride to the floor where we catch the other elevators is quiet.
Once we’re inside the next lift, Link turns to me. “We have an appointment with the wedding planner in ten minutes. Are you up for it, or do you need a moment?”
I almost say yes, but then I catch sight of the stranger reflected back at me in the mirrored wall of the elevator. Maybe it’s the champagne and the clothes, but this version of Tessa is poised and elegant, and she almost looks like she belongs in this world.