Vice Read Online Free PDF Page B

they don’t have one either. And if they do, he’s just an actor.”
    His deep voice stirred something inside her. She chalked it up to righteous indignation and spun on her feet to face him, ready to wage war.
    No. It couldn’t be. Not him .
    She stared at Doyle, mouth open, to make sure she could trust her eyes. But yes, everything was the same. Silky brown hair, cut short. Blue eyes like those of a husky. Tall, with substantial muscles hiding under his designer suit.
    Dragging her gaze away from his arms, she forced herself to make eye contact again. His features stymied her with their rakish perfection. With the hint of a beard dotting his sculpted jawline and the shimmer of amusement in his eyes, he resembled a soap opera villain: the kind who let vulnerable women dangle in his clutches.
    The kind who played games.
    She’d have to be careful. She could tell he was a man who was accustomed to getting what he wanted. Well, not this time, bucko.
    “You,” she said on a breath.
    “Me.” His enticing blue eyes traveled up and down the length of her, one eyebrow raised in frank admiration. “You obviously didn’t do your homework.”
    Outrage surged through her system. “Why didn’t you tell me who you were yesterday? Why did you let me embarrass myself like that?”
    The smirk disappeared, to be replaced by a mild expression of boredom. “There’s no need to be embarrassed. I always try to size up the competition.”
    Doyle walked toward her, his large hand extended. The light in his eyes now hinted not so much at merriment as it did danger. She caught a whiff of her favorite men’s cologne by Michael Kors. She’d bought it for an old boyfriend once, but it smelled way better on Liam, as if it were an extension of his persona.
    His entire ensemble, designer suit, pressed pants, and navy blue paisley tie, reeked of power and privilege that drew her like a moth to a flame. Damn, she’d always been a sucker for a man in a good suit. Get a hold of yourself, Kate. He’s hot, but so is the Devil.
    He kept his hand out. “Please allow me to introduce myself properly. I’m Liam Doyle.” His gaze drifted toward her neckline and back up again. “I think you’ve heard of me.”
    Wishing she didn’t have to, she took his hand. Electricity shot through her and that damned perspiration appeared on her upper lip again. His grip was that of a man who took what he wanted, when he wanted.
    She held her head high. “Kate Callender.”
    He held her hand for a moment, his gaze locked on hers. He then gestured toward the counter where a teak tray was laden with biscuits and what smelled like expensive coffee. No Folgers crystals for this guy. “Coffee?”
    “No, thank you.”
    “Tea?”
    “No.”
    “So we’re done with the niceties, then?”
    “I didn’t come here for niceties.”
    “Then you’ve come to the right place.” Liam sat on one of the couches, motioning for her to do the same. She continued to stand. Something in his wolf-like gaze hardened even further. “Ms. Callender, why are you picketing my casino?”
    His direct question set her even more on edge. She cleared her throat. “I have a right to protest what I see as wrong.”
    His grim smile might have made a grown man sweat, but she didn’t look away. “Let me put this another way. Las Vegas is home to numerous casinos. Why mine?”
    “If I’m trying to make a point, it only stands to reason I’d pick the most popular casino. I suppose I should congratulate you. Only open for two days, and Vice is already a hit. You must be so proud.”
    “Yes. Despite having my grand opening spoiled.”
    “Oh.” She inclined her head in mock sympathy. “I’m so not sorry.”
    He peered at her, narrowing his eyes. “Are you a Bible-thumper?”
    “No.”
    “Campaigning politician?
    Despite her unease, she laughed. “Do I look like Hilary Clinton?”
    He looked her up and down, as if her vocation were scrawled somewhere on her and he simply needed to