Chapter 3

Maty

I have to convince Alessio to back my business idea. Invest his money and resources into my little startup. I want to offer an amazing service. Safe and efficient. With screenings so thorough that the F.B.I. will envy us. I want the women who come to us to know they’re in safe hands. And the men who sign up to be their fantasies have no doubt about discretion and confidentiality.

But that will take a lot! Even with my considerable savings and tech skills, I can’t pull this off by myself.

I take a deep breath, smoothing down the front of my shirt as I step into Lessio’s office. He’s sitting behind his massive desk, brow furrowed -as usual- as he scans a stack of documents. He looks up when I walk in, his intense gaze locking on mine.

“Maty,” he says, voice low and smooth. “What’s up?”

I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. “I have a proposal for you,” I say, my voice coming out steadier than I feel. “A business opportunity I think could be very lucrative for the family.”

He raises an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. “That so?”

I step forward, laying a folder on his desk. “A matchmaking agency,” I say, my voice growing stronger with each word. “Exclusive, high-end,safe and confidential.”

He stares at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he throws his head back and laughs. The sound is rich and deep. “You want me to invest in a fucking dating service?”

I feel my temper rise, my chin jutting out. “It’s more than that,” I snap, voice hot with irritation. “It’s a chance to tap into a market that’s been ignored by the traditional matchmaking industry. There are millions of single women out there who only get their fill of romance and sex through books. Me included. We’re invested in the stories, the characters. We have favorites. We fantasize about them. I know this is viable, Less’.”

He leans forward, elbows resting on the desk. “And what makes you think anyone would pay for something they could get for free just walking into any bar?”

I meet his gaze head-on, refusing to back down. “Because we’re not just selling a service, boss. We’re selling a dream. The chance to be matched with the man or woman of your fantasms.”

He scoffs, shaking his head. “That’s ridiculous. People don’t want to date fictional characters, Maty. They want real, flesh-and-blood partners.”

“Do they?” I counter, my voice growing excited. “People are desperate for escape. A chance to step outside of their ordinary lives and experience something exciting.”

He stares at me, eyes narrowing. “And you think you can provide that? You think you can make people’s fantasies come true?”

I nod, my heart pounding with excitement. “I know I can. With the right algorithm, the right marketing strategy… we could be the premier matchmaking service for anyone who’s ever dreamed of being swept off their feet by Mr. Darcy or Rhett Butler.”

“First, I don’t know who the fuck those people are.”

I almost laugh.

He’s silent for a long moment, his gaze boring into mine. I can practically see the gears turning in his head.

“So startup costs, plus ongoing expenses for all your screening and tests for clients and their matches?” He asks, considering.

I nod, my stomach twisting with nerves. “I ran the numbers, did my research. I really think it can work. And it would be a good way to diversify our income streams, build another legitimate business.”

Alessio leans back in his chair, his sharp eyes never leaving mine. “And what’s in it for you, Maty?” He finally asks. “Why are you so invested in this little project?”

I feel my face flush, my heart stuttering in my chest. “I… I believe in it,” I say, my voice faltering slightly. “It could make a real difference in people’s lives. Help.”

He nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. “Alright,” he says at last. “I’ll back you.”

* * *

Alessio

I watch her walk out of my office, spine straight and head held high, even as I see the excitement radiating off her in waves. Maty Soto, the sassy little hacker who’s been a pain in my ass and fire in my blood for the past five years.

I should say no to her little proposal. Should shut it down before it even gets off the ground. A fucking matchmaking service for lonely bookworms? Fucking ridiculous.

Then there’s the matter of the way my pulse kicks up at the thought of Maty going on dates with these “book boyfriends.”

It’s fucking ridiculous. She’s my fucking employee, just a fucking tool in my arsenal. I have no claim on her, no right to feel this possessive at the thought of her in another man’s arms.

But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to track down every single one of those fictional fuckers and put a bullet between their eyes. Doesn’t stop me from wanting to grab Maty by the shoulders and shake her until she realizes the truth.

That she’s fucking mine. That she’s always been mine, from the moment she first stared at me with defiance in her pretty eyes.

I’ll let her have her little startup, let her play out this ridiculous fantasy. But I’ll be watching. Waiting.

And the moment she slips up, the moment she lets her guard down… I’ll be there. Ready to pounce, ready to fucking claim what’s mine.

I can’t fucking wait to mark Maty as my own, to brand her with my touch, my taste, my fucking scent until there’s no mistaking who she fucking belongs to.

And if that means playing along with this little matchmaking gig… then so be it.

Because I’m a patient man.

In the end, I always get what I want.

And what I want is a stubborn, infuriating, intoxicating woman with a mind like a steel trap, a heart like a fortress, and fucking curves for fucking days.

You have no idea what you’ve just unleashed, little girl.