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A large tiger stalked toward Matteo and circled around his legs. The creature sat down next to Matteo and stared suspiciously at Chase.
The low, throaty growl let Chase know that the beast did not enjoy his company.
“What the fuck is that?” Chase exclaimed, heart still pounding in his chest. His eyes quickly scanned the room for any other unwelcome guests.
“This here is Raj. He’s my protector and kitty to the whole Maison family.”
“Th–that’s a fuckin’ tiger, man. Not some pet you can keep locked up in your backyard!”
Matteo’s smile disappeared. He reached down and began petting his baby on the head. The tiger let out a loud purr as it closed its eyes and enjoyed its master’s touch.
“Did someone take the time to explain to you the house rules?” Matteo asked, eyes focused on his large friend.
Chase nodded.
“And did they explain what would happen if you were found in breach of those rules?”
“We’d be banned from the club and never welcomed back again.”
“Correct. And did someone also tell you what would happen if you were found lying or providing false information?” Matteo asked, scratching the chin of the tiger and listening to the beast purr.
Chase swallowed hard. “Umm, no, sir.”
“The relationship between you and I would be terminated, and, well…” he let the sentence hang as the tiger in front of him began to growl.
He got the message. Those who crossed Matteo ended up as kitty food for the house cat.
“I’ve got one other question for you.”
Chase held his breath, trying not to let panic set in.
“You stated on your questionnaire that you were referred to us by Ares.” Matteo stopped petting the human man-eater and stood. He turned to face Chase once again. “Tell me, what does a Texas ranch owner have in common with a European arms dealer?”
Chase felt his heart stop in his chest. Marc hadn’t mentioned his connection to Ares or the fact that his connection was with the Prince of Darkness. Fuck! He needed to think fast.
“Well, let's just say that cattle is not the only thing that I trade in.” Thank God for all that undercover work he’d done over the years. He’d gotten good at thinking on his feet.
Matteo gave Chase a crooked smile. “Hmm, perhaps. I find it interesting that a man who has owned a cattle ranch for so long, still has such soft and gentle hands.”
Chase’s cheeks flushed.
“Guess only time will tell if you are going to be a problem.”
Matteo snapped his fingers and pointed at the play area behind him. The tiger licked the back of Matteo’s hand and went back to playing behind him.
The two exited Raj’s enclosure and made their way back toward the mansion.
“Levi told me that you stepped in and rescued him from that insolent beast earlier today,” Matteo started.
“Umm, yeah. It was nothing.”
Caring blue eyes glanced over at Chase. “No. It was everything. I promised my guys that they would always work in a safe and protected environment, and when that safety is compromised, I take that violation very seriously.”
“Yeah, Levi said that he was going to be banned from the club.”
A troubling grin spread across Matteo’s face. “Yes, he’s been banned for life. I sent some guys over to his house to personally deliver the message.”
There was something unsettling about the way Matteo spoke. It seemed that La Maison rule violations came with a much stricter enforcement of punishment than initially described.
