Page 135 of Devious Knight

I absolutely have to agree with Mackenzie—this place is gorgeous. It’s the fanciest place I’ve been to in a while.

We make our way through the crowded room to the back entrance. I’m supposed to leave Mackenzie here and take my seat in the audience.

“Are you going to be okay?” she asks when we reach the door.

“I’ll be fine, and so will you.”

She gives me a hug. “Thanks so much for being here. I know you’re going through a lot, so I’m glad you came.”

“You are so welcome. Go on. I’ll be fine, and I can take a taxi if you want to see Kyle after.”

“Okay, but let me know if you do. Just so I know you’re safe.”

“Of course.”

We make a heart hand and hug again. She saunters away as if she's about to open the stage for a show, and I find my seat, which is right next to Michael.

He saw me before I saw him.

He was already looking at me.

“Hello,” he greets me with a smile.

“Hi, there.”

Okay, this feels weird. I liked him, and now it feels like I can’t because I’m involved with Kade. Except I’m not involved with Kade.

I sit, and Michael smiles wider at me.

“I’m going to admit that I knew you were coming tonight, so I arranged for you to sit next to me.”

“You did?” My insides squeeze.

“I did.” He nods proudly. “I also knew a certain person wouldn’t be here, so I thought we could take the chance and have that coffee, or whatever you want.”

“Right.”

He can see I’m nervous. I think it might be obvious.

“It’s just a drink, Isabelle. We can still do that, can’t we?” He gives me a hopeful look, and I realize I’m being silly.

“Of course. That will be fine.”

“Should we go after Mackenzie takes the stage?”

“Sure.” One drink, then I’ll head back to Raventhorn.

I’m going straight to bed, and I don’t mind sounding like Mackenzie’s ninety-year-old grandma. I’ve had one hell of a week.

Michael smiles again, and I think of what I should tell him.

Minutes later, the auction begins. I’m surprised to see it’s like a date auction and the guys are bidding serious money. All the girls have been auctioned for no less than twenty thousand dollars. I’m reminded that these guys come from wealthy families where money and power can get you anything.

Soon, it’s time for Mackenzie to take the stage.

In her strapless golden dress, she glides on with the elegance of a swan, taking on the persona of the dancer.

The guys go wild and start bidding. Thanks to Kyle, the bid goes up to fifty thousand dollars, and no one dares to outdo him. The plan worked.

---