Page 105 of And Then Came You

“As high as it takes. I want that man,” the blonde replies.

“What about your boyfriend? It’s his money you’re spending.”

“That’ll teach him for flaunting his latest floozy in my face. Besides, I’ll claim it’s for charity. He won’t care so long as he can write it off. That way, we both win.”

I’m going to kill this woman.

“Seriously, how much are you going to drop? These prices are getting out of hand.” At least her friend has some degree of reason, even if blondie isn’t listening to a word she says.

“I can go as high as $11,000. Anything beyond that is too rich for my blood, no matter how much I want to see Sam’s piercings up close and personal.”

Would anyone really miss her if I killed her and buried her on the hotel grounds?

“No one’s going to bet that high. Look, most of the women have already dropped out. Looks like you’ll be riding Samuel Bernard’s cock all night.”

I back away, seething over how they discuss my friend. I want to scream that he’s more than beautiful. He’s smart and funny and sweet. Mainly, he’s the love of my life.

But these women don’t see that. Truth is, they don’t see him at all. All they see is a pinnacle to conquer. A check mark on their bucket list.

“Do I hear $10,000?”

Thank God, we’re nearing the blonde bitch’s upper limit. Unfortunately, her chief opponent is equally detestable, draped in fur and jewels and reeking of self-importance.

When these two harpies start driving up the bid, I lose my temper.

Screw this shit.

“$15,000,” I announce from the back of the room. Gasps sound through the crowd, but my focus is on Sam and his goofy grin when he realizes who threw out such a high bid.

The auction caller’s eyes widen at my bid. “Wow. $15,000. Do I hear $15,500?”

Maybe it’s the hostile glares I shoot at the other two bidders, or maybe I’ve crossed their monetary threshold, but they both fall silent. With the bang of the gavel, Samuel Bernard belongs to me.

For the night, anyway.

A group of women surround me in the next instant, cooing over my amazing luck. Meanwhile, I’m more concerned about paying my mortgage next month.

Ah, the fun of leading with your heart.

“Well played. For fifteen grand, you’d better get fucked more than once.”

I whirl on my heel, glaring at the tall blonde. “It was worth every penny to ensure he didn’t go home with you.”

“Sweetie, he still might. You only have him until midnight. After that, it’s open season.”

“You’re unbelievable. That’s the problem with women like you. All you see is his cut physique and gorgeous face.” I lean in close, driving my point home. “You miss out on the best parts of Sam.”

I don’t bother standing around, trading barbs with Ms. Silicone Valley. I have more important things to do. Mainly turning over the contents of my checking account.

Then I need a drink.

A very large drink.

* * *

Sam finds me at the bar, nursing a glass of whiskey. I’d much prefer to be slamming them back, but I have little choice. I can’t afford a second glass.

Not that he wasn’t worth every cent, even if I foresee a very interesting conversation happening with my mortgage lender in the near future.

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