Page 7 of Good Girl and Grinches

Hottie’s eyes narrow, but he manages a tight smile before heading to make the payment.

Ghost keeps his voice down, barely waiting for Hottie to step away. “He’s not just a random guy looking to win a virgin tonight. It had to be you.”

Interestingly, Hottie already told me that. What does Ghost mean, though?

Flame gently grabs my shoulders. “Listen. He’s dangerous. We think he knows you’re our stepsister.” The concern in his eyes is a sharp deviation from his normal personality.

My first attempt at believing in fairytales, and my castle is already crumbling. He seemed so perfect. Too perfect. Crap. Am I really grateful that my big brothers saved me? Probably yes, but not that easily.

I glance at Hottie. He’s so fixed on Flame, he doesn’t even notice I’m looking at him.

Needing details, I ask, “What’s so dangerous? And why does it matter that we’re related?”

Ruckus says, “We can’t reveal details, but he might be using you to threaten us.”

“And how do I know that you’re not just being overprotective grumps?”

Ghost steps closer. “It’s an ongoing investigation. His name is Tyson. We need you to trust us.”

Investigation? That would mean Hottie’s an arsonist. So it’s not just panties he sets on fire? The irony fails to make me laugh. Worse, my petty ego is crushed that I didn’t draw millions of dollars on my own merit. My annoying older brothers are actually the prize in a really twisted way. Dang it.

I’m too much of a rule follower to ask my stepbrothers to divulge confidential information. But there is a rule I can capitalize on. Lazovski made it clear that we can back out for any reason.

My stepbrothers don’t joke around about work. Lines are definitely blurred in a sex club at a virgin auction, but I think I should trust them. They might just save the day by helping me trust that my icky feelings are more than normal nerves.

I spot Hottie—no, Tyson—walking back toward us, payment confirmation in hand. My heart races. I see him in a new light, like a controlling villain who can buy his way out of anything, not the elegant businessman I imagined a luxurious future with.

“If I reject him, will you honor the contract?”

All three stepbrothers nervously mumble agreement. Why mumble? No time to ask with Ty only a few tables away.

I pull my phone out of my cleavage and tap out a quick text message.

Five

Ghost

Every muscle in my body tenses as Ty struts toward Sabrina, his designer shoes clicking against the marble floor. The self-satisfied smirk has me ready to clock him.

He reaches for her arm. “Ready to fuck, sweetheart?”

Is that supposed to be sexy?What bullshit. I step between them. “Back off.”

Ty’s eyes narrow and he waves the payment confirmation. “She’s mine now.”

“She’s not property.” My voice drops low, possessive.

“Quiet!” Sabrina holds up her phone. “Give me a minute and I’ll explain.”

The tension crackles and Ty’s jaw works like he’s grinding his teeth. Lazovski appears, his presence commanding immediate attention. Did he hear us arguing?

Sabrina straightens her spine. “I need to officially decline Mr. Tyson’s offer.”

“You can’t do that.” Ty’s face darkens and his brow furrows. Does he wonder how she knew his name?

“She can,” Lazovski says. “Every cent will be fully refunded.”

“This is bullshit.” Ty’s composure cracks. “They put her up to this.”

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