Page 8 of Good Girl and Grinches

“That’s irrelevant.” Lazovski continues, “As per auction rules, the next highest bidders have first right of refusal.” He gestures to me and my brothers. “Which would be these gentlemen.”

Ty’s voice rises. “They’re her stepbrothers.”

Hmm, so he does know. We were right to be concerned. At least Sabrina is safe.

“The rules are clear.” Lazovski’s tone leaves no room for argument. “Stepfamily relations don’t disqualify legitimate bidders.”

“We’ll take it,” I say, satisfaction coursing through me at Ty’s murderous expression. We only have to pay what we bid, so we’re fine.

Lazovski nods. “I’ll let the helpers know the bid is officially transferred.”

“This isn’t over,” Ty growls, his face contorted with rage.

I keep my body between him and Sabrina as we move toward the payment station. Flame and Ruckus flank her sides, creating a protective circle.

Ty’s footsteps thunder behind us. “You can’t just—”

“Mr. Tyson.” Laz’s accent cuts through the tension. “Control yourself or leave. Blizzard or not, I won’t have this behavior in my establishment.”

Ty’s shoulders drop. Without another word, he skulks toward the bar.

The payment process flies by in a blur of signatures and bank transfers. My stomach churns at the unbelievable sum, but keeping Sabrina safe is worth every penny.

“Follow me.” Sabrina grabs my hand, tugging us down a hallway. The determined set of her jaw reminds me of when she was younger and would assign seats for family dinners.

“Please tell me you didn’t lie about Tyson.” She stops at a door, which I notice leads into a room with a viewing window along one wall.

“We’d never lie about protecting you,” I say.

“Protecting me, right? What about the sex we’re obligated to have?”

My throat goes dry. Flame coughs.

“Actually, thanks to Jasmine, I have a checklist, so there are a few things leading up to sex. It should get us in the mood.” She hands the phone to me and enters the room.

Ruckus and Flame stare at the list of checkbox items with me. I’m officially wrecked at the thought of getting to do these things with her. It seems so wrong with her being fifteen years younger than me, but I’m not about to miss my chance.

I glance in, making sure she’s not in earshot, then keep my voice low. “I’ll take one for the team. You two can make sure Ty doesn’t get anywhere near this room.”

“Hold up.” Flame’s shoulders shake with laughter. “Pretty convenient how you want us gone.” He plucks the phone from my hand, scanning the list. “I could knock these out for her.”

My jaw clenches. I can’t tell them I’ve never actually been with anyone. The military kept me focused, then the catastrophic explosion and survivor’s guilt… My mental space has been a mess for the last few years, far worse than my physical scars.

It happened about the same time Sabrina grew up and became the only light in my life. I knew I could never be with anyone except for her. But she doesn’t deserve my baggage. That makes the auction the perfect opportunity. “She needs someone level-headed.”

“Level-headed doesn’t mean good in bed.” Flame winks. “I’m betting she’d vote for fun.”

“Actually…” Ruckus steps forward. “I would do it. I’ll make sure she’s comfortable.”

“Right, because you’re such a sex god.” Flame rolls his eyes.

“I have more empathy than the two of you combined. I’d take good care of her.”

I try to sound confident. “Someone needs to watch Ty.”

“You watch him.” Flame pushes past me toward the door.

I grab his arm. “Not happening.”

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