Page 95 of Beyond the Hate

The rest of our friends hurry after them. I wait for the mayor sinceBuccaneer’s Whiskeyis sponsoring the event.

“Good,” Lana says when she reaches us. “You’re here.”

“How can I help?” Assuming I can help, I left most of the arrangements for the sponsorship with my assistant. I scan the crowd but I don’t see Dakota anywhere.

“I need you backstage.”

My brow furrows. “Backstage?”

“It’s where the finalists wait until the results of the election are announced.”

“I didn’t agree to announce the winners.”

“Don’t be silly. You’re not announcing. You are the winner.” Her eyes widen and she steps closer. “Sorry. The winner is supposed to be top secret.”

Paisley tries to tug her hand from mine. “I’ll join my friends.”

I tighten my hold to stop her from escaping. “You’re not going anywhere because I’m not doing this.”

Lana huffs. “But you were voted the sexiest man on the island.”

“I don’t give a shit.”

She motions to the room. “Why did you sponsor all of this if you’re going to ruin the event?”

“I’m not ruining the event. I’m merely refusing to participate.”

The finalists in the sexiest man on the island competition are auctioned off to the highest bidder. The prize is a date with the finalist. No way am I going on a date with any other woman than Paisley. And I refuse to be auctioned off like a piece of meat.

“But then we’ll be short one man. The proceeds of the auction are important for the town.”

“Send me an invoice. I’ll pay for whatever Smuggler’s Rest needs but I won’t be auctioned off.”

“It’s a good cause,” Paisley says.

“Do you want me to go out on a date with another woman?”

“No, but maybe I’ll win the auction.”

“And maybe your sister will win.”

She recoils and I immediately regret my words. “I’m sorry. I’m an asshole.”

“It’s okay.”

I palm her neck and squeeze. “No, it’s not. Considering what happened with your ex and Darcy, I should know better. I’m sorry.”

I touch my lips to hers. The kiss is entirely too brief. But I’m weak when it comes to her. If I meld my lips to hers, I’ll be banging her in the women’s restroom in no time.

Lana sighs. “I love love. I can’t cause an issue between young lovers. I’ll find a replacement.”

She bustles away and I blow out a breath. “I thought you were going to have to sneak me out of here for a minute there.”

Paisley smiles. “You didn’t but I’d sneak you out.”

“Will you hide me under your dress?” I waggle my eyebrows.

“You’re a bad boy, Eli Raider.”

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