Page 78 of Truce: Declan
“I’ll be right back,” I whisper, giving Charlotte a quick kiss on the cheek before excusing myself from the auction and heading for the back door. I’m quiet as I sneak in the Ice Dragons teammates. I convinced every player on our roster to join us for the main event because it’s for a good cause.
At least, that’s what I told the newbies. It is, after all, a charity that we’re helping.
Kyler, Jasper, Owen, Chase, and a couple of the other guys already know the truth. They’re the ones who supported me with Zayn at the courthouse and would do anything to screw over the Bruisers, especially when it comes to Grant Brass.
When I came up with the plan, I was still pissed at Charlotte and wanted to get even with her. Hopefully, she’ll find some humor in what we have planned.
If not, our fake romance is over.
TWENTY-ONE
Charlotte
I glance at my watch. Noah has been gone for a little while. I’m seated in the second row at the auction, and pretty soon, they’ll switch from auctioning off cruises and fancy trips to a date night with me.
I had hoped that Noah might be able to talk some sense into my father, but the look on Noah’s face when I went to fetch us drinks was abysmal. I think my father gave Noah the speech that no man wants to ever have with his girlfriend’s dad. Theif you hurt her, I’ll kill youspeech. At least that’s what I’m assuming was said between them because neither fessed up to their discussion.
Father is seated next to me as the auctioneer lists off the prize and then does the bidding for each item. He talks so fast, it’s any wonder that the auction isn’t over in minutes. But there are hundreds of items that were donated from different organizations for tonight’s event. Everything from signed jerseys donated by the Island Bruisers to dinner with yours truly, me.
Although I didn’t technically donate myself for a dinner date, my father decided to do that for me. He likes to think that he can control my life and my future. He’s wrong.
“Next up,” the auctioneer says, “is an autographed Mack Conrad jersey. Come up here, Mack.” The auctioneer cheers him on.
He climbs up the steps for a welcoming applause and takes the jersey, opening it and signing it for everyone to see. “I’ll even sign a heart next to my name,” Mack says. “One of a kind.” He winks, and I swear all the women gasp excitedly.
I don’t see the appeal, but Mack Conrad is easy on the eyes. He’s also a friend of Grant’s, which automatically puts him into asshole territory. Anyone who associates with Grant Brass falls under dickhood.
“We will start the bidding at one thousand dollars,” the auctioneer says.
And that’s when I see a glimpse of Noah at the edge of the stage. He’s waiting to come out, but I’m not sure why.
What the hell is he up to?
The bidding for Mack’s jersey goes up to thirty-three hundred dollars before I finally get my answer.
Noah shuffles onto the side stage, comes over to the auctioneer and whispers something to him. “Have at it,” the auctioneer says, handing Noah the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this evening, we have a real special treat for you guys.”
My stomach sinks, and I’m worried about what Noah has planned. Is he telling them outright that the date with me is canceled, and he’s buying my evening up before anyone else has an opportunity?
That wouldn’t be so bad, would it?
I mean, there’s a chance one of the Island Bruisers might bid on a date with me. And if it’s Grant Brass, I might physically have to murder the man before we get to dinner.
“What’s this?” my dad asks, glancing from the stage at Noah to me, expecting an answer.
My mouth is agape as I try to form a few words so as not to let my father interrupt Noah. “Just watch. It’ll be good.”
I hope I’m right. I mean, Noah wouldn’t steer me wrong. We’re on good terms.
“It better be. Your ass is on the line if he embarrasses me.”
I exhale a shaky breath as Noah steps out onto the center of the stage with the microphone in hand. “Ladies and gentlemen, I have a real special treat for you this evening.”
My hands are sweaty, and I wipe them on the skirt of my gown, trying to calm my breathing. That pit in my stomach is growing like a boulder, and I have this strange sense that it’s about to be launched downhill at full speed.
From the side of the stage, Chase is doing something with his phone. A minute later, music billows into the auditorium, pumping and upbeat.
