Bidder - An Auctioned to the Billionaire Romance (Criminal Passions Book 2)

by Layla Valentine

“He’s using you, Terri.”

  “What?” Her laugh was dry. “No, he’s not. Logan and I, we’re doing this together. Did you not hear what I said?”

  “Yes, I heard what you said. I also know a little something about this guy. Did he tell you he didn’t commit the insider trading? Because if he did, that’s a lie.”

  Logan’s teeth clenched, his breath coming fast and ragged. He needed to control his anger, though. Blowing up at Charlie would get him nowhere.

  “This isn’t what that’s about,” Terri said.

  Charlie raked his fingers through his hair and made a face. “Let’s talk about this in private. Me and you.”

  “What’s there to say that can’t be said in front of Logan?”

  “It’s okay,” Logan said. “You can—”

  “No, it’s not okay.” She jabbed a finger at her brother’s face. “I need your help. I’m asking for you to forget about him and focus on something that’s really important, and for some reason you don’t want to do that.”

  “I said I’ll look into the trafficking ring,” Charlie hissed. “All I’m saying now is that we can’t be quick to trust him. He’s a conman.”

  “He’s been honest with me.”

  Logan’s heart plummeted. Did she really believe that?

  “Look,” Charlie said. “We’ll figure this out. But for tonight, he can’t stay here.” He turned to Logan. “You got that?”

  “Crystal clear.” Logan forced himself to keep his mouth shut after responding.

  “You don’t own this house,” Terri said.

  “If I tell Mom I don’t want him here, she’ll listen.”

  Terri’s back went ramrod straight. “You’re only their favorite because you kiss ass. You know that, right? You’re fake, and they eat it up. Come on, Logan.”

  Charlie blanched at the words. Turning on her heel, Terri stalked up the back steps and inside.

  “I know how it looks,” Logan said. “But she’s special, and I meant what I said about caring for her.”

  Charlie didn’t respond. Not that Logan expected him to.

  In the kitchen, Terri angrily scooped cat food into two tiny bowls then set them on the floor.

  “There. Cats are fed. We did what we promised to, now let’s get the hell out of here.”

  “Should you say goodbye to your mom?” Logan followed her to the front door.

  “No. I’m sure Charlie will come up with some excuse as to why we had to leave.”

  In the car, they ended up driving around for a few minutes before Logan spoke up first.

  “Where would you like to go?”

  “Home. To Chicago.”

  “Really?”

  “No,” she sighed, shoulders slumping forward. “Not really. I want to see my dad tomorrow, when he’s awake. Plus I need to talk to Charlie. I’m sorry I blew up at him. That was a bad idea.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “It was bad. We need him on our side.”

  “True, but it’s not over yet.” He cleared his throat. “I have to say, I’m surprised you stood up for me the way you did.”

  “I mean, we’re on the same team… right?”

  “Yeah.” His chest swelled with emotion. “We are.”

  “Even if we have our… things… our personal things.” She turned her face to the window so that he couldn’t see it. “We need to see this through to the end. We agreed to help each other, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

  “Exactly,” he parroted. Meanwhile, he couldn’t stop thinking about the fire in her eyes when she proclaimed that he’d been honest with her.

  He’d never been completely honest with anyone, and Terri certainly didn’t know all the details about his past. It seemed she was seeing someone who wasn’t there.

  He gripped the steering wheel tighter. Too bad he couldn’t just come clean with her. There was too much at stake. But not only for him. He was helping her out as well. He needed to remind himself of that.

  “So where are we going, then?” he asked, eager to change his train of thought. “If not back to Chicago.”

  “There’s a hotel by the interstate that’s pretty decent, if I remember correctly. We can stay there tonight and go see my dad in the morning. And Charlie…” She winced.

  “A night to sleep on everything might be exactly what he needs,” Logan said. “It could be that he’ll have come around in the morning.”

  “I hope so,” she sighed.

  “He will,” he promised, though the truth was that he wasn’t so sure.

  Chapter 19

  Terri

  Predictably, the night was a long one. After tossing and turning for hours, Terri rose and headed to the hospital. Because Logan still expressed hesitations about letting her out of his sight, they’d shared a room, though he’d slept on the foldout couch on the other side of the partition, so they had at least a bit of privacy.

  Not that she’d wanted it. The little crush she’d initially had on him had turned into something more. Last night, standing up for him, she’d realized that she’d fallen so hard there seemed little chance of getting back up again.

  Which was so very, very bad.

  It didn’t matter that he’d sent mixed messages. The one that had been broadcasted the most was the rejection one. She really needed to get that through her head.

  At the hospital, her mom was nowhere to be seen, which was kind of a relief. She’d told Logan this would be a quick visit, so he waited in the car.

  “Knock, knock,” she called softly, entering her dad’s room.

  “Hey.” He grinned big from the bed, where a breakfast tray sat across his lap.

  “Hi, Dad. How you doing?” She took a seat on the edge of the bed.

  “Ah.” He waved his hand. “I’ll be out of here in no time at all.”

  “Yeah, okay.” She laughed. “Please don’t push yourself.”

  In answer, he shrugged. “Your mother told me about your new boyfriend.”

  She caught her lip between her teeth. Oh. That’s right. She’d told her mom that Logan was her boyfriend.

  “Is he as handsome as she says?”

  “That’s what you want to know?”

  Had her mom shared anything about the fight? And what about Charlie? For all Terri knew, he’d spilled the true story to their mother the second she left the house last night.

  “What I really want to know is if he’s nice.”

  A lump formed in her throat. “He is, but I don’t think we’ll make it.”

  “I’m sorry to hear.” He frowned. “You sure it can’t be worked through?”

  She looked down. “I don’t think so.”

  There was a knock, and a doctor entered the room. “Hi, Mr. Lane. Time to do that checkup.”

  “I’ll go.” Terri stood and squeezed her dad’s hand. “But I’ll be back later.”

  Since she’d said it, she would. Running back to Chicago over the first hiccup wasn’t so easy after all.

  As she exited the room, her steps slowed. Charlie stood in the hall, hands on his hips.

  “Hi.” He scuffed his shoe on the shiny floor.

  “Hi.”

  “Where’s Logan?”

  She crossed her arms. “Around.”

  Charlie gave her a dark look. “Really? I’m not going to have him arrested right now.”

  “Yeah, only because you don’t have enough evidence.”

  “No. Because he can help us, and if you want me to let him off the hook, I will.”

  Terri’s arms dropped to her sides. “Oh.”

  Looked like Logan was right. A night’s sleep had changed her brother’s mind.

  “I have to get back to Chicago,” he said. “I have a meeting in a few hours. But once you two return, we’re taking care of this. Okay?”

  “Okay.” She nodded, tears filling her eyes. Quite abruptly, she felt a thousand miles closer to the end of all of this.

  “I’m sorry I freaked out last night.”


  “It’s okay.” She sniffled. “It was understandable.”

  Charlie wrapped his arms around her, and she squeezed him tight.

  “I know Mom and Dad need help,” he said into her hair. “But don’t stay long, okay? This needs to be taken care of soon as possible. Especially if what you said about Bryce Shillings knowing about you and Logan is true.”

  “Okay.” She stepped back and nodded. “We’ll be back soon.”

  “Good.” The doctor left their dad’s room, tapping on the tablet in her hand. “I’ll say goodbye to Dad and then head out.”

  “I’m gonna leave now.” She hitched her thumb over her shoulder. “Logan is in the car.”

  “Hey.” He paused, hand on the door. “Are you two together?”

  “No.” For some reason, she couldn’t meet his eyes. “We’re not.”

  “Just wondering. See you soon.”

  “See you.” She gave him a quick wave, then hurried down the hall.

  “How is he?” Logan asked as she entered the car with the AC on full blast.

  “He’s really good, but that’s not all.” She turned in her seat to face him. “I saw Charlie, and he says he’s in. He’s going to forget all about investigating you and focus on Bryce.”

  Logan’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

  “Yes. He has to get back to work now, but once we’re all in Chicago, it’s game on.” She burst into laughter, and he joined in.

  “We need to celebrate,” he said.

  “How?”

  “Hm.” He pressed his fist to his chin, thinking. For some reason, the sight sent butterflies fluttering through her belly. “Show me your favorite place in Girard.”

  “Really?” She started giggling again.

  “Really, really.”

  “Okay.” She shrugged. “Get back on the highway.”

  Following her directions, he took them back into Girard and into the heart of the tiny downtown.

  “Park here.” She pointed at the row of parking spots along the street.

  “Where are we going?”

  “You don’t want it to be a surprise?”

  “Never mind.” He mimed zipping his lips.

  “You said you wanted to see my favorite place.” Laughing, she walked for the sidewalk.

  Logan followed, being true to his promise and not saying anything. At the end of the block, she stopped at a park bench shaded by a few trees.

  “Here it is.”

  “This.” He pointed at the park bench.

  “Yep.” She took a seat on the bench. “It’s as good a view of the downtown area as you’ll get.”

  “Huh.” Taking a seat next to her, he slung his arm across the back of the bench and followed her gaze.

  Terri was painfully aware of his arm, barely an inch away from brushing her shoulder. The butterflies returned, along with a racing heart.

  She needed to start dating again. That was it. Find a guy who would make her forget all about Logan.

  Except no one could do that. No one’s gaze drew her in like his. No one else could make her feel like she was important with just one look. No one else kept her on her toes, no matter that they were constantly switching back and forth between laughter and arguing.

  There was only one Logan Denton, and he would forever own a piece of her heart.

  “Why is this your favorite spot?” he asked. “Is it because of the ice cream shop across the street? The sunset view? A good angle to watch the police station from?”

  “No.” She folded her hands in her lap. “This is where I was sitting when I promised myself that I would do whatever it took to make a difference in the world.”

  “Really?” he said after a long moment.

  She nodded gently, but couldn’t look at him long. The breeze was lifting his blond hair, which made her want to run her hands through it even more than usual.

  “What led up to that?” he asked.

  She took a moment, collecting thoughts and memories. “I think I was about twelve. Charlie had left the year before, and things weren’t good at home. My parents were busy. They were always working, but at least I used to have Charlie.”

  She shook her head, emotion entering her voice. “Then, I was alone. Anyway, I remember going for a bike ride one evening, just feeling so bitter and angry. Thinking things like, ‘screw everyone’ and ‘I’ll be good on my own.’ I ended up here and soon as I sat down, it hit me. An epiphany. I thought to myself, I can spend the rest of my life messed up and angry, or I can take that anger and disappointment and really do something good.”

  “And you chose the latter,” he said softly.

  “I tried to. That was my whole intent in going into law.”

  “You’re making a difference now.” His hand found hers, and she thought she might faint from the electricity that rushed through her.

  “I hope so,” she whispered.

  “You’re something to be admired.” His blue eyes found hers, and her breath lingered in her throat.

  “Logan, I…”

  “Yes.”

  She lowered her gaze. His hand was still on hers. The moment had all the makings of romance, but it was anything but that. Love wasn’t in the cards for them.

  The feel of his touch on her face made her gasp in surprise. Hooking his fingers until her chin, he gently lifted her head so that they were looking into each other’s’ eyes.

  “When you came into the car and told me about Charlie coming around,” he said, “I felt like I was suddenly shot to the top of the world. For the first time, it felt like everything could work out with this mess.”

  “Good.” She still couldn’t raise her voice above a whisper. “I’m glad.”

  “But it wasn’t only that. I realized that this is my chance to turn over a new leaf.”

  “You mean with business?”

  “Yes.” He paused. “But with more than that. Everything. I’ve been pushing you away, Terri, because I was afraid I’m no good for you. The things I’ve been involved in…”

  “The insider trading was in the past.” She locked her gaze with his. “Right?”

  His eyes softened. “Yes.”

  “Okay.” Her shaking fingertips found his shirt collar. “You’re not the person you used to be.”

  “I want to be better. For myself, and for you.” His hand slid from her chin to cup the back of her neck. “I know I’ve been an ass, but is there any chance in hell for the two of us?”

  It was a wonder she didn’t melt into a puddle on the bench right then and there.

  “You and me how, exactly?” she whispered with a teasing smile.

  “You and me in this way.” He’d barely finished speaking before he moved closer. Warm lips swept across hers, eliciting a soft moan.

  The kiss didn’t last near long enough. Drawing back, he gazed down at her with heat in his eyes.

  “Well?”

  “I think before I give an answer you’re gonna need to kiss me again.”

  Chapter 20

  Logan

  Everything was finally working out.

  Almost. Because there remained one last thing Logan needed to do before he could move forward with a clean conscience. He meant what he’d told Terri. Being a better person was a priority. However, there was one more puzzle piece that needed to be put into place.

  After leaving the park bench and driving to her parents’ house, he decided he would tell her the truth that night. She needed to know before they returned to Chicago and the investigation into Bryce moved forward.

  Luckily, she accepted his offer to take her to dinner that evening. Which was how they found themselves sitting at the local diner that night, finishing up burgers and fries.

  “I’m glad you demanded we come here.” He polished off the strawberry milkshake that she’d declared he had to try.

  Her eyes widened. “Demanded?”

  Before he could answer, her cell phone rang from in her purse. She barely glanced in its direction.

&n
bsp; “You can check it,” he said.

  “No.” She shook her head. “I want to talk about what you just said. You said I demanded we come here.”

  He shrugged. “I like it when you’re demanding.”

  “Hmm.” Though her eyes narrowed, she also grinned. “Those sound like famous last words.”

  “I swear, they won’t be.” He held his palms up in surrender. “All that I’m saying is please continue to be your wonderful self, and I’ll be happy.”

  Their plates empty and the check paid, they strolled onto the sidewalk. Girard didn’t have too much of a nightlife to speak of, other than the live band playing in a bar across the street, but it didn’t matter. Logan had traveled the world, and right in that moment he couldn’t think of anywhere else he would rather be.

  Arm in arm, they walked the block at a leisurely pace.

  “What if we go home in the morning?” Terri asked. “Charlie wants us back there soon as possible, and I talked to Mom and Dad’s neighbor. She works at home, and she said she’ll check in on them every day, see if they need anything.”

  Logan nodded. A lump had formed in his throat, and he doubted his ability to talk around it. “Sounds good.”

  He needed to bring up the matter he’d promised himself he would, but things felt too perfect. Bringing even the slightest hint of darkness to the evening felt like a crime.

  Still. She’d find out sooner or later. Better it come from him.

  Terri’s cell phone started ringing again. With a frown, she slipped her arm from his and dug into her purse.

  “Okay. That’s the second time. Maybe I should see who’s calling.”

  They stopped walking as she pulled the phone out.

  “It’s Charlie,” she said, swiping to answer. “Hey,” she said into the phone. Her brows knitted. “O-kay. I’m listening.”

  A ball of ice formed in Logan’s stomach, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood straight up. Whatever Charlie had called about, it wasn’t good.

  “What are you…” She shook her head. “Really?”

  Her gaze landed on Logan, and he knew it right then. He’d messed up big. The window of opportunity to prove himself to her had passed.