by MINK
“You’re not going to win.” The woman who’s been giving me looks since Gaines and I sat down finally speaks up.
“I only want him for tonight. After that, he’s all yours.”
The man next to me chuckles. I’m not sure I’m even buying what I’m saying. I do know that I will bid whatever dollar amount it takes so none of these vultures can have him. Then I’ll take what’s mine.
6
Gaines
Trent blathers on and on as the crowd laughs at his jokes. I stand at the side of the stage, doing my best to see the woman who’s stolen my attention from the moment I caught her on the red carpet.
What is it about her? I can’t put my finger on it, but I also can’t seem to stop thinking about her. So much so that I miss when Trent announces my name.
“Gaines, you here?” He cracks a sardonic smile while giving me a vicious side-eye.
I straighten my suit coat and stride out to thunderous applause, the best money can buy. So many people attend this event for a chance to go home with beautiful, wealthy--or both--socialites that the crowd gets bigger every year, just as the tickets get even harder to come by.
This scene doesn’t fit Pansy. Not at all. Her charm is more earthy and real, none of the falsity I’ve become used to from the people who chatter at me whenever I’m forced from my comfortable spheres of home and travel.
“Gaines, you seem a bit distracted.” Trent is grinning even bigger. “Got a lucky lady in mind?”
I glare at him.
He gives a loud, fake laugh. “Always stony, isn’t he? That’s why he’s such a hit with the ladies. They want to crack this tough nut.” He reaches up and pats me on the back. I consider breaking his hand, but then again, I pay him well to provide entertainment, and he’s doing his job.
“All right. I hate to start the bidding with the biggest prize, but my pal Gaines insists on doing it this way.”
Right, so I can get the hell out of here. This time is different, though. This time I want to leave with that pretty brunette on my arm. I need to know her better, to research her the same way I do the treasures I discover. And once I know everything there is to know, I’ll unwrap her like a gift. I lick my lips.
My thoughts are consumed with her, but I can’t see her for the bright spotlight that shines in my face. She’s out there, though. It’s like I can feel her.
“Let’s get the bidding started at a modest $1,000,” Trent calls.
The bids start rapidly, women staring at their phones as a huge screen lights up behind us over the stage. The $1,000 opening number is long gone, and each second that ticks by shows a higher amount, with the name changing based on who’s the highest bidder.
The spotlight finally abates so the partygoers can see the screen. I blink away the dots in my vision and find the mysterious woman sitting where I left her, her eyes on me. My blood heats as I look directly at her, taking in her form.
Her dress hugs her ample breasts, nips in at her waist, then flares out again at her hips. She’s built like a goddess, and I would be more than happy to worship at her altar. Filthy thoughts swirl in my mind as the number keeps going up. What will she say when I tell her I want her in my bed? The thought should shock me, but I’m over my initial surprise. She was unexpected, but now that I have her in my sights, I’m not letting her go.
She’s a treasure that, for once, I intend to keep for myself.
“Whoa, ladies, already at $100,000 and still rising?” Trent claps. “Save some for the rest of us!”
Some of the men laugh or shift uncomfortably in their chairs. There are plenty of Hollywood stars and corporate titans here that are more than happy to be bought by the hungriest of society ladies. But they’ll have to wait. Once my mystery woman wins my bid, they’ll get their turn on the stage, and I’ll whisk her away to my home.
Mrs. Pettyford might have a stroke when she sees me with a guest. But it can’t be helped. There’s no way in hell I’m letting Pansy get away.
Her name flashes up on the screen behind me, but is quickly drowned out by a Melinda, a Caroline, and, the most frequent bidder of all, Selena.
The amount is rising higher than even the previous years, the dollar amount quickly approaching a quarter of a million. The names start falling away, and I keep my gaze on Pansy. She glances up at me, her fingers still at work on her phone. Her eyebrows lift, as if she’s questioning whether she should keep bidding.
I give her a nod.
She shrugs, the swells of her breasts rising with the movement. Fire lights through my veins again, and I can imagine running my tongue along her fair skin, then delving lower and tasting the ripe buds of her nipples. Desire rides me hard, the sensation so foreign yet no less intense.
“Looks like we’re down to two big spenders.” Trent whistles as the names flip from first Pansy, then Selena. The bidding continues rapidly.
Selena doesn’t have this kind of cash. There’s no way she can win, but she isn’t giving up. I grit my teeth as the room falls into a hush. Disappointed bidders turn to their drinks or sit back and wait for the next bachelor. But not Selena. She’s standing, slowly moving toward Pansy.
My hands clench into fists as she gets closer and closer, the bids still going.
“We’re going to have to shut this down.” Trent laughs. “Blowing our load too early.”
The bids keep flickering.
Ms. Lane, the stately matriarch of this charity event, pantomimes a slash across her throat from the side of the stage.
Trent takes the hint. “All right folks, we need to move along. Let’s all count down together, and whoever has the highest bid when we get to zero, wins.”
The crowd cheers, and Trent leads them in a countdown.
Five.
Selena is getting closer to Pansy.
Four.
I don’t like it one bit.
Three.
Pansy is still bidding like crazy.
Two.
But Selena is beating every bid in rapid fashion.
One.
Right when the crowd takes in a breath to say the final number, Selena slaps my phone from Pansy’s hand. It topples to the floor as Pansy jumps from her seat.
Zero.
The final bid was $425,000.
The winning bidder’s name flashes in bright pink letters.
Selena.
7
Pandora
Well, that was unexpected.
I take a breath, glad I hadn’t made a scene. I’d simply picked up the phone and watched as Selena stood there with a look of victory on her face after winning Gaines.
She cheated. But I can’t even be mad at her. I, too, was here trying to run a con. Though I think she wants something very different from Gaines than I do.
I’d still wanted to take her to the ground, but that would only draw attention to me. The kind I don’t need. Stay the course, I remind myself. Not that I have a course mapped out. There’s really only one goal at this point. Get my box, and get the hell away from Gaines before he catches me.
“You can take me home for free.” The man next to me leans over and grins.
I would smile at his joke, but I’m too mad. I may have kept my cool so far, but I’m not great at losing. Why do I even care? So what if he has to go on a date with her? I should be long gone before that date ever takes place. Wait. Was that date happening tonight? Is he supposed to spend the rest of the night with her?
“Why would anyone pay that much for a date?” I say loud enough for Selena to hear me.
She’s still gloating. I realize that money is nothing to these sorts of people, but to me this screams how desperate to get at Gaines these women are. Why bid on a man to date you? Selena is beautiful. She shouldn't have to pay for someone to take her out. I’m guessing her insides aren’t as pretty, and that’s why she’s having to pay half a million for a date.
Another man is already on the stage. I watch as the bidding begins going up. Not as quickly as when
Gaines was up there, but still the bids come in heavily.
“At least it’s for a good cause.” The only thing I can think is that I’ve missed my opportunity to go home with Gaines. I school my expression, knowing that plenty of people are still looking at me. My eyes drop to my dress. The small stain is still there. A little reminder of just how much has already gone wrong tonight.
“Selena isn’t here for any cause,” the man next to me says.
I turn my head to look at the beautiful blonde. For someone who won, she doesn’t look very excited now. If anything, she’s nervous. Almost worried. Which makes me think that she got so wrapped up in the battle for Gaines that she overbid. Is it possible she doesn’t have the money? I’d say it’s highly likely by the way she’s wringing her hands together.
I’m not here for a good cause either. I shouldn't be so judgy. Still, a sense of jealousy gnaws at me that she’s getting to go out with Gaines. He’s my target. I have plans for that man. I don’t think Selena’s and mine are anything alike. My stomach turns thinking about what they’ll be doing together in their alone time.
I pick up Gaines's phone off the table and type in a bid. The man next to me throws back his head and laughs.
“We have a new bidder!” The showboat on the stage shouts. The same one that was talking to Gaines earlier. I glance at the man I’m actually bidding on, not sure why I’m doing this to begin with. Right, this is a good cause, and it’s Gaines’s money, not mine.
I bid again when someone outbids me. The phone is pulled from my hands by Gaines, who’s towering over me. He is ridiculously tall.
“What are you doing?”
“Making sure your phone still works.” I point my thumb over at Selena, who is watching us. She takes a step closer to Gaines. “She knocked it out of my hand.”
Selena lets out a gasp as she stares at Gaines’s phone.
“You were having her bid for you with your own money. That’s cheating, Gaines.” She makes the accusation with pouting lips while batting her eyelashes. It’s really confusing because I don’t know if she’s mad at him or trying to seduce him. I want to ask her if she has something in her eye, but I don’t get the chance.
“Go pay your bid, Selena.” He dismisses her.
She doesn't move. Instead she reaches toward his chest, then trails her perfectly painted fingernails down it, but he steps back to get away from her touch. I know none of his actions will deter her, though. If anything, it spurs her on more. I can tell she’s the type that enjoys a challenge. I want to smack her, but Gaines isn't mine.
“I know it’ll be worth every penny.” She licks her shiny lips and eyes Gaines like a snack she can’t wait to devour. Probably a Christmas Tree Cake. Maybe one of those extra large oatmeal cream pies.
She smirks over at me before turning to walk to wherever it is she needs to go to pay.
“We’re leaving.” He wraps his arms around me and guides me through the crowds of people. Half the crowd is watching the stage; the other half is watching us.
“We are? Don’t you have a date?”
“It’s later. If she can even afford to pay the bill.”
“Oh. When will the date be?” I find myself asking. “Not that I care. I’m just nosy.”
His lips twitch. “I’m not sure when it will be. I’ll worry about that later.” His arm drops from me, his hand locking around my wrist.
“I don’t think this is how you hold hands.”
His grip around my wrist doesn't lessen. “Making sure you don’t try to get away.” He motions toward a valet when we exit the building.
“Of course not. You said you’d fix my dress,” I remind him.
“That I will.” He pulls on my hand. I trip on my heel, falling into his very solid frame. I think he did it on purpose. “You still owe me, remember? You didn't live up to your end of the bargain.”
“I tried. I can’t help it if your girlfriends are crazy.”
“That’s okay. I’ll be collecting another way. They’re not my girlfriends, to be clear.” His eyes drop to my mouth. I lick my lips, wondering if he’s going to kiss me. Do I stop him if he does? Or do I play into it? I'm supposed to be seducing him, after all. I totally don’t want to kiss him. Not at all. I’m doing this to get my box. Nothing more.
I close my eyes, but nothing happens. I peek one eye open. He’s smiling down at me. I open the other. My face heats with embarrassment.
“Not yet, my treasure.” His gaze slips down my face to my chest. He picks up the key around my neck. My heart drops, and I wonder if he knows.
“Your car, sir.” He releases my necklace from his fingers and ushers me into his fancy car. The door slams shut. Why didn't he kiss me? He slides into the driver’s seat. What if he’s been on to me this whole time? Why else has he kept me so close all night?
He might have been the one that has been doing the seducing this whole time. And I may have fallen right into his trap.
8
Gaines
She nibbles her lower lip as we whip through the city streets. “I can’t believe she just knocked it out of my hand. I mean, who does that?”
I grit my teeth. I still want to strangle Selena, but she’s nothing and no one. Not to mention, there’s absolutely no way she can pay the winning bid. I’ve already messaged the director and told her Selena is no longer allowed at any event where I’m in attendance or where my funds are used for so much as a floral arrangement.
“I don’t want to talk about her.” I reach out and take Pansy’s soft hand, her skin like silk against mine. “I want to talk about you.”
“Me?” She gives me a high, nervous laugh.
“Yes. Where are you from? What’s your last name? Who invited you to the event tonight?” I stop questioning and swallow hard. What if some other man brought her? I grip the steering wheel a little too tightly. But it doesn’t matter. She’s in my car, headed to my home, and I intend to keep her there as long as need be. I have to get to the bottom of her mystery, and more than that, I want to taste her treasure, every last drop of it.
“Oh, the event. Um. Well, I was just sort of in the neighborhood, you know?” She smiles.
“In the neighborhood?” I shoot her a sideways glance.
She shrugs, her breasts perilously close to spilling out of her strapless dress. I lick my lips.
“Just kidding. Right? I mean, obviously, I was invited. I couldn’t have gotten in otherwise. Don’t be silly.”
I stroke her inner wrist with my thumb, pausing to feel her quick pulse every so often. She’s nervous, maybe excited, maybe both.
“You weren’t there with someone, were you?” I try to keep my tone nonchalant, though my mind goes to dark places about what I’d do to any man who tried to stake a claim on my mystery woman.
“I was with you.” She looks at me, her eyes wide and questioning. Innocent.
“Yes, you were. You are.” I squeeze her fingers and take the bridge out of town and into the countryside. The moon is high, lighting the expanse of trees and big estates that line the highway.
“We’re going to your house.” She says it like a statement more than a question, then clears her throat. “I mean, I’m guessing that’s where we’re going, right?”
“Yes.” I hadn’t even asked if she wanted to go home. Not that I would’ve obliged her. She isn’t getting away from me. Not now.
“Okay.” She smiles a little.
“Last name?” I press.
“Oh. It’s … Well, it’s . . .” She turns to look out her window. “It’s Box,” she blurts.
“Pansy Box?”
“Yep.” She gives a definitive nod. “That’s my name.”
“All right. So where are you from?”
“Here and there.” She’s clearly trying to evade my questions, but I won’t let her. If I can recover the lost headdress of Kamunen Ra, I can get answers out of the ripe peach by my side.
“Your accent has a Southern lilt to it. Far South, actuall
y. I’m thinking Mississippi. Maybe Louisiana?”
She whips her head back around to me. “What? No.” Her voice deepens.
I laugh at how purely cute she is. “Are you trying to disguise your accent?”
“Ha ha. What?” It goes even deeper.
I laugh even more. Who is this woman?
“Look, Ms. Box.” I turn down the lane toward my estate. “I know you’re being clever. But I promise you, I will get to the bottom of you.” I keep dragging my thumb across her wrist as we enter my gate. “I’m going to discover every one of your secrets. Dust them off, polish them up, and display them.”
“Like a treasure?” She arches a brow.
“Exactly like a treasure, which I happen to collect.”
She pulls her hand from mine. “You like to collect things that don’t belong to you?”
I can’t read her tone, but what little I can get, I don’t like.
I pull up to the front of my home and kill the engine, then turn to her. “What do you mean?”
She thins her lips a little, as if pressing them between her teeth.
“Pansy?” I take her hand again, gently. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No.” She looks down at where our fingers are joined. “Sorry. I just … Never mind.” She forces a smile. “Let’s go inside.”
I want to say more, to dig deeper, but not in my car. I need her in my house behind a locked door. Safe from everything but me.
I get out and open her door for her. She steps out and hurries up the front stairs, her dress perfectly molded to her round ass.
I lead her inside, and once she’s there, I turn and lock the door. Then, I finally do what I’ve been wanting to do from the moment Pansy Box fell into my arms.
