“E-E-Estella,” I told him, feeling shy all of a sudden. I noticed his eyes travel down to my cleavage and I felt my cheeks turn even redder.
“That’s a beautiful name… do you mind if I call you Stella?” He asked, pinning a strand of my black hair behind my ear. “You have the most beautiful hair…” He cooed. “And you smell divine.”
Even though some of his comments were a tad creepy, I was starting to warm up to him. There was just something about this man that screamed confidence. I liked that he was being dominant with me. I smiled up at him, timidly resting my hand on his chest. Before coming here, I had read up on Breslyn’s. Apparently, the more interest I piqued throughout the mingling event, the better my chances were at the auction. If I wanted to help my mother, I had to do this. I had to act like all those other girls if I wanted to do well.
I batted my eyelashes at him, my smile deepening. “Would you care to tell me your name, handsome?” I lowered my voice to a sensual tone, hoping it would turn him on. I could see the passion flash across his eyes.
“Thomas Mopother.”
My eyes grew wide, giving away my surprise. He was a well-known playboy billionaire. I had seen him on the cover of Gentleman’s Affairs quite a few times while browsing the magazines at the grocery store. I couldn’t believe my body was practically pressed against his.
“And it’s my pleasure to meet you, beautiful Stella.” He grabbed my hand, kissing it like an old-fashioned gentleman. I couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped my lips.
Before Thomas could break away, another man approached, clearing his throat to get our attention.
“Don’t you think you ought to let other men get a shot at the most beautiful woman in the room? You can’t monopolize her like you did the oil industry.”
Thomas chuckled, straightening himself out. “I wasn’t monopolizing her, my dear boy. Just showing her my admiration.”
“That’s why you have her hidden in the corner, is it?” I glanced over Thomas’ shoulder to see another familiar face. He was Jason Louis, the famous pop singer from the 80s. My mother used to love him. He used to be my childhood crush while I was still in middle school. I couldn’t believe he was actually flirting with me. This couldn’t be real, right? This had to be some sort of a dream.
“Now move over.” Jason grabbed my hand and kissed it, just as Thomas did. Thomas laughed and walked away, quickly attaching himself to the next pretty girl, flirting with her as if it was his nature.
“You really are quite beautiful.” I felt like my whole face had turned into a bright red tomato. Here I was, standing right next to Jason Louis.
“T-Thank you…” I cursed myself for stuttering, but I just couldn’t help it. Jason was famous for only dating models and yet, here he was, flirting with me. Did he think I was a model? Plain, ol’, me?
He grabbed another glass of champagne from one of the naked waitresses and handed it to me. “Here, it looks like you need to unwind a bit. I can tell you’re new here.”
I nervously sipped at the drink, feeling embarrassed for looking so naïve. I wanted to ask him why he thought that, but I didn’t want to make an even bigger fool of myself.
“What do you say you and I go back to my room and we could have a bit of fun…” He grabbed a piece of my hair, spinning it on his finger, keeping me captive in his green eyes. I felt my knees go weak at his invitation. I couldn’t believe all the attention I was getting.
Suddenly, a large security guard appeared, clearing his throat. We both looked up at his serious face, wondering what was going on.
“Is there a problem?” Jason looked irritated that someone was interrupting his time with me. Somehow, during our conversation, his hand had wrapped around my waist. He pulled me closer, looking protective. I felt the weight of quite a few eyes on my shoulders. The glass of champagne felt heavy in my hand.
“I am sorry to interrupt –”
“You better be sorry. Can’t a man have a decent conversation with a beautiful woman?” I was actually shocked. I didn’t expect Jason to be so rude.
“I am sorry.” The guard said through gritted teeth. “But Victoria would like to have a word with Miss Ryder.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The guard glared at Jason who eventually let me go with a grimace on his face. “Come along.” I followed the guard, feeling apprehensive. Had I done something wrong? Why did Victoria want to speak with me? I was getting nervous, my fingers shaking. I couldn’t blow this opportunity. I needed this money.
To my surprise, the guard brought me to a set of French doors. He opened them, waiting for me to step through.
Outside, the air was crisp and a bit chilly. Goosebumps formed on my arms. I looked around, spotting Victoria standing under a gazebo, holding a glass of red wine. The moonlight outlined her figure, casting her in a dark silhouette, but I could still tell it was her by the wide-brimmed hat she always seemed to have on.
Since the guard gave me no further instruction, I stepped forward, walking down the stone path to the gazebo. There was a cold sweat all over my body as I feared the worst.
“Ah, Estella.” She said, turning around, her glass of wine twirling between her long, pale fingers. Now that I was close enough to see her, I noticed the exquisite, black lace dress she had on. It really accentuated her hourglass figure, making her seem youthful. I was starting to wonder what her face looked like and why she always wore her signature black hat. What was she hiding?
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a few security guards stationed around the gazebo. Why did she need so much protection? Who exactly was Victoria Chambers?
“It seems you’ve been doing quite well on your first night.” She tilted her head slightly and I noticed the bright red lipstick she was wearing. Her lips twitched into a slight smile before the shadow of her hat once again obscured her face.
“I am?” I asked, feeling unsure. I had spent most of the night talking to a few men, but I didn’t think I compared to any of the more experienced women.
“Indeed. You already caught the eye of a very important client here at Breslyn’s.”
“Oh…” I went through the list of people I had met that evening, trying to figure out who exactly she was talking about.
“I would like to introduce you.”
I stared at her, confused. So… I hadn’t met this person yet? Butterflies formed in my stomach as I wondered who it could be.
Victoria gestured behind me and I slowly turned around. The wind picked up, throwing a few strands of hair into my eyes, obscuring my vision. I started to pin the rogue curls behind my ear when I felt someone else’s fingers on my face. The skin was rough but his touch was gentle, carefully moving my hair out of my face.
Looking up, I nearly gasped. I was face to face with the most handsome man I had ever seen. His face was mere inches away from mine and it felt like my breath was caught in my throat. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t talk. All I could do was stare into his brilliant green eyes, mesmerized.
The man was tall, with a dark but fair complexion that complimented his rugged face. He smiled at me, revealing a dimple on the left side of his cheek. I nearly swooned. How could anyone be this handsome?
“This is Karim Malik.” Victoria’s voice broke me from my trance. I blinked, trying to snap out of my daze, but I was clearly flying high on cloud nine. I just couldn’t keep my eyes off the handsome man standing in front of me, with his high cheekbones, adorable dimple, and tall stature.
An older gentleman stepped up, his foot pressing down on a squeaky piece of wood as he entered the gazebo. I nodded politely at him. In a way, he looked like an older version of the man standing right in front of me, only he had these cold dark eyes that sent a shiver down my spine. I gulped, trying to catch my breath. I didn’t know what was happening, but whatever the case, it felt important.
Karim nodded at the handsome man. “You must be Estella.” I nodded again. “My brother here, Lucky, has been keen to meet you all nigh
t long.” He explained.
Victoria placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed it slightly. “Karim is a Sultan of Saudi Arabia. He’s been here many times before, but it is his brother’s first time. Just like you.” Victoria’s voice was a soft whisper. It felt like her lips were about to graze my ear. I looked up into Lucky’s green eyes and my heart began to thunder. “But, you’re already proving to be very popular…”
CHAPTER TWELVE
“… I’m not sure if we can let Lucky, here, spend time with you exclusively.” Karim’s eyes met with Victoria’s, his expression stoic.
“I’m willing to pay whatever her rate is.” He pulled out his wallet.
“Please, Mr. Malik. I never do business in public. Let’s step into my office and let the two lovebirds get to know each other, shall we?” Victoria stepped forward, her black dress moving behind her like a cape. As she stepped onto the lawn, her entourage of security guards followed her.
Karim regarded his brother before whispering something in his ear. It sounded harsh.
Lucky just kept smiling like there was nothing in the world that could upset him. He replied to his brother in Arabic, his voice sweet and smooth as honey. My body felt like it was made of jelly. I couldn’t believe someone like Lucky existed. Somehow, he managed to pair cute and sexy so well that it made my head spin.
Karim looked at me with his dark eyes and I shivered, involuntarily taking a step back. There seemed to be disappointment in his expression before he followed Victoria, disappearing into the estate.
I was suddenly very conscious of the fact that I was all alone with Lucky. I could feel his eyes burning into me. The silence around us thickened as I glanced at him from under my eyelashes. His eyes were trailing down my body, lingering on my chest for a moment before moving down to my hips. I was glad for the designer dress Victoria had lent me, hoping it would impress him.
His green eyes seemed to sparkle with what I could only guess was lust. I started to imagine what he might do to me. What he would do if he won me at the auction and took me home. I could almost feel his lips on my neck, those fingers moving along my thighs. My cheeks started to burn as my fantasies became naughtier and naughtier. What had gotten into me? I wasn’t usually this sexual and yet, the way he was looking at me was making me feel hot all over. My breathing was getting faster and faster. No one had ever looked at me this way – like a starving man looking at a Christmas dinner.
“Would you like to walk with me?” He asked, holding out his arm. His English was thick with a foreign accent, but that just made me like him even more. I nodded almost mechanically as I had no idea how I was going to move. It was like my feet were glued to the ground. It was as if this man had me hypnotized and I was no longer in control of my own body.
His smile deepened at my response and his dimple reappeared. “Fantastic.” Somehow, I managed to hook my arm with his. His proximity made my heart beat even faster. I could feel the heat radiating from his body and it ignited a flame inside the pit of my stomach.
Together, we walked along the path, enjoying the moonlight. It made everything sparkle, from the grass and the flowers to the koi pond in the back of the yard. “In my homeland, you don’t see grass very often. It’s mostly sand.” He explained, guiding me toward the small pond. “America is very different. I’ve seen very beautiful things here… and very beautiful people.” As he gazed into my eyes, it was almost as if he had me trapped in a spell. I never wanted him to let go.
“Oh…” I blushed darkly, trying to force myself to respond, but it was like I had forgotten how to talk like a normal human being. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” I said, feeling lame. I looked away, my face bright red.
He gently rested his hand under my chin, our eyes locking yet again. My heart felt like it would explode at any moment. His dark curly hair fluttered in the wind and I wondered what it would feel like to run my fingers through it, to pull on it as his lips left a trail of kisses along my breasts. I bit the inside of my lip, trying to keep my hormones in check, but it was becoming excruciatingly difficult as he stepped even closer to me, our bodies practically touching.
His face leaned in close to mine and I thought, for a moment, that he would kiss me. Subtly, I felt his warm breath on my lips, teasing me. I closed my eyes, waiting for the moment to come, but sadly, it never did. He just held my cheek in his hand, gently rubbing his thumb along my skin. The hair on the back of my neck prickled.
“Tell me. Why are you here, sweet Stella?” He asked, his voice soft and seductive. “When my brother told me about this club… I thought it would be a waste of my time, but then I saw you.”
“I…” I gulped down the knot in my throat. My fingers were shaking as I rested my hands on his chest, trying to steady myself. “One of my friends recommended it…” I said, clutching the fabric of his silk shirt.
The wind whipped between us and I shivered, feeling cold. Before I knew what was going on, Lucky had shrugged off his jacket, draping it around my shoulders. He pulled me close to his body, letting me rest my head on his chest. It felt chiseled and well-defined. We stood there, in silence, enjoying the moonlight. His hand found mine, lacing our fingers together. I felt a rush of electricity course through my arm at his touch.
His earthy scent permeated the air. A mixture of woods with a slight hint of mint. It was intoxicating. I sunk deeper into his coat, feeling safe and secure inside the expensive material. I closed my eyes, imagining myself with this man forever.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Would you like to dance?” Lucky’s question broke the silence that had settled between us. Before I could answer, he squeezed my hand and pulled me toward the estate. I struggled to keep up, my high-heeled shoes making it difficult. He had a wild expression on his face and a smile that looked like it could light up the whole world.
Once we stepped inside, I heard the music playing from the ballroom. “Come on.” He urged me forward, pulling me inside. His excitement was infectious and I could already feel a rush of adrenaline running through my veins. I couldn’t believe he was this eager to dance with me.
He opened the door for me just as the orchestra started to play a slow song. People paired up and swayed together while those who had yet to find their luck watched from the sidelines. Lucky took my hand and pulled me right toward the middle of the dancefloor. In one fluid motion, he had my body pinned against his. His arm rested on my lower back while the other held my hand tightly, guiding me through the motions of a waltz.
I had never danced like this before, but somehow, we were in perfect sync. I feared I would step on his feet, but it was like we had been dancing partners for years. He smiled down at me as he slowed his pace, matching the rhythm of the music. “Let me guess, you dance as a hobby.” He said, his voice soft and seductive.
I shook my head, my heart beating so loud that it nearly drowned out the music.
“You’re a natural then.” Pulling me even closer, his hand moved down to my ass, his fingers squeezing my flesh ever so slightly. I nearly moaned at the touch and he grinned, locking our hips together.
“I… I’ve never ballroom danced before,” I admitted, feeling my cheeks become warm with blush. He gently caressed my cheek with his hand, looking at me as if I was the only woman in the world.
“I don’t believe that. You’re too modest.” He laughed. The sound erupted deep within his stomach and echoed through my mind. Some people stared at us, but Lucky didn’t seem to mind. He looked like he was having the time of his life.
We turned and stepped with the music. I was starting to get dizzy, but I couldn’t tell if it was a result of the dancing or the proximity of Lucky’s body against my own. He was so tall and muscular, it made my knees weak. I could feel his godlike physique through his designer clothes and it just left me to wonder what he would like if they were in a pile on the floor. Naughtily, I started to undress him with my eyes, picturing his every inch. I had no doubt that he would be the sexiest thing
I’ve ever seen. How had I been lucky enough to catch his eye with my plain Jane looks?
As the song approached its crescendo, Lucky leaned down, his lips grazing mine. The contact came as a surprise and made me shiver all over. I almost stopped dancing, but Lucky didn’t skip a beat. His lips traveled along the side of my neck, finding my sweet spot. My fingers tightened around him as I suppressed the urge to moan. Soon enough, his lips found my collar bone, leaving behind a trail of kisses that left me weak in the knees.
Shivers of ecstasy shot through my skin, all the way down to my sex. It was like the fire that had been burning in my stomach had jumped down to my thighs. I could tell that I was getting excited. Lust and desire raged deep within my soul with every kiss he left behind on my skin.
My fingers found his hair, pulling on it slightly, silently begging for more. I wanted to tilt my head back and moan, but I was conscious of all the people already staring at us. Lucky continued to kiss me, moving further down, kissing the top of my breasts as his fingers tightened around my hips, pulling me closer than ever.
I felt what must have been the outline of his erection against my thigh and it just made me even more excited. The fact that I was turning on this god of a man made me feel incredibly sexy. I grinned, tugging at his hair, pushing his head down just a little bit further. His lips were on the cusp of my neckline and I still wanted more. I had never felt this way before. I never wanted him to stop, no matter how far we went.
Goosebumps formed all over my skin. The song continued and we swayed along with all the other couples. I couldn’t be certain, but it felt like there was a puddle forming in my panties. I just couldn’t help it. This man was driving me wild… and all he was doing was kissing me. I could only imagine what would happen if those lips kept traveling down my body, eventually getting between my legs, kissing the lips between my hips.
Sold to the Sultan (the Breslyn Auction Club Book 2) Page 4
