Auctioned to the Greek Billionaire (The Highest Bidder Book 1)

by Carmen Falcone

  “Well, I was thinking about a company party. You know, to boost morale.”

  “We already have a big Christmas celebration every year. If you want to boost morale, why don’t you follow my recommendations to offer bonuses to high performing employees and better healthcare benefits for everyone?”

  With the economy in his beloved country going through a rough patch, Theo had to do his share. All in good time, a voice inside him alerted.

  Horace had lifted his hands in surrender, defensively, the same way he did every time he felt threatened. With a weasel smile on his face. “Theo, we’re in this business for profit. I can’t go around in this economy and wave a magical wand to change the reality.”

  “My vote’s no on the party. It’s unnecessary.” And a distraction. Did his uncle really believe Theo didn’t see through his bullshit? The same sense of duty his father had instilled in him from an early age applied to his business life. He had to do right by his employees, and getting rid of Horace would be a great start.

  Horace shrugged. “All right. Well, we’ll have to ask the others. I just wanted to give you the benefit of knowing firsthand.”

  “Done.” He surged to his feet. “Anything else?”

  He narrowed his eyes. “You know, nephew, I’m sure you’re banking your future on marrying Talia and taking over, but don’t forget I’m good friends with her father. And a lot can happen between now and your wedding day.”

  Theo seriously doubted Faustus would sell his stocks to Horace instead of gifting them to his son-in-law. “We’re done, dear uncle. Please see yourself out.”

  A glint of challenge touched his uncle’s black eyes, and his lips thinned into a hard line. Due to his title and family name, no doubt Horace wasn’t used to being shown the door, ever.

  Theo’s gaze slid down, and he noticed his uncle’s fingers curling into fists. No matter how much he pretended not to care, Horace was scared too. Scared that Theo would get to the finish line before him. After all, Talia’s father could have sold the stocks long ago if he’d wanted. Instead, the wise man kept them to use them as leverage. Merging with Rhodes Enterprises and entering the family would offer him more security and prestige.

  Theo stretched to his full height. Horace’s shoulders sagged, slowly, and his hands flexed. Without a word, he gave another nod, then turned around and disappeared from sight.

  Restless, Theo grabbed his cell and called his home. Ever since the previous night, when he’d kicked Amaya out of his bed, he hadn’t seen her. He’d left early like a damn coward before breakfast was served.

  Now the chat with his uncle set his blood on a simmering boil. Urgent need overpowered him like some alien force. He had to bed Amaya, and the sooner he did it—the better. He’d send his father an email asking to see if Talia would agree to marry a few weeks early—perhaps soon after his contract with Amaya ended. Why wait?

  “Hello,” his housekeeper answered. “Rhodes Residence.”

  “It’s me, Theo. I need Amaya,” he said in a rush, his stomach curling at the thought. The previous night…memories of her swollen lips, the look of disappointment in her alluring brown eyes when he’d sent her away. Guilt stabbed at him, but he shook it off. Clenching his phone, he continued in a more clipped tone. “I need to talk to Ms. Lopez.”

  “I understand, sir. She’s not in.”

  Had she gone sightseeing again? He popped his knuckles. She had the freedom to come and go as she pleased, of course. “Did she say when she’d be back?”

  “No. She left with the driver three hours ago. I asked if she wanted me to prepare lunch, and she said she’d eat out,” Valda said.

  “All right. I’ll call the driver, then.”

  He hung up the phone and speed dialed his driver, Linus. On the second ring, he picked up. “Hello.”

  “I need to talk to Ms. Lopez.”

  “She’s not with me, sir,” Linus said. “She asked me to drop her off at the Acropolis for one of those guided tours and said she’d call when it was time to pick her up. I parked and waited.”

  “Call me as soon as she gets in touch with you.”

  “Certainly, Mr. Rhodes.”

  Theo ended the call. He plopped down on his chair and flicked on his computer screen to continue working. For two minutes, he looked at the numbers but didn’t read any of them. What if she changed her mind? Sure, they’d signed a contract and it was binding. But she had enough money in her account to disappear and not look back if she didn’t want to. Maybe the brother story isn’t true.

  He rocked back in his chair, frustrated, exhaling. What the hell? He’d seen the affection in her eyes, heard the concern in her voice when she mentioned her brother. Amaya was no actress.

  She was a young, naive girl who had agreed to participate in Madame Alexa’s auction because she desperately needed the money.

  He stood and grabbed his jacket. She was also a vibrant, responsive, luscious woman who deserved a proper first time. He’d been so worried about taking things slowly so as not to hurt her, when he should worry about what made her feel good. Yep, she was going to have a proper first time.

  And he was going to give it to her.

  …

  Amaya glanced at the cheesy souvenir shirt she’d bought Diego. A powerful wave of affection surged through her.

  She’d called Samantha who assured her he was doing fine without her. She’d also been able to Facetime her brother and wished she could reach across the screen and hug him. He’d acted content and calm and not confused or angry like she’d expected. He understood she’d be traveling for a while and would return. Still, she couldn’t avoid feeling remorse for not being there.

  One month. Now, less than that. Twenty-six days.

  She glanced at the front of the villa as the car made its way into the entrance. The driver had seemed anxious when she’d called him to pick her up. Did she make him go out of his way?

  She sucked in a breath. Who cared? The previous night, Theo’d driven her crazy with desire only to toss her out of his bed when she was no longer needed. She couldn’t disagree or have any opinions…at least not demonstrate them. Sharing her feelings wasn’t why he’d paid so much for her.

  A shiver raced down her spine. The man obviously didn’t care about her, and that bothered her more than it should. Growing up, she’d dreamed of losing her virginity with a man she loved, and nowadays, she guessed a man who wanted to use her body before marrying someone else had become the new normal. She certainly hadn’t wanted to lose her virginity like her sister Malena, poor thing. She’d ended up a pregnant teenager and dying in childbirth.

  When her prom date had bailed on her, a part of her had felt relief. She knew all about girls giving in after high school prom parties and wondered if she’d be strong enough to refuse. Yet now she wanted nothing more than to give herself to Theo. A tantalizing shiver traveled through her, her chest radiating with hope. If only he’d take her.

  The driver brought the car to a stop before the entrance and slid out of his seat to open her door.

  Carrying a couple bags filled with souvenirs, she got out. It didn’t take her long after she entered his impressive home to find Theo in the living area.

  Wearing dark jeans, a crisp white shirt, and a charcoal jacket, he looked good enough to eat again and again. Moisture evaporated from her throat and she halted, giving herself a mental slap. “Hi.”

  “You’ve been gone all day,” he said, giving her a once-over.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d care. I thought you’d be busy working.”

  “Go upstairs and change. There’s a dress for you on the bed. And shoes. Wear them,” he said in a steady, commanding voice.

  All right, boss. The snarky response burned at the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed it and zipped upstairs. A thrill of excitement moved through her. A dress! She dashed into her bedroom and lifted the cobalt gown on the duvet. Holding it against her, she turned around and faced the large mirror over the
vanity. With thin straps and a V-neck, the rich fabric didn’t have a beaded pattern or much fanfare. It translated into understated elegance, the type a traditional rich woman suited to marry a man like Theo would wear.

  She took a quick shower, dried off, and slipped into the dress. When she put it on, the promise of quiet elegance shifted into a sensual message. Perhaps on a different woman, the dress would look modest and classic; she smoothed her hand over it, her breasts straining against the top, struggling for freedom.

  She drew in a breath, realizing if she exhaled without much planning, he’d see her naked a lot sooner than anticipated. Talk about a glamorized Spanx. Maybe that had been why he’d chosen the dress. He wanted something to slim her down. Hhhmmm. She shook her head. Nah. Probably ordered the wrong size.

  With calculated moves, she opened the box on her bed, which she assumed contained the shoes. She fumbled with the tissue paper until she procured a sexy pair of nude stilettos. Her nipples puckered as she traced her fingers along the smooth surface. Until that moment, she’d never imagined a shade of beige could be sexy, but damn…

  She slipped her feet into the shoes and exited the room, squaring her shoulders. He had summoned her to get dressed, and tonight, she again had to remember to go with the flow and not question everything. If this get-up got her one step closer to sleeping with him, she was game.

  “Oraios,” he said, his voice dropping an octave.

  “I don’t understand,” she said, though the hungry look in his eyes left no doubt. He approved of the way the dress hugged her curves.

  A shot of lust traveled through her, contracting her core, and suddenly, her thighs became sticky. Because of how the dress fit, she’d ended up not wearing underwear to avoid lines. Now part of her missed the security an extra barrier of clothing would bring. Her cream coated her folds, and she clenched her legs, which only caused her clit to throb in response.

  “Gorgeous,” he said, with a mysterious smile washing away the seriousness from earlier.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Out,” he said, making her wish they’d just stayed home so she could be his main course.

  Amaya took a bite of the grilled octopus, part of the exquisite dish filled with fried peppers, olives, and cheeses. For the past thirty minutes, they’d talked in the lively Greek restaurant. She’d expected him to take her to a buttoned-up kind of place, but to her delight, he’d chosen a quaint eatery with great service and tremendous food.

  “Why all this?” she said, gesturing at the table.

  “It’s just a meal.”

  “A good one. Thank you.” She glanced over at his half-eaten dish. “How’s your steak?”

  “Try it.” He cut a bite size and lifted it to her mouth.

  Amaya parted her lips, the irony of him putting some meat inside her not lost on her. She swallowed the seasoned beef, and when her eyes found his, a wave of heat deluged her from top to bottom. She shifted in her seat, crossing and uncrossing her legs. Looking for a position to make her simmering lust less achy.

  “How is it?” he asked.

  “Tender. Delicious.”

  He scooted closer on the booth. “Words you live up to, agapi mou.”

  She caught a whiff of his manly scent and exhaled. Tingles of awareness swirled inside her breasts, a heady sensation making her tilt her head toward him. “Do you want to eat mine?” She carefully enunciated every word. Heat moved across her cheeks, but she held his gaze. Her throat felt dry and thick, and she shuffled on her seat as if she had somewhere to go. How long would he make her wait?

  A positively dangerous smile formed on his lips, and for a second she thought she’d faint. What the hell? Get it together, girl. You’re not thirteen and on your first date. The air thickened between them, his face a breath from hers.

  “There’s nothing I want more,” he said, capturing her lips with his in a devastating kiss. She plastered her hands on his chest, touching his hard body, and opened her mouth to give him complete access.

  He took it, stroking his tongue with hers in a maddening rhythm. She lifted her hands to his collar, pulling him to her as if there was another way he’d be an inch closer. He dropped his hands to her sides, his fingers making a tantalizing pattern on her, only to clasp around her, offering her support and a sweet, sweet agony.

  She leaned into him, egging him on, and linked her hands around his neck. Her entire body burned for him, for his touch, his kiss. He nipped her upper lip, the provocation driving her over the edge. Her clit swelled, the bud searing, craving more.

  Someone cleared his throat, and when she opened her eyes, she found the waiter flushing in front of them. Quickly, she disengaged from Theo, who blinked a couple of times himself. He turned to the waiter, who said something in Greek.

  Theo responded. Then the man nodded and sauntered out of sight.

  “What did he say?” she asked, making herself a mental note to use the app she’d downloaded to help her translate Greek. Though by the surprise in that man’s face, she could imagine their display of, er, affection, had gone over what was socially acceptable.

  Theo tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Specks of gold glowed in his eyes, and his lips curled at the corner. “He asked me if we wanted to order dessert.”

  “What did you tell him?”

  “I told him we’re finishing at home. I want to fuck you so hard, my sweet Amaya. I can’t wait anymore. I should, but I can’t.”

  “Neither can I.” A swarm of butterflies cartwheeled in her stomach. Her whole life, her sexual life had been like a silent black-and-white movie, and the boredom and contempt became her allies. She hadn’t cared much about missing out. Until she met Theo. He’d brought sounds, colors, and who knew what else he’d show her.

  She chewed her lower lip, suppressing the moan forming in her throat. From now on, she’d live life brighter. Louder. And she had Theo to thank for it.

  Chapter Six

  Theo opened the door to his room, gesturing for her to go inside. Chewing her bottom lip, she sauntered into his domain, and he followed the teasing sway of her ass.

  He’d regretted driving her himself to the restaurant because, during the way home, he’d had to keep his attention on the road and not on her delectable body. Need arrowed down his core, followed by a rush of adrenaline pumping into his bloodstream.

  Fuck, he’d have had her in the limo if he’d brought Linus. Maybe that had been a blessing in disguise. He hadn’t waited years to bed a woman again only to devour a virgin in the back of the limo. Amaya deserved more than that. His heart skipped a beat. She deserved a hell of a lot more than he could give her, but this wasn’t the time to dwell on it. Focus on what you can give her right now.

  He flicked on a standing lamp, ensuring enough light filled the place so he could appreciate her curves. Groaning, he contemplated the rise and fall of her breasts with each shallow breath. Then he lowered his gaze down her waist and full hips. “Take it off.”

  She touched the hems at the sides, then hesitated. “It’s not fair. If I remove my dress, I’m fully naked and you’re not.”

  Blood raced to the tip of his cock so fast, he almost lost his balance. His heart thumped the words in staccato. Fully. Naked. Did she know what she was in for when she got dressed and went commando? “Pretty bold for a virgin.” Even a bought one, he added inwardly. Damn it, being cynical wouldn’t get him anywhere.

  She shifted her weight from foot to foot, the motion causing her dress to crease some lines around her body, hugging her tighter. He’d ordered the wrong size from the store, but he wasn’t sorry for it. A flush of desire coursed through him. Not sorry at all.

  “I didn’t want any lines,” she said. “Are you complaining?”

  “No.” He removed his jacket, then dropped it on the floor. Quickly, he undid his buttons, feeling her gaze heat his skin. Excitement roared within him, and he didn’t wait to get rid of his shirt. Without waiting for her reaction, he pulled down his pants,
aware if he spotted the hunger in her eyes again he might just slam her against the wall and get it over with.

  Wearing his black boxer briefs, he shortened the distance between them. She stepped back, with a mysterious smile on her pretty face. Gesturing for him to stay put, she reached for the back of her dress and unzipped it.

  His throat thickened and he kept his focus on her, unable to look away. A primal energy passed between them, thickening the air with sexual tension. He swallowed hard and didn’t move an inch. No matter how she’d landed in his room, ultimately, it was her virginity to give.

  Her most intimate gift, one he’d use for his carefully laid plans, which didn’t include her in his future. His temple throbbed, and he shook his head to himself. Where did that thought come from? Who cared? Of course, in his future, there was no place for her. This whole situation happened precisely because Amaya had no future with him.

  “Hey. Still with me?” she asked, a trace of insecurity in her voice.

  He willed his thoughts away. Marrying another woman was beyond his control. What he could take charge of was here and now, with this amazing woman in front of him. No one would take their moments away—not even his impending fate.

  “Yes.”

  “Good,” she said, shrugging. “Because, if you’re bored, you know…”

  “Impossible. Do you need help with taking off your dress?” he asked, and she nodded.

  When he reached for the back, it’d been already unzipped, so he simply pulled it down, letting it slide lazily over her body until it pooled at her feet.

  She leaned into him, and he kissed her cheek, working his way down her neck as she softened under his touch, sighing, absolutely delightful. His cock hardened more, a powerful amount of blood expanding his veins. When he nipped her neck, she moaned, the sound sexy and addictive.

  Cupping her breasts, he felt their weight on his palms, growling. She squirmed, rocking her bare ass into his hips. Pre-cum leaked at his tip, coating his underwear. “You’re so fucking sexy, Amaya.”