The VIP Room(176)

“It’s okay, Mrs. Chadwick. I enjoy your company.”

“Good. I like you, Leah. You have a clever mind, and a kind heart.” She patted Leah’s arm. “Now let’s keep that redheaded terror from buying our Marcus.”





* * *



The auction went on forever. At least, it seemed that long, especially since Marcus was the last bachelor on the list.

Mrs. Chadwick made the wait bearable, entertaining Leah with stories about each of the bachelors—some of them scandalous, most of them sweet. The woman was a treasure, and Leah was grateful for her presence.

Finally, the female auctioneer introduced Marcus, and he strode on stage, wearing only his dress shirt and trousers, sleeves rolled up to reveal his strong, tanned arms. He looked dangerous, incredibly sexy, and God help her, she wanted him.

“Welcome our final bachelor to the stage—Marcus Hawkins!” Applause broke out, and Marcus grinned, strutting for his audience.

Mrs. Chadwick leaned in, and Leah braced herself for some bad boy story. Instead, the older woman surprised her. “Marcus is a dog lover. That endeared me to him the first time we met.”

The auctioneer started speaking again before Leah could form a coherent comment. “Marcus is the middle brother of the billionaire Hawkins boys, and his own startup is now making more than his family’s company. He’s quite a catch, ladies.” The woman winked, and reached over to pat Marcus’ ass. “And this is a first for our auction—we have a private bid of…” She opened the piece of paper in her hand, and gaped at it, eyes wide. “Is this right?” She looked at—Tanya. Nerves fluttered in Leah’s stomach. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have an opening bid of—one point five million dollars!”

People gasped, others applauded, and Tanya basked in the attention, her eyes on Leah as she smiled. Leah eased away from Mrs. Chadwick in case this turned ugly, hoped Marcus really meant what he said, and moved closer to the stage.

“One point six million.” Her heart pounded so hard she barely heard herself say it.

The woman stared at her, eyes even wider than before. Leah nodded, and she raised the mic. “We have one point six million! Do I hear—”

“Two million.” Tanya’s angry voice scraped over Leah’s skin. The woman stood just feet away, her brown eyes narrowed and focused on Leah.

Leah swallowed and turned to the stage. Behind the auctioneer, Marcus nodded, once.

“Three million,” Leah whispered.

“Five million!” Tanya shoved at the people between her and Leah, reaching for her. “You do not have enough money to beat me, you fat bitch!”

Leah stumbled back, her hip bouncing off the edge of the stage.

Eyes flashing, Mrs. Chadwick stepped between them, facing Tanya. “Showing your true colors now, aren’t you, twiggy?”

Tanya gaped at her. She obviously knew who Mrs. Chadwick was, because she didn’t immediately spew rage at her.

Strong hands circled Leah’s waist and pulled her up, out of Tanya’s reach.

“Are you all right?” Marcus’ deep voice wrapped around her, as warm as the arm pulling her back against his chest.

“I’m fine. Let me go.”

He ignored her. “Mrs. Chadwick is something. I’ve had a crush on her for years.”

She looked up at him, found him smiling. “I like her. She’s so genuine. That’s a rare quality. Marcus—let go of me. I need to finish this.”

“Slap her down.” He whispered a number in her ear. Leah felt the color drain from her face. “It’s all right, gorgeous. I can afford it.”

She stepped to the auctioneer. “I have one last bid.” The entire foyer was deadly silent, everyone watching her. She bit back a smile as Mrs. Chadwick gave her a thumbs up. She glanced over at Marcus, took a deep breath, and looked right at Tanya when she spoke again. “Fifty million dollars.”

The crowd went wild.

The auctioneer shouted in the mic, finally getting their attention. “Quiet! I need to close the bidding. Do I hear fifty five?” Everyone looked at Tanya. She was so furious she shook, but she didn’t say a word. “And, fifty going once, going twice—sold to the lovely lady in blue velvet for fifty million dollars!”

Marcus picked her up and swung her around, grinning like an idiot. Probably from relief. He set her down, and stepped to the edge of the stage, taking a bow as the crowd applauded and hooted. God, he was beautiful, and he had a good heart on top of it. All that money would go straight to the charity, and he wouldn’t even blink when he authorized the transfer.

That thought shredded the last of her anger. The real Marcus stood on that stage, smiling as he waved at the crowd. She may get her heart ripped out of her chest, but if she didn’t take a chance, step out of the shadow of her past, she’d spend the rest of her life there, nurturing hurts that she needed to let go.

She had a feeling Marcus would help her do that.

Leah shifted her gaze in time to see Tanya stalk through the foyer, hissing at anyone who got in her way. They hadn’t seen the last of her.

Marcus grabbed her hand and pulled her along the stage and down the steps, not stopping until they were in a dark corner, hidden by dusty red curtains.

“You paid for me, gorgeous.”