I look around, unimpressed with the mansion or ornate décor. The few other tables in the room are taken by other men, all cloaked in shadows. I don’t bother to take a closer look at them. I’m not here to rub elbows with anyone. I’m here to find a wife.
I’m not the type of guy to bid on women, but desperate times call for desperate measures. The clock is ticking for me to meet my grandfather’s requirements and to secure my inheritance.
The truth is that I don’t want a wife. I don’t want to get married. I’ve never been interested in dating or finding someone, which is probably why my asshole grandfather made it a requirement in his will.
I may not want to do this, but I do want the money my grandfather left me. To do that, I need to find a wife and get married before Christmas in a few days.
I sit back, crossing my arms over my chest as I survey the stage up front. For the millionth time since I signed up for this damn auction, I wonder if I’m making a mistake. Before I can change my mind and leave, though, the lights flicker. I narrow my eyes at the sleazy-looking guy who takes the stage.
He clears his throat. “Gentlemen! Welcome to the Tease and Please Auction! We’re so happy to have you here.”
A few men cheer, but I remain silent, my eyes locked on the stage.
“We’re going to get this party started with our first girl. Let’s welcome Sarah to the stage!”
A bored-looking blonde comes out in barely there lingerie. I glance at her, then look away. She does nothing for me. She reminds me of the women I grew up with, and I’d like to avoid that at all costs.
The bidding starts, but I tune it out until the auctioneer announces a winner. Sarah strolls off the stage, and I begin to get discouraged.
Is that what this auction is going to be like? A bunch of picture-perfect, bored-looking women?
This was a mistake. I push to my feet to leave.
“Up next, we have a treat! A virgin!” the announcer calls, and the crowd roars. “Welcome, Sienna, to the stage!”
I look up and freeze as I drink in the curvy bombshell making her way onto the stage.
“Fuck me,” I grunt, my gaze locked on her.
She’s gorgeous, the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen. For a moment, I’m stunned speechless as the bidding starts up around me.
“Two million!” someone calls.
I snap out of my daze. “Ten million,” I say firmly, my voice containing a warning to all the other men not to fucking bid on my girl.
The room grows silent. I step into the light, my eyes locked on my future wife. Her blue eyes widen as she looks at me, and I bite back a groan. Something about having this beauty's eyes on me does strange things to me. Her midnight-black hair shines under the harsh lights as she pulls it over her shoulder. She’s wearing a white negligee that leaves next to nothing to the imagination.
I want her off this stage. No one but me should see her like this.
What was her name? Sienna. That’s what the announcer said. I wonder if that’s her real name or a stage name.
Is she really a virgin?
“Ten million! Going once, twice… SOLD!” the announcer calls, motioning to me. “Head backstage to collect your prize!”
I head for the side door, my gaze tracking Sienna as she teeters in her too-high heels toward the side of the stage. Once she disappears from my view, I pick up my pace, breezing through the door and scanning the crowded hallway for any sign of my girl’s black hair and those luscious curves.
“Right this way, sir,” a man says.
I follow him down the hallway and into a bedroom.
There sits Sienna, toying with the edge of her lingerie. I bite back a groan at how innocent she looks.
Should I really pull her into this lie?Yes, because I know that she’s the one. There’s no one else I want to marry. Fake or otherwise.
Now, to convince her of my plan…
THREE
