Audrey taps her lips as we walk past her mother, who is crying quietly. “How does one become a billionaire? Is it by dismantling companies run by awful parents?”
“Usually, no. Destroying your parents was just a lovely side gig this year. I’ve gotten my hands into quite a few pots over the years. Got some minority stakes in a few sports teams, and I’ve invested in a production company in LA. But mostly it’s making excellent decisions in stocks and investment properties. If you ever want to vacation somewhere, I probably have a property there, or I know someone who does.”
“Good to know. But last week was the first vacation I’ve taken in quite a few years, so it’s safe to say I don’t leave town too often.”
“That’s going to change, Doc.”
“It is?”
“Yes. I’m making it my mission to show you the world.”
Her arm tightens around my waist. “As long as I’m with you, I don’t care where we are. I think my favorite place to be will always be right next to you.”
I kiss the top of her head, loving how her hair tickles my nose. “You have your hair down tonight.”
“I’ve been leaving it down more often,” she says quietly. “Because I know it’s your favorite.”
It absolutely is.
As we walk back into the ballroom, I’m surprised to find Chelsea at the podium, handling the auction with ease. Maddox is up, arms crossed over his chest, as he glares at someone in the audience. He’s holding a whining puppy that looks very confused by its surroundings, and Maddox absentmindedly scratches its neck.
“Ladies, remember your date can be anything you want! Dinner and a movie, picnic in the park. Or make them take you up in a private jet and join the mile high club! There is no limit. Use your imagination! The last bid was five thousand dollars, going once … going twice …”
“Ten thousand dollars!”
Audrey gasps, her body stiffening. Turning to her, I ask, “What’s wrong?”
“That’s Claire!” The woman stalking to the front looks furious, and taking a quick glance at Maddox shows me he isn’t thrilled with the turn of events either. Audrey steps forward from where we’re hidden off to the side of the stage, but I pull her back into my arms. I want to see how this plays out.
Claire stops before the stage, positively fuming, as Maddox squats down so they’re eye-to-eye. “You want that quickie now, don’t you, Sunshine?”
“No way,” Audrey hisses. “He tried to proposition her earlier tonight!”
The grin Claire gives Maddox is menacing. “I’m going to make your life a living hell.”
Maddox chuckles, then stands upright. “You’ll be begging for my cock before we even get to the main course.”
Claire laughs. “That little thing? Doubtful. I will, however, place a friendly wager with you.”
“Oh yeah? I like winning. What are the stakes?”
“Whoever gives in first.”
“And what do you get if you somehow manage to win?” Maddox asks boastfully.
“You donate one million dollars to wherever I tell you to.”
Maddox whistles. “Jesus, Sunshine. A million? That’s a hefty sum.”
“I looked up your most recent contract. I know you can afford it.”
“Alright. And when I win?”
Claire crosses her arms, forcing Maddox’s gaze to dip. “When?”
He gives a feral smile. “Oh yeah, Sunshine. When I win. You’re mine for a month, to do with how I please.”
Claire holds out her hand, which Maddox takes. They shake, and then Claire turns, stalking away. I turn to Audrey. “What the hell was that?”
