C8 AUCTION

As the host rambled on about the auction items, my buttocks were plastered to the chair. Two tickets that Steve had provided on his private plane for travel to Australia were immediately sold to raise money for an environmental charity. I wasn't at all surprised by it. Anyone would want to fly with a billionaire, right? The issue was that the Earth would get smoggy from all those magnificent jet exhausts. I kept a stiff expression and bit down on my knuckles to stop myself from laughing.

The pain in my foot lessened when the clock reached twelve.

Before massing out the door, they gave their final words to Steve. I let the distance between us grow while I awaited his first step toward the door. My insides had been tingling all night from being so close to him. I needed to flee. Even if his aura made me want to tumble into his lap like a prey animal, I had no intention of doing so.

I was encircled by his arms. He appeared to have a close relationship with me because his hand was hanging around my waist, and he pulled me close to him. I closed my eyes and breathed in his earthy aroma. As I breathed out, I struggled to keep my body from shivering. Had he noticed my response? If I could only flee and hide.

"Are you having fun?" In my ear, Steve gurgled.

Oh gosh. My insides jolted, and my flesh came alive at the sound of his rich voice. My pelvis became infected with arousal, and my breath became shallow. He observed me while I struggled to respond. In a raspy voice, I said, "I am, thank you. I breathed clearly. Mr. Clifford, how are you doing?

He shifted his lips to the side as he scanned my body. His gaze scanned my thighs and breasts before returning to my face.

The thought of him examining and judging me made my heart race. Most girls would have been put off, but I kind of loved it.

It was incredible, he said. You are excellent at what you do.

Despite the fact that it was only an escort job, I basked in the compliment. How challenging could it be to attend a date, really? It's not like I had to show up and speak. By donning a dress and displaying her face, half the work was completed. "I'm grateful. Especially coming from you, it means a lot.

"What makes me unique?"

My brain was jumbled. He was asking way too many questions, and I didn't have any textbook solutions ready. "I don't know, um. All I can say is that you appear significant. as if you were in command. Dominant."

"I see. Do you enjoy a domineering man?

I let out a whimper as my chest shook. My face started to heat up as I attempted to respond. I silently scolded myself and swore to stop thinking about him in the future. He was off-limits because he was a client. "I'm not certain. Never have I encountered somebody like that.

Would you like another chance to make sense of it? He queried.

What was he implying? A second date? My mind rejected the notion. I had absolutely no intention of ever seeing this man again. My lip was bitten. Should I inform him that, as of tonight, I am no longer an employed escort? My inner voice begged me to hold back and ask Rosalyn first before speaking the truth.

He frowned at my silence as we left the building, the chilly breeze surrounding us. His mouth turned downward.

I shuddered and took my time answering the query. I'm unsure right now. Going with my inclination, I said, "I have to run it by the agency." Are you... do you intend to go to another gala?"

He gave me a long, blank look as he peered at me.

What did he have in mind? Had I gotten his goat? Reading his thoughts was challenging. Was my inquiry intrusive enough? Just an escort, really. He didn't have to provide me with the specifics of his calendar. I opened my mouth, and my cheeks grew hot. "I'm sor—"

He reprimanded, "There's always a gala to go to.

I had made a connection. " I apologize. I apologize for being so nosy.

No, I'm the one. I'm perplexed. Do you consistently refuse to give yourself what you want?

My lips tensed up. Now that he had gone too far, the conversation had changed completely. I made the decision to say it again. I must speak with Rosalyn to confirm.

Steve nodded as he accepted my explanation. His back straightened. "Good. Have Rosalyn send me an email if you are scheduled. If you're occupied, I'll have her send another girl, he said, his tone lowering.

Oh, no way. My heart rate rose. Am I really so replaceable? His slight threat lingered in my head as a searing heat burned through my veins. I took a deep breath to ease the pain of envy. Really, did I need him to be seeing someone else? He was destroying all I stood for. Though I had no desire to be engaged to Steve, the thought of watching him date another girl made my stomach turn. even if it was all purely professional. I kept my mouth shut. I made the decision to accept it if he needed another woman. Who the hell needs another gala anyway?

Steve took hold of my wrist. Although it didn't hurt, his aggressiveness made my skin itch. I felt drunk from his presence since sandalwood radiated to my head through my nostrils.

He drew me in his direction. "Come. I must take you to one of my favorite places.

Between us, there was a five-year chasm. He had certainly experienced a lot in his thirty years, and my limited life experiences made me feel small in comparison. My heart was thumping furiously against my chest as I followed him deeper into the shadows.

He advanced briskly. "Up there is this breathtakingly lovely garden. Occasionally, throughout the night, fireflies may arrive and cast light upon the blooming flowers, the man stated.

I kept following him and discovered that he wasn't lying. Rich soil around vibrant blossoms that sparkled under the crescent moon was in front of us. I marveled as I inhaled the magnificent scene.