Uh-oh.
What in the world is Ethan doing here?It makes no sense.Especially after informing Lexie it’s too…I don’t know, dangerous?To be here.Talk about a pot calling the kettle black.
What a jerk.
Jagger’s jaw clenches, though he keeps his butt planted where it is at one of the tables closest to the stage.So much for keeping his expression locked tight.It seems like Ethan has found his kryptonite, and Jagger looks pissed.“Ten grand,” he booms.
Like a fish, Violet’s mouth opens and closes on stage.She’s as lost as everyone else in the room.Twisting her fingers in front of her, she turns to Cobie as if to say,Do something!Quick!
“Sold.”Cobie doesn’t give Ethan a chance to counter Jagger’s offer.Nope.Why add gasoline to an already blazing fire?
Settling back in his seat, Ethan smirks and offers a shrug.It’s like he’s saying,He can have her.And that?It’s as much of a jerk move as betting on her in the first place.
Yeesh.
Violet wobbles out of the audience’s view and into mine, her expression nothing short of shock.I don’t blame her.Talk about a curveball.
Once she’s close enough, I reach for her forearm and tug her behind the stage.“You okay?”I ask.
Her head shakes back and forth as if she’s attempting to clear the aftereffect of what just unfolded from clouding her thoughts.“I really want someone to stab Ethan while he’s sleeping.Just sayin’.”She sighs.“Better get out there.You’re next.”
“What?”
“Didn’t you see the lineup?”Violet starts, but Cobie’s voice cuts her off.
“June Withers!”Cobie announces.Crap.I must’ve missed the first part of my introduction.“Come on out, June.”
I think I’m going to be sick.
“Can’t cause any more of a splash than I just did,” Violet murmurs.She tacks on a reassuring smile, then gently urges me forward.“Go get ‘em, tiger.”
Feeling like a lamb being led to the slaughter, I shoot her a desperate look over my shoulder as my feet carry me onstage.
I seriously think I’m going to lose it.
14
FORD
Isit up a little straighter in my seat as June walks onstage.Whoever dressed her deserves a raise.Or their eyes ripped out.My money’s on Lexie.Considering her time at The Body Shop, she’s a seasoned pro at making men feel…desire.My cock twitches in my slacks, and I lean forward, resting my elbows on the table as I stare at the goddess in black silk.Her lips are painted red, and her rich brown hair cascades in a glossy, straight waterfall down her back.Add in the red heels that match her lipstick and make her legs look like they go on for miles, and I feel like a dog with a damn bone.
I didn’t hear her introduction.I was too busy texting Hawke beneath the table, thanks to our father’s presence across from us and our lack of privacy.I know it could wait until we get home.Ethan’s…whatever the hell that was.But I was too impatient to let the moment settle.Too determined to figure out why he’d bid on Jagger’s girlfriend when he’s all too aware she’s off-limits.
Nah.He’s provoking us.The same way he did to me on the HHU grounds with Cody.It’s like he wants us to start a war.
June’s red lips part as she stands on stage.Nervous.Adorable.And so damn shy, I swear I can taste her innocence from here.She fiddles with the deep V-neckline of her dress, confirming her cleavage playing peekaboo with the audience is still on the side of sexy and not indecent.
Don’t worry, June Bug.You look perfect.
“Do I have one hundred?”Cobie calls.
“One hundred!”a voice calls.
Bryan.
I had him pegged from the minute I walked in.He’s sharing a table with a few of his fireman buddies to the right of me.If he were anyone else, I’d greet him like we’re best buds.After all, it’s how I make money in my line of work.Connections are everything.But I can’t help myself this time.Nah, I’m good.Besides, he doesn’t seem like a betting man, anyway.He seems like a take-her-to-church-and-wait-until-marriage kind of guy.
I wonder if that’s June’s thing, too.If she’s waiting until marriage.If she’s ever been fucked.I raise my hand.“Two hundred.”
