Page 63 of Valentine’s Billionaire Auction

The others murmured their agreement, nodding along.

I was immediately defensive. “This is a PR strategy. That’s all. I don’t want to lay it on too thick.”

Marilyn raised an eyebrow. “Of course, sir. But even a PR strategy could use a little romance.”

I finished my coffee in silence, half-listening to their many suggestions. I was preoccupied with thoughts of Kaira.

Was I really considering doing something for Valentine’s Day? For her?

It was so out of character for me.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that Kaira had changed the dynamic of the household. I probably did owe her a little more than just the money and fine things I was buying her. She would probably enjoy a nice gesture.

“I’ll think about it,” I finally conceded.

The kitchen fell silent for a moment, everyone likely just as surprised as I was.

Marilyn smiled. “She would appreciate it, even if it’s just a small gesture.”

“I’ll think about it,” I repeated. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight.”

I walked out of the kitchen and stopped by the library once again. She was still sound asleep. I left her where she was and headed upstairs.

The staff had given me a lot to think about.

23

KAIRA

Iwoke up with a start, my heart pounding and my skin tingling. My cheeks flushed as the remnants of my dream lingered in my mind—Roman’s hands on me, his mouth tracing a line down my neck, his voice low and demanding in my ear.

God, get a grip, Kaira.

I let out a shaky laugh and glanced around the dimly lit library. The soft glow of the fireplace was the only light. There was a soft blanket draped over me, one I hadn’t grabbed myself. My lips curved into a small smile. Roman.

I stretched, the dream still clinging to the edges of my consciousness. It had been one hell of a ride. The erotic dream had been a combination of reality and straight fantasy. Elements of the pool situation mingled with the book I had been reading and my own very vivid imagination.

My body was still tingling. Taking a deep breath, I lifted the blanket off and rose from the plush chair. The floor was cold under my bare feet. I quickly slipped them into my discarded shoes.

My relationship—or whatever it was—with Roman had turned into something I couldn’t quite classify. Was it just a ploy for the public? Or was there something more, something that could be expanded upon?

I stretched, trying to work the kink out of my neck. I wondered how long I had been asleep. And why hadn’t Roman woken me up?

I couldn’t decide if it was really sweet or callous. Then I looked down at the blanket. I was going to give him the benefit of the doubt. It was a kind gesture.

I spotted my phone on the table along with the book I had been reading. I checked the time, knowing it had to be late.

It wasn’t just late, it was the middle of the night. I couldn’t believe I had slept so hard. I chalked it up to the craziness of the last few days. The exhaustion had finally caught up with me.

I found the remote for the fireplace and turned it off. Then I laughed quietly to myself. “Like he’s going to be worried about the electric bill.”

But still, I couldn’t leave it on. Just because he could pay the electric bill, it didn’t mean I needed to just blow it. I picked up the blanket. I wasn’t sure where it belonged and decided to take it with me. I would ask Marilyn where it belonged in the morning.

The house was eerily quiet when I stepped out of the library. The staff that lived on the premises stayed in a group of rooms downstairs. It was a little antiquated, but it wasn’t like they were living in squalor.

I wandered down the hallway. It was the kind of silence that amplified every tiny little sound. I could hear a soft humming noise. It could be the refrigerator or any one of the many gadgets in the kitchen. I made my way up the grand staircase, running my fingers along the polished banister, and stifled a yawn.

As I reached the landing, I nearly jumped out of my skin when a door at the top of the stairs opened abruptly. Roman stepped out, pulling the doors closed behind him with a soft click of the lock.