Chapter Two
Candace
“Good news,” Helen beams.
Eagerly, I press the phone to my ear.“Please, tell me you got me in.”
“I did,” she squeals, and I sigh with relief, mentally crossing my fingers and toes this plan of mine might work.“And, because of your ties to the D’Agostinos, I managed to persuade the auction organizer to place you fourth on the list.”
“Oh my gosh, you’re the best. Thanks so much, Helen.”
As I walk out of the kitchen, I glance back through the window.It’s odd, I had a weird feeling.That weird sensation you get when someone is watching you.I can’t see anybody outside though, just the darkness of the night and the shadow of the building opposite mine.It's at least forty feet away.Clearly, I’m just paranoid because of the shit I’m about to dive into.
“I'm just fascinated. Candace Ricci, it’s not every day a woman like you signs up to an auction of this nature.” She laughs.
The deadline to apply for the Decadent Auction closed last Monday.On Friday when I came up with the bright idea to take part, I begged Helen to work her magic to get me in as a last-minute participant.
“I know,” I chuckle, balancing the phone between my shoulder and the crook of my neck so I can open my bedroom door.I pad over to my bed and sit, setting the plate of cookies down next to me.
“This year you’re in for a real treat of filthy rich, gorgeous men.If I didn’t have Adam, I’d be signing up too.”
I’m sure she would. She’s a veteran of these types of auctions.I on the other hand loathe them.
“I only have my eye on one guy,” I coo, lying through my teeth.
“Of course, forgive me. How dare I forget this clever plan is all about Jacques Belmont?” She giggles in that saucy way she does when we’re talking about men.
“The one and only.”
“That uber gorgeous French man could charm a nun out of her panties.”
Since I’m certain he could, I can’t disagree with her.A month ago, when Jacques signed contracts as D’Agostinos Inc.’s newest client the man turned heads with his GQ looks and that same charm she’s talking about.
“I can’t believe you’re so into him.”
“Thought I’d give him a chance.The auction is something different for me and one sure way to know if he’s as interested in me as he says.” I feel bad for lying to her.I wasn’t raised to be a liar.Then again… I was raised to keep quiet so maybe it’s the same thing.
Jacques has had his eye on me since we met.He’s been trying to get me to go out with him for over a month and I’ve declined every time he asked.
Last week I changed my tune when I stumbled across something significant and realized he might have answers to questions I’ve had for the last thirteen years.Questions about my parent’s deaths.
When I found out Jacques would be attending the auction, I saw it as my chance to get closer to him.
“I’m glad to hear that. I just hope you’re prepared.You do know the man will basically own you for thirty days and thirty nights, right?”
“I know, and I’m definitely prepared.” Another lie.I’m not prepared in the least and poor Helen is completely unable to see through the crock of shit I’m dishing her.
Helen and I became friends a few years ago when I started working for Massimo as his PA. She’s the PR manager.Although she’s come to be a great friend, and the only one I have who isn’t married with children, she doesn’t know me enough to know a date auction is the last thing I’d ever be signing up to,let alone one being run by the Syndicate.
In an ordinary date auction, a couple would be expected to go on an actual date and do something like dinner and a movie.Anything to do with the Syndicate would be the stark opposite.
Massimo might be in charge now, but he kept all the old practices and events alive to please the old school gentleman’s club type investors.So, this auction is literally a woman auctioning her body to the highest bidder.
At least it’s partly for charity.Fifty percent of the winning bids will be given to help the people in Long Beach who lost their homes in the floods.Beneath that façade is the enticement of sex.
These types of events attract billionaires and businessmen with special tastes for the dark and decadent.Men with dark fantasies of buying women.Men like Jacques Belmont. With the starting bid at a hundred thousand dollars and the remaining fifty percent for the woman on sale, the expectations are laid out on the table.
“You’ve got me hooked on this plan of yours,” Helen bubbles.“The question on my mind though is how you’re so certain Jacques will bid on you.”