“You’re going to have to help me out then.Looks like I need ideas.”
I know just what to say. I’ve been thinking about it since I got here.It’s not exactly easy to throw in the matter of the auction, especially when we both know what kind of auction it is.But now that the seeds have been sown, it’s time to water them and go in for the kill.
“I’m taking part in the Decadent Auction on Saturday,” I answer, and the smile falls from his face.I know straightaway it’s not because he’s unhappy to hear that.It’s because of the element of competition he’ll have.“I know you’re going. Aren’t you?”
He narrows his eyes. “I am. That sort of thing doesn’t seem like your type of event.”
“It’s not, but it’s for charity and I thought I’d have some fun along the way.”
“You are aware of why the men will be bidding on you?”
“I’m very aware. I just don’t think you’d allow anyone else to bid on me and win.”
Now the smile comes back to his eyes.“You’re going to make me bid on you?”
I give him a nonchalant shrug and take another sip of my drink.“It makes itmore interesting, don’t you think?”
“It does but I might be broke by the time the night is out.”
“I seriously doubt that.”
His eyes drop to my breasts as I take one last sip.When his eyes lock with mine and they fill with ravenous hunger, I know I have him wrapped around my finger.
“Thank you for dinner. I really do have to head out now,” I add.
“I’m away for most of next week.Join me again for dinner tomorrow,” he says, ignoring my comment.
“Dinner again? Mr. Belmont, that sounds like you’re really trying hard to get me in your bed,” I coo.
“I am. Not working?”
“Nope.”
“Mademoiselle Ricci, I don’t think I’ve ever had to work this hard to get any woman in my bed.”
“I believe you.”
He smirks. “Okay, let’s do this.Lunch. A lunch date.”
“Lunch?” Wow. This is perfect.
“Lunch on Thursday. No sex. That way we can save the discussion of sex for the auction when I win you for thirty days, and nights.How does that sound, Mademoiselle Ricci?”
“Perfect,” I answer. It sounds perfect, everything except any discussion of sex.But I’ll do what I have to do.I rise to my feet and give him a sassy, sexy smile that makes his eyes darken with desire.
“Perfect.” He reaches for my hand and when I give it to him, he kisses it in his habitual way.
When he releases me, I give him one last smile and saunter away with my shoulders back and chin lifted high.His hawk eyes follow me, watching every step I take, burning into my body as I walk through the door.Even when I know he can’t see me anymore, I still feel the sexually charged effects of his lingering stare.
That means I’m one step closer to where I need to be.This man undoubtedly wants me in his bed.There's no mistake that I now have him hooked.I should feel better, but there’s an unnerving, almost eerie vibe about him I can’t shake.
It reminds me of the nightmares and secrets from the past I want to keep secret, buried, and forgotten.
I would be inclined to think I’m hyper-aware because Dominic is back, but it’s not that.It’s something specific to Jacques that warns me to keep my head above water.Maybe it's because he reminds me of Uncle Lucas, a man who wore a mask he showed the world.
Stringing a man like Jacques along is playing with fire.
I just hope I don’t get burned.