“And what if he doesn’t approach me?”
“Then I’ll have misread his intentions.”
“Which are?” Anderson’s voice was a little impatient as he pinned Riley with his icy blue stare.
“All will be revealed,” Riley said, a wide smile curving his lips as Anderson snorted in derision.
“Fine but only because we’re friends.”
“Good, now let’s get breakfast because I’m starving,” Riley said, dropping his ice pack onto the desk as he attempted to shrug back into his suit jacket, the pain in his shoulders and ribs making him catch his breath.
There was no doubt about it, as soon as he had Holly safe and out of Marcus’ reach he would make him pay and he would enjoy every second of it.
Chapter 6
Staring down at the clipboard in her hands, Holly fought to keep her mind on the planning of the charity auction and off her memory of Riley lying silent and bloodied on the floor.
She hadn’t heard anyone mention the beating he’d taken and she’d honestly expected the gossip-mongers to have spread it around by now. The only way he could possibly have kept it so quiet was if he hadn’t gone to the hospital, or worse.
No, that was a stupid thing to think. Riley would be just fine; he was sensible and intelligent. The first place he would have visited was the hospital.
The memory of the sound of Marcus’ fists pummelling his body had kept her awake for the night and she knew it was something that would haunt her dreams until she knew Riley was safe.
Of course that wasn’t the only thing keeping her awake at night. Marcus’ new threat wasn’t conducive to a good night’s rest and she’d spent most of the night curled around the baseball bat she’d found in the back of her closet.
“Are you alright?”
The pen Holly held in her hand clattered to the floor as Paris’ voice jerked her from her thoughts.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said, hastily dropping to the floor and searching beneath the chairs and tables that were scattered around.
“You do know if there’s something wrong you can talk to me. I don’t bite, you know.”
“I know. I’m sorry. My mind is just all over the place.” Holly grabbed the pen from beneath the chair it had rolled under and straightened up once more. “I’m fine, I’ve just got a lot on my mind at the minute.”
Paris nodded, the look in her eyes making Holly more than a little suspicious.
“I know, with your engagement and everything, it all happened quite suddenly…”
Holly could tell when someone was fishing for information and now was no exception. Paris’ curiosity was written all over her face. But then she couldn’t exactly blame her, it had all happened suddenly and Breaker’s Point was the type of town where everyone knew everybody else’s business. It had and always would be that way.
“Yeah, have all the volunteers arrived yet?” Holly said, determined to change the subject. She might not particularly like the nosey nature of Breaker’s Point and many of its inhabitants but she certainly didn’t have to play their games.
“That’s actually one of the reasons I wanted to come and talk to you…” Paris trailed off, a look of discomfort crossing her face as she dropped her gaze to the floor.
“Don’t tell me they haven’t turned up? This is going to be a disaster!”
“No, the volunteers are here, that’s all sorted. It’s actually that one of the auction slots has opened up again.”
Holly shook her head in confusion.
“I don’t understand. How can one of the slots have opened up? Everybody confirmed and they know it’s for the charity. Why would they back out?”
“Chelsea Mattheson was supposed to fill the spot but after everything that happened with her brother Grey… Well, she wants nothing more to do with it. She called me up this morning and she was adamant.”
Holly swallowed uncomfortably. She was part of the reason Grey was now dead. If she hadn’t gotten Riley involved then Grey would probably still be spreading his own special brand of corruption and murder around.
“That’s understandable. I can’t even imagine how she must be feeling…”
Paris nodded sympathetically. “They were very close. Chelsea said the only reason she volunteered to be a part of the auction was because Grey wanted her involved.”
“She didn’t happen to mention why he wanted her involved? Charity work never seemed like Chelsea’s forte.”
Paris shrugged. “No, but he was planning to run for some political office. No doubt it was to improve their image… Chelsea does have a little bit of a reputation and, well, he probably thought if she behaved philanthropically for a change that people might be more inclined to overlook her indiscretions.”
Holly smiled in agreement. “Well, I guess whatever the reasoning, none of that matters now if she’s pulled out. We don’t really have enough time to find someone else to fill the spot and…”
“We can’t kill the spot, Holly, you know that. If we do, we won’t hit any of our targets and the charity’ll suffer.”
“What do you propose, then? Because with everything we have left to plan, I’m not sure where we’ll pull another auction candidate from.”
“Well, the rest of the council were hoping you’d fill the spot.”
Holly’s stomach lurched and she started to shake her head. The thought of standing up there in front of everyone as they bid on her… If they bid on her. As far as she was concerned, she wasn’t exactly the type who would inspire the eligible bachelors of Breaker’s Point to part with their hard-earned cash.
“I don’t think so, Paris. I’m not exactly the type of girl they want to see up there. No one is going to bid on me.”
“Nonsense. You’re engaged now, so you’ve got a guaranteed bid with Marcus. And, well, he’s certainly wealthy enough to make it worthwhile for the charity.”
Holly smiled thinly. “Marcus won’t be here, this isn’t really his scene.”
“No? That’s strange. I received an RSVP from him a few days ago. I assumed you’d know because you’re together now.”
Holly’s breath froze in her chest. The charity was the one area of her life that she’d been safe from him. He’d never shown an interest in any of it, and he’d seemed content to let her continue working at it. Probably because it added value to the respectability of her name and that was Marcus’ true interest.
“Of course, it must have slipped my mind,” she said, pleased that she could at least keep the fear and strain from her voice.
“Great, so you’ll do it?”
Holly nodded, panic settling in her stomach. There was no way out of it. She couldn’t let the charity down and Paris was right on one hand. If they didn’t hit their targets for the charity, then it would suffer.
It wouldn’t be so bad. She’d hold her head high and smile and it would be over in a matter of minutes…
Of course the thought of Marcus placing the highest bid for a dance and dinner filled her with dread. Spending any length of time in his company was difficult enough but knowing his hands would soon be wrapped around her was enough to sicken her stomach.
“Are you alright, Holly? You’ve gone very pale.”
Holly plastered a fake smile on her face. “I’m fine, I just need to get back to the planning. There’s a lot to finalise before tonight and I still need to go home and get ready.
Paris grinned and patted her arm. “I know exactly what you mean. I’ve got a hair appointment in an hour and I only hope I’ve left enough time for the makeup artist to work her magic.”
“You’ll look wonderful, as always, Paris,” Holly said, but she could tell the other woman wasn’t even listening anymore as she peered down at her cell phone.
“You’re doing a great job, Holly. I can leave the rest in your capable hands?” Paris said, heading for the exit without even waiting for an answer.
The panic Holly had been holding down inside suddenly fought its way to the surface an
d she struggled to catch her breath. Was this how it was going to be for the rest of her life? Would Marcus creep into every aspect of her life until there was nothing left to escape into?
She had to marry him. She couldn’t see any way out of it. But as she stood in the centre of the ballroom she realised she had to find a way to escape him. If she didn’t, she knew she wouldn’t survive him.
The only problem was how could she escape without hurting anyone she cared about?
Chapter 7
“So who won?”
Riley fought the urge to roll his eyes at his brother’s question. Turning to Stuart he smiled and it was anything but friendly.
“That doesn’t matter. The story is that I took a tumble down the stairs.”
Stuart’s eyes flashed with amusement and Riley watched as he struggled to smother his laughter behind his hand.
“That’s the best you could come up with? Nobody’s going to believe that, they’ll smell a rat straight away.”
“So? Have you forgotten what it’s like to move in our social circle? They’ll pretend to believe whatever I tell them. Even if I told them the truth the gossip-mongers would soon come up with a far juicier story to explain the bruises.”
“They’re not my social circles, never have been. This sort of thing,” Stuart said, gesturing to the growing groups of expensively dressed guests, “has always been your scene.”
“Hi, Riley!” Ellie’s bright voice piped up and Riley shot her a wide smile. “You’re hurt, what happened?” she said, concern colouring her tone.
“Ellie, I’m so glad you could convince him to come. You look absolutely stunning. And I’m fine, just a small tumble down the stairs,” Riley said, reaching out to take her hand in his and lifting it softly to his lips.
He watched as she blushed, the rosy colour spreading up her neck and across her face into her dark hairline.
“Yeah, yeah, that’s enough Casanova. Get your own date,” Stuart grumbled, moving between them until Riley was forced to release Ellie’s hand from his.
“Stuart, you’re being rude. Your brother was just saying hello,” Ellie hissed, the anger in her voice instantly reminding Riley of Holly and her notorious temper.
“I wasn’t rude, it’s just he doesn’t need to say hello by slobbering all over you.”
Laughter bubbled up the back of Riley’s throat but he covered it with a cough. He needed Stuart here. If Marcus made any sort of move against him, having Stu’s backup would even the playing field and laughing at him now wouldn’t exactly put Stuart in a helpful mood.
“He was being a gentleman, Stuart Reynolds, which is more than I can say for you,” Ellie’s said, keeping her voice low but no less angry as she poked one finger into the centre of Stuart’s chest.
Her words seemed to have the desired effect and Stuart instantly softened. He reached out to her, his finger wrapping around one of the dark curls that had escaped from the complicated knot she had swept her hair up into.
“It’s just you look so gorgeous and I’m such an idiot, I don’t know how I got so lucky to have you fall in love with me.”
“Well, I certainly didn’t fall in love with you because you’re a jealous oaf,” she said, but a small smile curled her lips and Riley could tell her anger was slowly dissipating towards his brother.
Stuart had always had the type of disarming charm that allowed him to get away with murder and Riley hadn’t ever been able to wrap his head around the ability.
Riley watched the lovers interact and a small kernel of jealousy took root in his chest. He’d brought all of this on himself.
He’d been brought up to believe that all mistakes could be fixed, that nothing was final unless it was a fatal mistake. His arrogance had led him to believe that he could win Holly back at any time.
Until now…
“I’m going to nip to the ladies room,” Ellie said, drawing Riley back to the conversation going on around him.
“So what’s really going on? I don’t believe you invited us here to enjoy the party. I’m guessing it’s got something to do with your ‘tumble down the stairs’.”
Stuart’s use of finger quotes irritated Riley but he bit back a smart reply.
“I got into an altercation with Marcus Stark.” Riley tipped his head in Stark’s direction. “I wanted you here as a sort of wingman.”
Stuart shot a quick glance over his shoulder to where Marcus stood, surrounded by his guards.
“You got into a fight with that thing? What the hell were you thinking? Did he get the drop on you, because I’ve seen you fight and you’re good, almost as good as I am.”
Riley smiled, since, coming from Stuart, that was high praise.
“I let him beat me.”
Stuart’s look said it all. A mixture of shock and surprise chased across his face like children in the playground.
“I don’t think I’m hearing you correctly, Riley. Did you just say you let him beat you?”
Riley nodded, his eyes scanning the crowds of people who had gathered—Breaker’s Point’s wealthiest all gathered in one place for the evening. But no matter where he looked, he still hadn’t set eyes on Holly and as far as he was concerned she was the important one.
“Is this a joke? Have you lost your mind completely? You know how dangerous it is to do something like that. He could have killed you, Riley. You’re supposed to be the intelligent brother, the responsible one.”
“Look, I know you don’t understand but look at it this way. How far would you go to protect Ellie? What would you do to keep her safe?”
“I’d do whatever it took but I don’t see how lying down and letting someone beat the crap out of me would ever help.”
“I needed information and I had a feeling the only way I’d get it was by letting Marcus gain the upper hand. Anyway, I had to do something, he had Holly and if he didn’t take his frustration out on me I was worried she’d be the target…”
“What did you do to make her a target?”
Riley dropped his gaze to the floor. He didn’t regret the kiss, tasting her lips was one of the best things in the world. But he did regret letting Marcus find out about the kiss, and if he could change that he would.
“I kissed her.”
The three words hung in the air between them until Stuart finally broke the silence.
“You’re an idiot.”
Riley shrugged, there was nothing he could say. Stuart was right but it didn’t mean he wouldn’t do it all over again if he could. One kiss from Holly was worth a thousand bruises.
“So what do you expect me to do?” Stuart said, as the voice of the hostess droned over the microphone on the stage.
“I just want you to keep an eye on Marcus while I track down Holly and have a word with her.”
“And I’m supposed to do what, exactly, if Marcus decides to do the same thing?”
“I don’t know, Stu— stall him, maybe? I’m sure you’ll think of something.”
“And our first gorgeous lady tonight is Holly McCombe. We’ll open the bidding at twenty-five thousand.”
The mention of her name was enough to drown out everything else in the room. He turned, his gaze raking over the stage and those who stood on it.
He found her, his eyes drinking her in as his heart started to pound in his chest. She was complete and utter perfection and his body reacted as he remembered the press of her soft curves against his chest.
“Twenty-five thousand from Marcus Stark. Anybody else?”
“Don’t be a fool, Riley,” Stuart said, his voice an urgent whisper.
But it was already too late and Riley was lost in her wide and frightened eyes.
Chapter 8
Holly shifted uncomfortably on the stage as Paris made the announcement for the beginning of the auction. Being the first on the chopping block was both a blessing and a curse. At least it would be over quickly.
She could feel the heat in her cheeks and she could already imagine the flaming
colour they must be.
“And our first gorgeous lady tonight is Holly McCombe. We’ll open the bidding at twenty-five thousand,” Paris said.
Holly swallowed hard as silence flooded in around Paris’ announcement. She could barely make out the audience below, since the lights that covered the stage made it practically impossible to see anything beyond the edge of the steps that led onto the platform.
“Twenty-five thousand.” Marcus’ bored and irritated voice flooded up from the back of the room and Holly’s heart sank.
“Twenty-five thousand from Marcus Stark. Anybody else?” Paris said, a bright smile painted across her red lips.
It was an impossible situation but part of her couldn’t help but wonder if the humiliation of nobody bidding for her would be better than Marcus winning the auction.
“Fifty.”
Another voice called out and Holly found herself struggling to breathe. He wouldn’t be so reckless, would he? After everything that had happened, after the beating he’d taken from Marcus’, the last person she’d expected to attend was Riley, never mind that he might actually make a bid.
She started to shake her head and then caught herself. There was nothing she could do. They were in public and if she let it slip even for a moment about her deal with Marcus, it would all be over.
Holly bit down on her tongue hard enough to get the metallic taste of blood in her mouth.
“Sixty,” Marcus called out. His voice had lost the bored tone from earlier.
“Seventy,” Riley answered instantly, not once hesitating.
Holly gasped, shock stealing all real thought from her mind.
“Eighty.”
“Ninety.”
“One hundred thousand,” Marcus said triumphantly and Holly felt her heart drop.
Had she lost her mind? Of course Marcus had to win. She was, after all, engaged to him. But still a small part of her, a part she had refused to even acknowledge until Riley had called out his first bid, wished it could be Riley’s hand that took hers as she left the stage.
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