Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
At least it’s tasteful. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I’m surprised. Everything is done in fine detail, and every security measure is in place. Limos, jets, and helicopters surround the place, and the inside of the grand white tent is impressive.
I got here early, wanting to make sure I didn’t have any problems getting through security. It took a while, but I can’t complain about it because it seems they take their job of keeping the women safe seriously.
But I’m ready to get this over with. I’m not going to breathe easy until I have Sassy in my arms and we’re on our way back to Whiskey Run.
The longer I sit here, the more on edge I become. I’ve watched woman after woman be auctioned off, and it fuckin’ pains me to know that Sassy is going to be up there for other men to look at and bid on. They may bid, but they’ll never win. I’ll bet my whole damn ranch if I have to. Sassy is mine.
The woman with the blunt blond bob that gave her name as Coco St. James – what kind of name is that anyway? - is getting ready to announce the next person, and I know it’s Sassy. Even before she says a word, I have goosebumps, and the hair on the back of my neck is standing up.
I move farther to the edge of my seat and put my hand on the bidding button. We were told that when we want to bid, all we need to do is push the button. As soon as Mrs. St. James says Sassy’s name, I’m holding on to the button, not letting it go.
She introduces Sassy as a virgin cowgirl that knows how to ride. Fuck me, I can’t sit here through this. I jump from my seat, still holding on to that damn button. Other chairs in the room are lighting up, and it pisses me off. They have the audience in the dark so I can’t give the evil eye to anyone. All I can do is keep holding that button, determined to win my virgin.
The whole time, I keep my eyes trained on Sassy. She’s not comfortable up there. No one else may notice, but I sure can tell. I’m ready for this to be over.
Coco St. James stops talking and presses her finger to her earpiece before announcing, “Bidder #75, you have to let go of the button. You’re outbidding yourself.”
I growl in frustration, and it fills the room. Sassy’s head jerks up, and I wonder if she realizes it’s me out here. Could she have recognized my voice?
Reluctantly, I take my finger off the button and hover over it instead. Mrs. St. James continues, “Sassy, you have the crowd excited. Okay, so bidding is at three million. Do I have three point two million?”
Another man bids, and I hit my button before she asks for another one. The bidding continues, and I’m determined to win. I don’t care if I’m outbidding myself; I’m not leaving anything to chance. Finally, when it’s reached six million and Mrs. St. James announces bidder #75 as the winner, I’m out of my seat and heading to the stage.
Sassy is being directed where to go, and I can see her trembling as she walks down the steps. A security guard tries to stop me, holding me back, and I say Sassy’s name.
Her head jerks up. “Cole?” When she sees me, she says my name again and starts running to me.
I move to the side and catch her against my chest as her arms and legs wrap around me. I hold on to her, refusing to let go. I squeeze her hard because all I can think about is what would have happened if I wasn’t here. Losing Sassy is not an option.
“You need to put her down until you’ve transferred the funds.”
The security guard puts his hands on Sassy as if he’s going to take her away from me. He doesn’t have a clue how far I’ll go to keep her in my arms. I hold on to her a little tighter. “Take your hands off her.”
He looks into my eyes, and he must see how serious I am. He throws his hands up, palms facing me. “You have to pay, man. I’m just trying to do my job.”
I nod in understanding. “I’ll pay. But you’ll keep your hands off her.”
“Fine.” The security guard gives up trying to hold me back and instead puts a hand to my back and leads me to the exit.
I carry Sassy with me, her face buried in my neck. For the first time in a week, I finally start to relax.
She’s mine now.
I stop at the cashier and sign my name, approving the wire transfer. He points out the door. “If you want the marriage option, turn left. Forgoing it? You’re free to go. Parking lot is to the right.”