“I think your imagination is getting out of control,” I whisper back to her as all the ladies start filing into the back. Eve shakes her head that she doesn’t think she’s getting a bit carried away.
I check my phone again as my mom takes the stage to get this rolling. I have no response from Crane still. What if he doesn’t show?
What if this stalker is the person that ends up winning me?
19
CRANE
My copied key works on the mayor’s office, no problem. I slip it into my pocket and head down the hall, Mayor Grable’s voice coming through on the loudspeaker from the presentation room.
Once the auction is over, all I’ll have to do is wait around for her to stash the funds for safekeeping, take them, then get into her office. After that, I can stage the money and take a few photos, then leave and send the dirt to Mayor McGovern. Easy.
I stride into the presentation hall and take a seat.
“Hey, ready to bid?” Carlton sits next to me. “This is going to be prime entertainment.” He smiles.
“I’ve brought my money clip, if that’s what you mean.”
He nods. “All right. More money for charity is always a good thing.”
It seems like the entire town is here to watch this little spectacle, not to mention a large contingent of men. Mick is here looking uncharacteristically clean and groomed, and so is the sheriff, Clark. I know they have their eye on my girl, but Liza is going home with me tonight. No one else.
The mayor smiles. “This was a wonderful idea, and I couldn’t be happier to serve as your auctioneer for the evening.”
The crowd applauds.
“We have a great roster for this evening, and of course, all the proceeds go to charity. Not to be a stickler, but all winners must pay in cash before they’re allowed to escort their bachelorette for the evening. Also, we want all participants to have fun in this family friendly event, so remember that you’re buying the bachelorette’s good will for the evening, nothing else. But I’m certain that doesn’t need to be said. So without further ado, let’s get to the bidding!” She claps as the curtain opens behind her, revealing a row of women.
Not that I look at anyone except the stunner in the gold dress that clings to her like a second skin. I feel like a bomb goes off inside me the moment I set eyes on her, on the way she gives a demure smile and stands primly in her vixen’s dress.
“Holy shit.” I clench my fists and glare around the room, well aware that every man in this place is staring at what’s mine. That’s when my ears start to ring, and before I know it, I’m on my feet.
The mayor looks down at me, her eyes widening as I climb to the stage and stalk toward Liza.
Liza’s eyebrows rise in alarm as I go right to her, bend over, and throw her over my shoulder, then carry her off the stage.
My ears are still ringing, my heart pounding, my palms going sweaty as I carry her backstage and to the first room I see. Once inside, I claim her mouth in a rough kiss, my body needing hers in ways too primal for me to understand.
She grips my shoulders, whatever protests might’ve been on her lips dying away. I’m starved for her, for all of her, and I’ve been trying so hard to keep my cock out of her. Guilt had me in a goddamn twist, but all that fell away the second I saw her up there in the spotlight, her body a tantalizing monument to lust and beauty.
“I couldn’t let anyone else see you.” I don’t even recognize my voice as I reach between her legs and cup her hot cunt. “Because this is mine. Say it.”
She whimpers, her breaths coming hard and fast as she looks up at me.
“Say it.” I run my fingers along the seam of her panties.
“It’s yours.”
“What’s mine, Liza? What belongs to me?” I slide her panties to the side and ease a finger inside her wet heat.
“M-my … my pussy.”
“Good girl.” I kiss her hard again, tasting every bit of her as I work two fingers inside her. There’s no holding back anymore, not when I need to mark her as mine. No other man will ever know the sweetness between her legs. Only me.
Twisting my fingers, I yank her panties away and stuff them into my pocket, then reach for my belt, undoing it, then my pants.
Her mother’s voice hums in the background, taking bids on the other bachelorettes. That’s fine. But no one is going to bid on my woman. Not fucking happening.
“What are you–”
“I’m going to fuck you, Liza. Right here against this door. Tell me now if you don’t want it, because if you don’t, I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop.” I rub her clit, pinching it between my fingers.