Free Bachelor Auction by Darah Lace Page B

matchmaking, but I just don’t think it’s going to
    work.”
    “Chad’s right. Marcus will do it,” Melody said.
    She scooted to the edge of her chair. “I want you to
    remember what we discussed earlier this evening
    about using this opportunity to—”
    “Yes, Mel, I remember.” Charlotte glanced
    pointedly at the others who looked on with interest.
    She was sure Melody would tell them exactly what
    she meant later if she hadn’t already, but for now,
    Charlotte could pretend otherwise and retain some
    semblance of self-respect.
    Sighing, she closed her eyes and recalled
    Melody’s words.
    What better way to show him what you’re really
    like?
    No. Hell no. She didn’t want that.
    Okay, then think of it this way. Being confined
    with Marcus for a few days on a cruise ship or at a
    secluded ski lodge is a sure-fire chance to work your
    wiles on him. You could get him out of your system
    once and for all.
    Melody was right about one thing. She needed to
    get Marcus out of her system. Until she did, she
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    Darah Lace

    would never be happy with the solitary life she’d
    chosen.
    What better way to do it than to actually have
    him in a position guaranteed to keep him constantly
    within reach? For all that he tried to be different, he
    was only a man, and when it came down to it, lust
    overpowered
    the
    strongest
    will,
    given
    the
    opportunity.
    Charlotte felt the corners of her lips tilt upward.
    She could do it. She could seduce Marcus, have a
    wild weekend full of hot and steamy sex, and finally
    get him out of her system.
    And once she did, she would be the one to walk
    away.
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    Bachelor Auction

Chapter Five
    On Thursday morning, almost a week after the
    bachelor auction, Marcus entered St. Anne’s
    Hospital for the first of many embarrassingly
    difficult publicity appearances as Charlotte’s bought-
    and-paid-for bachelor. He still hadn’t gotten past the
    fact that he’d been backed into a corner—trapped no
    less—by those he trusted. They’d known just which
    buttons to push to ensure his cooperation.
    Using the threat to Preston Enterprises and the
    children’s
    benefit
    had
    been
    irritating
    but
    understandable. He had always considered himself
    an honorable man. But knowing they’d guessed his
    secret, an unwanted attraction to Charlotte, was
    humiliating. More so, they’d known he would never
    stand for one of them assuming the role of auctioned
    bachelor and spending a weekend with her. For a
    moment, he’d almost let pride overrule honor.
    He cringed every time he thought how close he’d
    come to calling their bluff. God knows he’d wanted
    to. But there was no way in hell he could let Chad
    take his place. His younger brother got along with
    Charlotte too damn well. No telling what kind of
    trouble they’d get into.
    Marcus had almost insisted Mitch step up to the
    plate since he’d recently sworn off women but
    reconsidered after a brief glance at Charlotte. If she
    had an entire weekend to work her wiles, even Mitch
    might succumb to temptation. The only brother he
    figured she couldn’t and wouldn’t try to seduce was
    Spencer. Somehow, Marcus didn’t think Melody
    would agree to that solution.
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    Darah Lace

    Pausing in front of the swinging doors that led
    to the game room for the children of the burn unit,
    Marcus tried to collect himself. He hated that he
    even gave a damn who Charlotte seduced. But it had
    bothered him over the years, watching her flirt and
    flaunt and literally fall into men’s laps. He’d tried
    not to imagine what she did with them in private.
    Then things had changed. He had changed.
    Since the night of July fourth at the mayor’s party
    when she’d come apart in his arms, he hadn’t been
    able to think about much else. Just the idea of her
    with another man made him crazy. And that pissed
    him off more than anything.
    Over the last few days, he had dealt with this
    realization—or tried to—and had come to the
    conclusion that the only