The Marriage Auction: Book One(34)

It was bold, audacious, and hungry.

My cock was painfully hard against the fabric of my pants. So much so, I ran my hand past her waist, cupped her tight rear end, and ground against her, needing that carnal connection after four long years of my sex drive being dormant.

Her fingers tightened against my shoulders, and she miraculously pressed closer, bringing her chest flat against mine as her arms wound around my neck and she lifted up onto her toes. Her body was flush against mine from knees to chest. A slip of paper wouldn’t have fit between us.

I growled into her mouth, drinking deeply until I physically couldn’t breathe any longer. I ripped my mouth away and ducked my head to her neck, panting against her skin. Her fingers were in my hair, twisting through the long layers. I inhaled sharply and felt my dick throb and twitch at the delicious mixture of her coconut and citrus scent filling my lungs. It reminded me of being out in the sun on the beach beside my home in Santorini, Greece. Mouthwateringly good. I wanted desperately to run my tongue along her neck, taste that scent directly, and drag my teeth across the delicate surface, leaving my mark.

My heart pounded, my chest tightened, and my cock wanted nothing more than for me to bend this woman over the signing table and stake my claim. In the past, I’d never been the overbearing alpha type. And yet, something about Faith brought out a possessive side. As if I was getting a second chance at everything I’d ever wanted, and I needed to secure it in every way possible.

Which was ludicrous as we’d not even properly met before I put my mouth on her.

Stupid and selfish. I couldn’t imagine what she must think.

I loosened my grip on her and slid my hands back up her waist and settled them on her biceps as I stepped back a foot so I could greet her appropriately.

Her eyes were endless pools of blue water that I wanted to stare into for hours. But as we both stood there foolishly silent, taking in one another, Madam Alana interrupted by clearing her throat.

“Well, now that was an interesting greeting.” She beamed. “Mr. Castellanos, could you be so kind as to sign the contract before you take any additional liberties. Not that Faith seemed to mind.” She tsked, and Faith’s eyes widened.

I watched as a rosy flush slid across her face and she pressed her lips together as though halting a smile. I cupped her cheek and ran my thumb over her mouth until she let go of those kiss-swollen lips. Lips I wanted very much to plunder again.

Soon, I promised myself.

“You are even lovelier in person. I apologize for my crude greeting. I simply couldn’t help myself,” I murmured and let my hand drop away. “I’ll be but a moment,” I stated and went over to the table. I grabbed the pen and noted where Faith had signed her name. Her signature was big, swirling letters in cursive. Pretty penmanship that went with a more than pretty woman. I added my name, lifted the contract, and passed it to Madam Alana.

She took it, folded it twice, and held it between her fingers as she assessed us both. “Yours are the last signatures of the evening. I’d like to see you both at tomorrow morning’s final meeting at eight o’clock sharp. I will go over my company’s expectations of you both, alongside the other couples. I expect you to be there bright and early.” She moved to leave, heading toward the door.

“Um, Madam Alana?” Faith called out.

“Yes, darling?” She held on to the handle of the door.

“What happens now?” Faith’s voice was low as she glanced at me and then away.

Madam Alana smiled sweetly. “You get to know your fiancé, of course. Toodle-oo. See you in the morning, darling.”

I swallowed at the sound of the heavy door shutting against the frame.

Faith stood biting on those delicious lips, twisting her fingers together. Until the sound of an incessant buzzing came from the table where we’d signed our documents. On top of the table was a gold sparkly clutch that seemed to be where the sound came from.

Faith bolted toward it as though it was a lifeline. I grinned at her cute antics. Over time, she wouldn’t be so skittish. I looked forward to the time when she wouldn’t want to leave my presence so quickly.

She opened her bag, picked up the phone, and hit a few buttons on the screen.

My smile drooped as her back stiffened and her hand went to her mouth. She let out a little gasp as her body trembled where she stood .

I stomped over to her, put my hand to the small of her back, and read over her shoulder.

On her phone in black printed text was a phrase that had me filling with fury instantly.

I read the phrase out loud. “I know you’re in my town. I will find you. Watch your back.” I growled as rage grew hot and violent within my veins, threatening to boil over any second.

Faith snapped back from my touch, clutching her phone to her chest. She looked around the room as though she was assessing her options for escape.

“What the hell is going on? Is someone threatening you?” I demanded.

She shook her head a bunch of times, but her eyes were filled to the brim with pure fear. “Uh, I’m sorry. I need to go. I’ll um, see you in the morning for the meeting?” She tried grabbing her purse and shoving her phone into it.

I put my hands up in front of her in a stop motion as to not add to her fear by grabbing hold of her. Whoever had sent that text had clearly frightened her. I’d not have any person threatening my bride, or any woman for that matter. “Faith, there is no way you’re leaving my sight after receiving a threat like that. You’re coming with me.”