I was his favorite toy to play with, which was why I’d been on the run for the better part of four years. The only reason I came back was because I was flat-out desperate. Everywhere I went his minions were right on my tail. From Vegas to Boston, Massachusetts to Portland, Oregon, Miami, Florida, and through every state and city in between, he had me followed.
Thankfully, I’d always been at least two steps ahead. Never planting roots in one particular location for long because I knew there wasn’t a place in the world I could hide where he wouldn’t eventually find me. It was inevitable. I knew it, and he knew it. But if I was rich and legally bound to another powerful man, there would be nothing he could do about it.
I turned my head and focused my attention back on the other candidates.
“Yo, you all good?” The only man in the room tapped the cowgirl on the shoulder. “No hard feelings for holding you back? It’s in my nature to protect a woman—especially sisters.” He shrugged. “Got five of my own, so I know how crazy two angry women can get.” He smiled softly, and I noted not only was the man handsome, but he was also huge.
The cowgirl held out her hand. “Thank you. If you have little sisters, you know how it is. We don’t ever stop worrying or wanting the best for ’em.”
“I heard that.” He chuckled and shook her hand. “Memphis Taylor,” he said, his voice a deep, smooth rumble that was like tasting a top-shelf whiskey for the first time.
The cowgirl’s eyes widened. “The Memphis Taylor? The man who single-handedly scored four touchdowns and two interceptions for the Georgia State Panthers two years ago in the game against the Texas State Bobcats, winning it all?”
“You’re a college football fan?” His head jerked with surprise.
“Love the game. You were amazing. Then you took that tackle, and— ”
He cut her off with a sportsman-like clap to the back. “Old news, woman.”
She took the hint and left it alone while nodding. Then she glanced around the room at the rest of us sitting around the table staring at them. “Dakota McAllister.” She pointed to herself. “And this is my sister, Savannah.” She hooked a thumb behind her.
Savannah waved and looked directly at me as though she was requesting an introduction, so I obliged.
“I’m Faith Marino, local to Las Vegas. I waitress and deal cards in casinos. My father owns and operates a small Italian restaurant.” I offered up the bare minimum. I did not need any of these people talking or asking about me around town. Not that we’d be here long since tomorrow night was the auction. “That’s it. Me in a nutshell.” I crossed my arms over my chest and attempted a genuine smile even though I had nothing to smile about in the grand scheme of things.
“You already heard our story,” the fiery redhead named Savannah announced to the group. “We need to save our family’s land and ranch in Montana. That’s why we’re here.”
Dakota clenched her jaw so tightly I could see a muscle ticking in her cheek. She did not like what her sister was about to do, and I totally got that. Not that my sister wouldn’t have jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, she’d never have made it through the application process. My sister, Grace, was a filthy junkie who roamed the streets looking for handouts and her next fix. I hadn’t set eyes on the woman in four years, which broke my heart but also gave me an enormous sense of relief. Her being a wanderer, sticking to the dark side of the Vegas Strip, meant it was unlikely anyone would give any credence to the things she may or may not know about me and my past. I let out a slow, relieved breath while the one man in the room introduced himself.
“Memphis Taylor. In my previous life I played ball. Was about to go pro until I got injured. My family needs me now more than ever…so here I am.” He eased back into his chair and leaned to the side to focus on the other women here.
The cute blonde waved. “I’m Ruby Dawson. Born and bred in a trailer, dead middle of Mississippi. Spent most of my time taking care of my sister and waitressin’。 I want a better life, and this auction is going to give it to me.”
“God willing,” the Asian woman who hadn’t yet introduced herself to anyone murmured.
“What was that?” Ruby cocked her head, attitude in her tone.
Ruby was a firecracker ready to explode for sure.
“Just that we hope whoever buys us does exactly as you desire. Gives us a better life.”
“You worried about being mistreated, darlin’？” Dakota asked, tapping her fingers on the top of the table, concern in her tone.