Page 10 of His to Possess

“It would be a big deal,” Leone says firmly. “One of our highest profile members was involved in that bidding—

“Aden fucking Roth,” Philip growls. “If he’s one of your highest profile members, you need my fucking money.”

Leone ignores him, continuing as if Philip hadn’t spoken. “And he’s not at all pleased that thisguestwas able to sweep in and take the winnings.”

“Jesus fuck,” Philip mutters. “She’s not a winning—she’s a human being.”

Leone raises a sardonic eyebrow. “Be that as it may, this member is adamant that all the rules be followed.”

“Go get Roth,” Philip demands, crossing his arms. “I’ll fucking pay him, too.”

I have no idea why he’s doing this. If he’s willing to purchase a girl’s virginity, it seems odd that he would draw such a firm line at the public aspect. It’s not like he really has the moral high ground here. And if I’m causing him this much trouble, why wouldn’t he just let me be re-entered into the auction?

“I don’t particularly care how much money you have, Mr. Matthews. I have to look out for my membership—which does not include you.”

Philip takes several deep breaths. “You cannot force her to have sex in front of other people. You can’t force her to have sex at all. I don’t care what she signed—we all know there’s not a court in this country that would enforce that contract.”

“Perhaps not,” Leone says. “But we do have several highly prominent people in our membership rolls. People who won’t be at all pleased to see someone try to take advantage of our club. They could make Miss Cartwright’s life quite unpleasant.”

“Are you threatening her?” Philip asks in a low, strained voice.

“I’m merely reminding you both that there are consequences for our actions. And there would definitely be consequences for breaking that contract. This event is one of the bedrocks of our club membership.”

“Of course it fucking is,” Philip mutters. “It fits you all so well.”

The man steps forward. “Excuse me?”

We’ve long since passed the point where this got out of control. If the argument goes on much longer, I’m positive Philip is going to punch someone. I tug on his jacket sleeve. “Can I talk to you?”

He glares down at me. “No. I’m taking care of this.”

“Please.”

He studies my face for a long moment before turning back to the men. “Surely your precious membership won’t mind if I take a few moments to talk to myprize.” He practically growls the last word, his displeasure obvious.

“Of course,” Rossi says quickly, perhaps before Leone can object. Unlike his creepy business partner, he seems to be plenty scared of Philip. I don’t blame him. I get the sense that Philip is currently planning how best to destroy this club and everyone in it.

Once the men have filed out, Philip turns to me. “How in the fuck did you get yourself involved in all this?”

“A friend suggested it. But that’s beside the point.” I square my shoulders, trying to gather my courage. “I appreciate you looking out for my privacy, but at this point, does it really matter?”

His eyes narrow. “Explain yourself.”

“Philip, I was planning to sleep with a stranger tonight anyhow.” His eyes flash at that and I hurry to continue before he can release his obvious rage on me. “What’s the difference if I end up having sex in front of strangers?”

“What exactly are you saying, Lilah?”

I shrug. “Maybe we should just do it. Get it over with. Save yourself the extra six hundred grand and—”

Something like horror flashes over his face. “I’m not going to fuck you, Lilah,” he bites out. “Are you insane?”

I blink up at him, trying to quell the flood of hurt surging through me. “But…you paid for me.”

It was the wrong thing to say, apparently, because Philip looks even angrier.

“I paid to get you off that stage. Not to take your virginity. Jesus Christ, what do you take me for?”

Cold seeps through me as pain and dread curls in my belly. “You don’t…you don’t plan to sleep with me?”