Page 62 of Sugar

Depending on when Cohen sent the form, the visit with my office fishes could’ve been fresh in her mind. She’d even mentioned her own fish—which had underscored how damn young she was that she’d won them in high school, and they were still alive. But coincidence or not, I knew the connection to me would still be on my mind when I stroked myself later that night.

Not seeing anything else noteworthy, my gaze returned to her name at the top of the page.

And the asterisk next to it.

Snatching the booklet up, I flipped to the list that he’d sent me initially. There was an asterisk next to a few of the names, including hers.

“You dickhead,” I bit out.

“Oh no. Did my strategically positioned penaccidentallyblock that part out? My bad.”

I might not have attended auctions, but I knew an asterisk meant that the participant wasn’t available for anyone but their already agreed-upon buyer.

“But someone else bid,” I pointed out.

“Because you’re being a dumbass and need to suffer for it.”

Of course it was Cohen.

“What if I wouldn’t have countered?”

“I knew you would. But even if you hadn’t, I would’ve happily paid that twenty-k just to torment you some more.” He shrugged. “Sue me.”

“I’m tempted to.”

“Yeah. I made you get your head out of your ass and pursue the woman you’re in denial about. You’ve got a solid case.” He kept the booklet but flicked the contract closer. “What’s your plan?”

I pocketed the folded paper as I scowled down at him. “None of your business.”

“Want to reserve a room?”

Fuck yes.

“It’s not like that.” If I was a good man, it would be nothing. I would’ve forced her out of the agreement. Instead, I’d offered her a plea deal that still kept her close. One she seemed relieved by since she would still get to keep the money. “She’s going to be my event date.”

His face twisted in outrage. “And you were worried about Niko or Tripp being sadistic. What the hell did she do to deserve that kind of cruelty?”

“If you’re done, I need to get her home.”

“I’m done.” He waited until I was nearly out the door before adding, “I can’t guarantee Maddie is, though.”

I whipped around. “What the fuck does that mean?”

“It means she’s not as naive as you seem to think. And if you don’t learn that, she’ll be back to find someone willing.” He met my angry gaze and didn’t flinch the way every attorney I’d gone against always did. “I’ll happily waive her membership fee, too. You know I’m all about exceptions when it’s good for business.”

“Try it and see what happens,” I said as I stormed out of the office.

And back to what was mine.

Bought and paid for.

Chapter 13

Sugar

MADDIE

None of it was right.