Page 55 of Tangled Roses

“What have you agreed to?”

I’m curious and she giggles adorably. “A date, of course. My ex just cheated on me with my best friend and I’m doing this to get back at him and have some fun in the process. There’s no point in crying at home. That would be him winning.”

It makes me laugh and she whispers, “Why are you doing this?”

“Because I was asked, and she was so sweet about it, I couldn’t say no.”

“You’re an angel. Good for you.”

Sindy smiles and stares at me with admiration, which leaves me feeling very good about myself. Yes, like her, I did it to make a point and I wonder what Arman will think when I stand under the spotlight and become everything he made me feel.

CHAPTER 32

ARMAN

Where is she? Now I’m anxious because it hasn’t escaped my attention that Ellie is still in danger and I’m the fool who has placed her in plain sight.

I dash off a quick text to Luka, and his reply doesn’t help.

“We are still looking, but I can assure you she won’t leave the hotel.”

That doesn’t make me feel any better because anyone might have taken her. She could be in one of the rooms being held hostage, or worse.

It doesn’t help that I’m sitting at the same table as Estelle, who smirks and nods at the empty seat beside me.

“Do you want me to fill the vacancy?”

She whispers in my ear and I snap, “There is no vacancy. You should take your seat. It’s about to start.”

I stare pointedly at her chair across the table and she hisses, “You really are a bastard Arman.”

I shrug, turning away, effectively cutting the conversation dead, and she has no choice but to move away or run the risk of appearing desperate.

The lights dim and my anger increases. If anyone has Ellie or if she is hiding from me, I’m liable to lose my fucking shit.

I half listen to the woman‘s speech who is droning on about the reason we are here tonight and the smattering of applause disguises the impatience for her to get on with it. Most of the attendees are here for networking purposes and this is merely for show and I reach for my glass of whiskey to dull the boredom.

As the auction starts, I watch with interest as various items are bid on, from private villa vacations to expensive jewelry. Trips on private jets and evenings in private boxes at football games and shows are snapped up and experiences that money can’t buy are bid on in earnest.

I’m aware that I’m the only one on my table not raising his paddle, but I couldn’t give a fuck about that. Ellie is missing and something is telling me it’s not a good thing.

A frisson of excitement supercharges the atmosphere as the woman says loudly, “And now the lots you have all been waiting for. I would like to thank the individuals who have given up their time for a worthy cause and must remind you of that when you bid. Now, please welcome lot thirty-seven. A date with the dashing Troy Carnegie!”

She almost screams his name and as the eligible bachelor heads out onto the stage, a sea of paddles are raised by many of the rich women here.

I have half an ear on the value and am impressed when the final bid rests on one hundred thousand dollars. It doesn’t surprise me because Troy is a good-looking guy and has a decent personality to match. He will make for an interesting date and it amuses me to notice an elderly woman dripping in pearls, clapping the air with excitement as she wins the bid. Troy doesn’t appear as enthusiastic but heads her way and drops a light kiss on her cheek and smiles as he heads back to his seat.

One by one, the lots walk out to rapturous applause and drunken paddles waving in the air. The bids are high but not as high as the excitement, but I still can’t share their enthusiasm because Ellie has vanished into thin air.

I am now seriously worried and desperate for this to be over so I can pound the floor myself to find her.

The final lot is called and all eyes turn to the door where the final victim will enter and I swear my life flashes before my eyes when Ellie walks out into the spotlight.

“Our final lot, ladies and gentlemen, is the beautiful Ellie Adams. She is offering to become the bidder’s choice and as she is the final one to walk this stage, please show your appreciation by raising as much money as possible for the worthy charities we support.”

I swear I am so angry I can’t even see straight, and the shock on Estelle’s face as she smirks across the table doesn’t improve my mood.

What the hell is Ellie doing? What was she thinking? Anyone could bid for her and she would be vulnerable.