Page 17 of Bid For Me
“Why me?”
“My father has a list. Of suitable candidates for marriage. All of the women on that list are awful, Elle. I can’t do it. You’re the only person I could even begin to tolerate having by my side through this farce.”
I sit in silence, processing Sebastian’s proposition, watching him get stuck into his food with gusto. I poke at my fruit salad, but my appetite is gone.
He’s basically offering me a bargain: my virginity in exchange for a fake marriage. It’s not as if I have many options, though. My family’s reputation and the stipulations of the auction contract are looming over me like a dark cloud, suffocating my chances of a normal life.
“What if I say no, Seb?” I ask carefully. His eyes darken and his hopeful smile turns into a scowl.
“Don’t. Please,” he implores, sighing. He puts his cutlery down and stares at me across the table. “I’d hate to have to use…information against you, Elle. Please, let’s keep this on good terms.”
“Okay,” I finally say, my voice barely above a whisper as he backs me into a corner with unspoken threats.
Sure I could get angry, I could fight, but the shame I could bring down on my family…I can’t do it to them.
“This is a one-time thing though, Sebastian. We’re not going to continue sleeping together after the contract is taken care of.”
Sebastian’s eyes widen in surprise, and then he nods. “I understand. I promise I’ll make this bearable, Elle. I won’t ask for anything more from you.”
I take a deep breath and nod, deciding to go along with Sebastian’s plan. The alternative is unthinkable because I know that my mother is also planning impending nuptials to some man off an approved list too.
Ican’tmarry a stranger.
“Alright, deal,” I say, standing, trying to regain control of the situation.
He grins, relief and victory written all over his face. “Excellent.” He stands up, too, and takes my hand in his. “Let’s get started on planning the wedding then, shall we?”
“I think you’ll need a ring first. If we’re doing this, Seb, it needs to be believable. Neither of our families will buy into this if we go about things half…way.”
“You’re right. Leave it with me. I’ll do it by the book, a proper proposal and everything.”
“And you have to tell Aiden. I’m still not speaking to him.”
“Tell him the truth or…?”
“God, no. He’d rat me out to my mother in a heartbeat.” I push my untouched fruit salad away and reach for my coffee instead.
Sebastian nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. “I’ll handle Aiden. You focus on making our dating believable.”
“Sync me to your calendar so I can check your availability.”
“Elle, I’m a playboy bachelor set to inherit billions. I’m always available.”
“You do know I have a job, right?” I huff, amused.
“No?” He blinks at me, seeming confused by my statement.
“I’m not some kept, spoiled little rich girl,” I sniff. Though, in reality, I am.
My father pays for my London flat and gives me a generous allowance. I pretty much only work as a show of independence. My salary at Maison Amara, my high-end fashion boutique, is plenty to live on, but not to keep me in the lifestyle befitting a Rialdi.
“Well, sync me with your calendar then so that I can plan dates around your commitments.”
I’m tense as we shake hands on the deal. It’s almost laughable, the idea of a fake engagement, but I have to face the reality that it’s my only option right now. Sebastian paid two million pounds to trap me into this arrangement. Even though I know he’s taking a risk with his reputation by proposing this crazy plan, I secretly admired his ingenuity for getting his father off his back. It’s a little extreme, but I almost wish I’d had the idea to appease my mother.
As the weight of our agreement settles between us, Sebastian pulls out his phone and opens his calendar. He hands it to me for me to add my calendar to his.
“Do you plan everything on your phone?” I ask, amused.