Page 35 of The Billionaire

“I can trust you?”

“Oh gosh McKenzie, you know it! So I’m right?”

“Look. This has to stay between us. But I am seeing a special someone tonight.”

“You are?”

“And he’s pretty high profile. So you can’t tell anyone. Seriously!”

“Damn it! I knew it! I knew it! Okay . . . okay! I won’t say anything! But I just knew it. I mean, I knew it!” She leaned back in her chair satisfied. “I can always call these things. Call me a professional or something. Maybe I could get a job as something like that.”

“Like that? What are you even talking about? Look! If you tell anyone I will blog about the time you slept with Professor Keane in order to earn an A in his class. I’m serious!”

“You wouldn’t!”

“I would! So you can’t say anything.”

“Ugh, you’re so lucky!” She slouched further in her chair.

I shrugged my shoulders and I know I sat there with stars in my eyes as my stomach fluttered at seeing him tonight.

I’d see him again!

Sigh!

“Okay, well, I’m going to make you look H-O-T-T and then my good karma will totally come back to me and I’ll soon be on a date with my own billionaire.”

“But I didn’t say he was a billionaire.”

“Honey, that’s what high profile means here in the Orange County. But don’t you worry. Your secret’s safe with me.”

Hours later, finally, the moment of truth. The limo was waiting outside. It felt so . . . uncanny, yet familiar. The fall night was so tranquil and still, as if the whole world held its breath in shock of my decision. So, okay, Shelly didn’t know the whole truth. I could see her peeking discretely behind the plantation shutters, probably so giddy and excited that I was dating a billionaire. Just what she desired.

But it wasn’t at all what it seemed. And as much as I would have loved to admit it, “he” and I weren’t even dating.

Shit, McKenzie, don’t go!

My inner compass tried to reason with me.

I inhaled chimney smoke filled air and exhaled slowly as I stood there. I knew I had one more minute before the limo would drive away.

I bit my lip. I knew what I had to do. I had to see him again.

I opened the door and slid into the leather seats already knowing what to look for, knowing the drill. There would be a box.

Except this time the former white box was a grand thick gold box. It sat there staring at me. I knew I had to open it up and open it quickly. I lifted the top of the box off and there laying on top of material wrapped in a satin bow was a card stock.

McKenzie,

Congratulations. You are tonight’s queen.

I jerkedup and looked out into the night sky, my heart beating a million fast beats. A few clouds hung overhead and my head spun.

The raffle.

I remember seeing how terrified the other woman had looked who was chosen last time. What exactly did this mean? I knew I didn’t have much time so I had to keep reading.

In the box, you will find your proper attire. But first, please be sure to insert the proper precautions at once. You must also do your best to smile, treat the king as he should be treated, and oblige to his every request. You are his for the entire night. There is no philandering with other men. Consider yourself warned. Consider yourself prepared.

As always, a great compensation awaits you. Congratulations on your success in Stanford. Rumor has it you are ranked top of the class already. Please blindfold at once or there will be consequences.

Cordially Yours,

The Elusive and Exclusive BC

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