Page 114 of Mr. Aster
“He and Mick have their own family now, and I’m happy they don’t sacrifice their time for people who don’t respect that. It takes a lot for Mickie to come to one of these things, especially when their daughter is at home with the nanny,” Ashley said.
“Kind of makes the rest of us look like horrible parents,” Breanne stated.
“Oh, no you don’t, Bree,” Nat scoffed at her best friend. “Everyone values their time differently. Just because we have nannies at home with our children doesn’t mean we’re any less amazing parents than John and Mick?—”
“He was an amazing husband,” Margot’s shriek caused Nat to pause, and we all returned our attention to the monologue performed on stage, complete with crocodile tears. “My husband, who is unable to attend tonight, isso proudof him, the man he has become, and what he’s done to keep our family name wholesome and strong. I understand there are many false impressions that he isn’t single, but I am here to correct thisfake news.This benefit is being held to set those rumors straight. He isneither engagednor has he entered any relationship with Darcel Burke.”
That fucking bitch!I thought in horror.
I knew I should be outraged about her talking shit about our relationship, but my real beef was with that damn family for getting off on calling me Dar-fucking-cel every time they were afforded the opportunity.
“Darcel?” I heard Avery say.
“Don’t ask!” I said, my tone lethal.
“I think it’s a lovely name,” Ashley said.
“I think it’s bullshit,” I snapped. “And I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, but it’s just that?—”
“That bitch just announced to every piranha in this room that Sebastian isn’t in a relationship with you?” Breanne asked.
“What? No,” I said. “I could give a fuck less about whether they think he’s available or not. It’s that fucking name that my mom gave me when she was too high to think.”
“Forget the name, honey,” Nat added. “Your man has just been announced as available.”
“Now,” Margot continued, “all of you know very well why my son’s bidding will start at a reasonable one million-dollar offer. I will now hand over the reins to our auctioneer and open the bidding. Good luck to you all.”
I rolled my eyes while the auctioneer took off, and the paddles started rising and brought my attention to Sebastian, standing awkwardly at the podium and glaring at his mom as she walked regally down the stage steps.
“Five million going once, going?—”
“Twenty million on that handsome ass,” Jake finally said, entering the game.
I immediately glanced at Margot, seeing her nearly choke on her champagne.
“Celebrate later, bitch,” I said in a low voice, watching the horror cross her face that a man had just bid on her son, and there was nothing she could do about it.
I saw Charlotte raise her paddle when the auctioneer upped the bid by another million.
“I swear, you all have way too much money to waste,” I said, looking at my amused friends.
When Charlotte looked at Jake as if she had him beaten, Collin stood up from the table next to theirs.
“I’ve got twenty-twomillion on this sexy man’s ass,” he looked over at Jake as if this were down to him and his best friend only.
“Twenty-fivemillion, bitch,” Jake countered, standing.
Now, the spectacle had been made. I watched Charlotte look toward Margot Aster’s stern and extremely lethal gaze before Margot gave a quick nod of approval.
“Forty million dollars,” Charlotte said through gritted teeth, glaring at Collin and Jake as if her gaze would shut them down.
“Forty-threemillion dollars, gorgeous,” Jake taunted.
“Sixty million for the prized stallion that I’m ready to ride into the sunset,” Collin said, interrupting the showdown between Jake and Charlotte.
Charlotte looked back at Margot, got the nod of approval again, and turned back with a snobby grin to both men, “One hundred million.”
“One hundred and five—” Jake paused and looked at Collin. “What the fuck is your limit, sweetheart?”
