Page 39 of Shared By the Highest Bidder

I need those designs back.

With a roof over my head and a light on the horizon that Michael will return my work, hopefully, I can relax enough that my creativity comes back to me.

The energy in the room changes, so I look up and lose my breath.

Ford struts into the kitchen in a dark suit and a crisp white shirt. His polished look sends waves of lust through me.

“Good morning, Bernadette,” he says with a deep voice.

Passing me, he teases me with his spicy cologne.

“Hi.”

“Good morning, Mr. Montgomery,” the housekeeper says.

“Nell.” He nods to her with no expression on his handsome face. “I’ll be late tonight. I have a business dinner. You can leave after you’re done with the dailyschedule.”

I like that he’s nice to his housekeeper. So many rich people are utter jerks.

“Yes, sir. Thank you. Your breakfast shake is in the fridge.”

“Thank you.”

Nell leaves through a doorway behind the kitchen.

Ford sets his gaze on me, and his stare lights me on fire. I can’t do anything about it, though. I need a place to live and he’s going to be representing scummy Michael.

“How do you want your retainer? I checked my bank balance, and the money was deposited. I can write you a check.”

Thank goodness I had my checkbook in my purse when I left for my weekend trip to the Hamptons.

“My assistant will email you with who to make it out to. It goes to my firm.”

“Oh...” I wonder how much he gets, but I guess that’s rude to ask. “When are you meeting with Michael?”

“I’ll have him brought out of Rikers today for a consult with me.”

“That place is awful.” I exhale. “I don’t feel bad that he has to stay there.”

“He didn’t make bond, so he’ll be there a while.” Ford opens the fridge and takes out a bright green, lumpy shake.

What the hell is in there? Straight spinach or kale?

“Feel free to take anything you want. This is your home now, too.” He glances at me. “For as long as you want.”

Clearly, he doesn’t think anything will blossom between me and his friends.

It makes sense. Those men buy women at auctions. They want one month of no-strings fun.

I’m no-strings,andno fun since Ford told them they can’t touch me.

“When you speak to Michael, can you please find out what his plan is? I hired you. I did what he said. When will I get my designs?”

“I have a few choice words for him.” Ford gulps down his shake, his long throat working in such a seductive way.

My phone beeps, and I look down at it.

Ashton: Good morning! How is ten a.m.? I’ll pick you up. - Ash

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