Page 74 of Shared By the Highest Bidder

“She’s right,” Ford relents. “I’m sorry.”

“Bernadette is an adult.” Ash goes on like I’m not here. “Emery paid for her, but I did the bidding. I upped it so you can have your fee. I’ll have her back here when she andIdecide the night is over.”

The idea of Ash fucking me like he owns me because he justlookedat me and bid on mejustso he could fuck me, makes my center throb.

I doubt he’d force me to do anything. He’s possessive about me right now to make a point to Ford, but his bravado still sends shivers through me.

That explosive gaze from Ford, telling Ash to bring me home by midnight has me wondering who is more jealous of who here.

“Thank you, Ford. I’ll be fine.” I rear up and kiss him on the cheek, all while Ash keeps me glued to him. “And if I’m not, you’re the first person I’ll call.”

Tingling sensations race up my arm and down the other, connecting these two live wires.

“Take care of our girl tonight, Dr. Ives,” Ford says, his mouth close to Ash’s lips.

I’m inches away and hear Ford’s ragged breathing. Ash’s is going off the charts, too.

Gingerly, I put my hand on Ford’s chest, not shocked to feel his thundering heartbeat.

Not knowing who the heck will kiss who next keeps me on the edge of my seat.

Yet, Ash and Ford don’t eventoucheach other again. They just exchange looks that could set this executive duplex on fire.

When Ash and I get into the elevator, he stares at the panel like he’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders.

One crushing bulk perhaps is the secret he thinks he and Ford are keeping from me.

SIXTEEN

BERNADETTE

“Iknow about you two,” I admit quietly to Ash, wondering when to come clean to Ford.

Ashton turns around sharply.

“What do you mean?”

“That you and Ford were involved.”

“Who told you that?” His curt voice sets me back.

Victoria told me in confidence, but I won’t out her. “Is that important?”

“No, I guess not.” He exhales. “Enough people know. It wassupposedto be a secret. But Ford wasn’t having it.”

“I guess he was proud you were his.”

“He’s so fucking alpha. It’s his way or get the fuck out.”

“Is that what happened?” I ask, but the elevator door opens.

“Come on.” Ash smiles warmly at me, tamping down his previous outburst.

With his hand on my waist, we step into the lobby where I strut with my head held high. At a shiny black limo, Ash opens the rear door himself.

“Get in, you.” The playfulness returns to his voice.

Ash holds my arm and even makes sure the skirt of my dress doesn’t get caught in the door.

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