In one of the balconies. He was standing, his face as cold as ice. His once messy dark brown hair was pushed back and out of his face into a sophisticated look that was feathered with gray. He wore a suit like most of the others in the room, but he had a dark emerald silk shirt underneath that shined in the dim lighting overhead.

It had been eight years since I last saw him. Seven and a half since my father took his life because of what he did to his company. And six months since my mother attempted to do the same only to be left in a coma.

A true monster. One that I had once gotten a thrill from.

His eyes met mine, and just like all those years ago, a treacherous heat licked at my spine. And then, that disastrous fucking smirk played at his lips.

“Sold! To Warren King for two million dollars!”

His smirk told me that he had me right in his trap, but in reality?

He fell right into mine.

Because before the month was up, I was going to destroy Warren King.

Just like he destroyed my family.

5

ADDISON

A warm jacket was placed on my shoulders before Warren sat down on the chair beside me. His familiar scent washed through me, one I had only been able to dream about until that moment.

It brought me right back to the time when he had me pushed up against my father’s office wall, his cock ramming into me while his stubble scratched my cheek.

Warmth filled my belly.

“Congratulations,” Dante said as he maneuvered behind the mahogany desk in front of us. There was a stack of papers in his hand that he gently placed on the wood surface. He gave me a beaming smile that I hesitantly returned. “Two million dollars, and by the owner no less. You should feel very lucky, A.; he’s never bid on⁠—”

“You can use her full name,” Warren interrupted, his deep voice sending tremors through me. “No need for secrecy; we know each other very well. Isn’t that right, Addi?”

When I turned to him, I expected the smirk to be back in place, but he was looking at me with a deadly serious expression.

I couldn’t respond. His gaze had me frozen. Even though I had been working up to this very moment, I’d never actually prepared for what it would be like to have him actually sitting just a few feet away from me.

“Yes, Addi,” Dante said. “I know the story. Last of the Mercer line. You two have a history. Still, you probably could have gotten away with one point two million and left it at that.”

“Dante,” he almost growled. “Let’s get this over with.” He motioned for him to start with the paperwork. “I’d like to take my prize home now if you don’t mind.”