Page 16 of Auctioned to the Devil

My stomach tightens.

Sally notices.

“Don’t.”

“I didn’t say anything.” She laughs.

“Your face did.”

“What did my face say?”

“That you’re insufferable.”

She shrugs and sips her drink.

Caleb’s gaze sweeps the room.

And stops on me.

My pulse jumps.

His eyes move slowly over my dress and then meets mine again.

I lift my wine.

He gives me that tiny chin dip, then walks toward the bar.

“That man needs lessons in basic human interaction,” I mutter.

“You seem to be watching him interact just fine.”

“Sally.”

She grins and disappears before I can threaten her.

I finish my wine and remind myself why I’m here.

Richard Sloan.

I’ve spent two days asking questions and getting polite evasions. Tonight everyone is drinking, relaxed, and gathered in one room.

Perfect.

I circulate.

Richard has bought six parcels in eighteen months. One owner hadn’t been planning to sell until his equipment barn mysteriously burned. Another family moved away after someone repeatedly vandalized their property.

Nobody outright accuses Richard.

Nobody seems comfortable discussing him either.

“Enjoying yourself?” The voice behind me makes my shoulders tighten.

I turn. The man Sally told me is Richard Sloan smiles down at me. He’s handsome in the expensive, polished way that probably works extremely well on women who don’t already dislike him.

“Very much.”

“I’m glad you came.”