Page 13 of Wicked Player
Chapter Six
“Would you like to stay?” he asks kindly.
“Uh…” I’m completely speechless. “Well, I was just about to board the bus. I can't miss the bus.”
He smiles. “Don’t worry,” he says. “The bus will wait while you make your decision.”
“I don’t want to leave all these girls hanging,” I argue. I’m certainly not making things easy. I just didn’t expect this.
“You can stay as early or as late as you wish,” he goes on. “My driver can take you home.”
“Your driver?” Once again, I’m reminded just how far apart our worlds are.
“Yes, Robert… he lives in the guest house,” he explains. “He’s my go-to guy. He also drives for me occasionally.”
“Uh…” I’m still so confused. I stare at the bus. Everyone else is already seated inside, and a few shoot me dirty looks. I’m keeping everyone waiting.
“I know we don’t know each other well, but that’s exactly why I want you to stay back… I want to get to know you better, Anna.”
God, you don’t even know my name.
“And I promise… I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”
I’m so confused… and it finally hits me. Oh, yes. He picks a woman every night. And apparently, I’m the lucky one tonight. I must be something special.
But that's not what I signed up for. I have no desire to be part of his harem, and I don't want to be the chosen one.
“So I guess I’m the ‘chosen one,’” I sneer.
He smiles. “Yes, you are. You ladies like to chat, don't you?”
“Of course we do,” I snap. “And I know all about the chosen one, and I do not wish to be the chosen one.”
He laughs. “Well, sorry honey, but you are.”
His words only make me angrier. I jut my chin out. “Thank you, but I decline.”
His face falls.
“I bet this never happens,” I say. “Maybe Mr. Most Interesting Man in the World is not so interesting after all.”
He laughs. “You crack me up, Anna,” he says. “I think that's why I like you.”
“Yes, that must be why, because I certainly don't stack up to all the beauties sitting in the bus, waiting for me right now. It's likeTop Modelat your parties… remember that show?”
He smiles. “No, I’ve never watched.”
“Well, I don't wanna be here, so I’m getting on that bus. I don't care if you paid me a thousand dollars to be here tonight. I wish to not be here anymore.”
He shakes his head, and inches closer. Damn, he smells good, like liqueur and candy. “Are you sure about that?”
“Yes, I am. Positive.”
“What if…” he’s slow to say. “What if I made it ten grand to stay the night?”
My mouth hangs. Did I hear him correctly? Ten grand? He’s crazy! I’m still at a loss when he says it again, just in case I didn’t hear him the first time, “Ten grand to stay the night.”
“Wow, how soIndecent Proposalof you. Can you make it one million?”
