Languidly, Nate leaned down, resting on his forearms. His lips stopped inches from her mouth. Lightly, his fingertips stroked up her jawline and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Eliza inhaled quickly, her teeth sinking into her lower lip.
“Worried?” His teasing voice sent shivers skating down her spine.
“No.” She choked on the word and licked her lips.
Nate brushed his mouth along her throat. Eliza’s head tipped back automatically, allowing Nate to nip the skin just under her ear, his seductive kiss drew a blazing path of passion across her skin.
Dampness pooled between Eliza’s thighs. She pressed them together, arched her back, and moaned. Her hands clenched, clawing at the sheets as she fought to control the desire raging through her body.
She grabbed his head, forcing his mouth to hers. He complied readily, devouring her lips with rough kisses. His tongue pushed into her mouth, demanding her breath. Tremors cascaded through Eliza’s body and she tightened her grip on his head. He pulled away panting, his eyes burning. A groan of frustration escaped Eliza’s lips.
“Beg me.”
“Please.”
“Please, what?”
“Please, touch me.”
A low rumble grew in Nate’s throat, his mouth reclaimed hers. His hand slid down her shirt, over her stomach, and brushed over the outside of her panties. Eliza squirmed against his hand; Nate pinned her with his body, his fingers slipping inside the cloth. They brushed against her nub and dipped inside her.
“Already wet,” he murmured in approval.
Eliza moaned against his mouth, raising her hips impatiently. Nate refused to speed up his ministrations, slowly torturing Eliza with the same languid rhythm—stroke, dip, circle. His mouth moved back to her throat, leaving searing kisses over her skin.
“Nate,” she begged, pulling at his hips.
“Patience.” His hand stilled.
Eliza growled.
Nate dropped a light kiss on the tip of her nose and slid down her body. Leisurely, he dragged her panties down her legs, tossing them over his shoulder. He pushed her legs apart, pressing light kisses along her upper thigh. She quivered. Grinning against her leg, Nate moved his mouth over her burning skin, inching closer and closer to her center. Suddenly, he plunged his tongue into her. Eliza cried out, writhing. His tongue slid up her clit, circling once, and resumed the same rhythm and pace his fingers had previously used to torture her. Her back arched off the bed, hands sliding through his hair.
The desire pooling in her stomach began building, winding tightly as her orgasm neared. He refused to let her release, stopping just as she was about to explode. He nipped at her thigh, then began the slow torture again, licking and sucking until her body felt as though it would rip apart. He stopped again, pressing light kisses along her hips.
“Please.” She begged again, squirming under his mouth.
His tongue changed its pattern, causing the building fire to blaze across her skin. Eliza screamed, and her body jerked as she released. Tremors ripped through her body, drawing guttural cries from her lips.
“Eliza!” The doorknob rattled. “Eliza!” yelled Sabrina, beating on the door. “Are you alright?” her panicked voice rose an octave.
“Move!” instructed Frankie. A crash vibrated through the room. The door groaned.
“Stop!” Nate climbed from the bed and hurried to the door. He unlatched the lock and flung the door open, bathing himself, and a small portion of the room, in light.
“Nate!” Sabrina’s tone filled with shock and a tinge of dismay at the sight of her half-naked brother. She peered into the room, seeking out Eliza, who discreetly covered herself with the blankets. Confirming proof of life, Sabrina’s dark gaze flicked back to her brother. “What you are you doing here?” she asked, her eyes narrowing at his state of undress and mussed hair.
“I was planning to sleep in my room.” He glowered and crossed his arms over his bare chest.
“I’m using it,” replied Sabrina. She patted him on the arm and scooted into the room. She glanced over her shoulder at Frankie, who followed, rubbing her right shoulder.
“Stronger than you thought?” Nate smirked as Frankie passed him.
“Reinforced it from the last time?” She shot him a wink.
“It became a necessity.” Nate gestured toward Sabrina.
Sabrina stalked to the center of the room, her eyes flicking over the rumpled bed, a pillow which lay forgotten on the floor, and finally Eliza. Pursing her lips, Sabrina whipped her head back at Nate.
“What did you do?”
“Nothing.” He grinned. “At least not yet.”
Sabrina glanced upward, visibly counting to ten. Turning her attention to Eliza, Sabrina approached the bed and sat gingerly at the foot of the mattress. “What happened? Why did you scream?”
“I was asleep, and a very heavy weight landed on my chest—” Distracted by Nate, who inconspicuously passed a finger over his mouth, Eliza’s voice trailed off. She nodded, a subtle inclination of her head and returned her attention to Sabrina. “I screamed and shoved it off me. There was an extremely loud crash, then Nate’s head popped up from the side of the bed. Nearly scared me to death.”
“Wasn’t really fun for me either.” Nate grimaced, making a show of rubbing the back of his neck.
“I hope my brother’s unannounced, early morning visit hasn’t influenced your decision to join the auction.” Sabrina’s worried tone surprised Eliza.
“Well…” Eliza chewed her lip, catching Nate’s movement out of the corner of her eye. He tilted his head, waiting as expectantly as Sabrina for an answer.
“I would be honored to participate.” Eliza barely recognized the whisper which tumbled from her lips. Why had she agreed to this inane idea of being purchased by someone? A brief, smug smile crossed Nate’s mouth.
“That’s wonderful news.” Sabrina beamed and clapped her hands together. “Frankie and I will meet you later this morning and take you shopping for some more suitable clothing.”
Sabrina rose fluidly, snapping her fingers at Frankie as she passed. Frankie nodded to Eliza and trailed after Sabrina.
“Oh, and dear brother.” Sabrina’s sugary voice rose an octave, hardening. “I expect you to find somewhere else to sleep for the rest of the night and put on some pants for fuck’s sake.”
“This is my room, Sabrina.” Nate growled and took a step toward her.
“I told you, I borrowed it.” Sabrina folded her arms across her chest, tapping her foot.
“Where do you expect me to sleep?”
“Don’t care.” Sabrina shrugged. “You’re early, anyway.”
“He can sleep in here for a few hours,” said Eliza. “I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble.” She slid one bare leg out from under the luxurious comforter. Her toes touched something squishy on the floor; her panties, wadded in a tiny ball. She flushed and subtly kicked them under the bed.
“No.” Sabrina’s gaze flicked to Eliza, glowering. “You’re my guest this evening. Nate is the one inconveniencing me, not you.”
“We can stand here arguing for the rest of the evening if you like, Sabrina, but I’m not leaving my room.” Nate crossed his arms as well, planting his feet.
“Sabrina.” Frankie placed her hand on Sabrina’s shoulder. “Please, can we just go to bed? Eliza offered to let him stay. It’s just for a few hours.”
“No.” Sabrina set her feet and glared at her brother, a mirrored stance of his.
“What can Nate possibly do in the next three hours?” asked Frankie.
“A lot.” Sabrina enunciated the two words, refusing to break her stare with Nate.
“Eliza, since these two have decided to act like children, perhaps you would be more comfortable sleeping in my room.” Frankie held out her hand, gesturing to Eliza.
“Frankie.” The warning echoed forebodingly around the room; the air crackled. Jealously flashed in Sabrina’s eyes.
“What?” Frankie blinked her brilliant, green eyes and grinned. “Something bothering you, Sabrina?”
“Return to the room immediately.” Sabrina’s cold, unforgiving voice sent shivers cascading down Eliza’s back.
Frankie’s gaze fell to the ground. Her jaw snapped shut, and she left without uttering a word. Grumbling at Nate, Sabrina exhaled loudly and dropped her arms.
“You always cause trouble.”
Nate flashed a winning smile. “Part of my charm.”
“Go to bed, Nate.”
“As you wish, Sabrina.” He reacted quickly, roughly shoving her from the room, and slammed the door in Sabrina’s face. He locked it with glee.
“Nate!” Sabrina pounded on the door. “Let me in.”
“Not if you begged me.”
“That will never happen.”
“Well, then, I suggest you follow your own advice and go to bed.” Still chortling, he spun to face Eliza. “I hope you don't expect to go shopping with those two tomorrow.”
“Why?” Eliza’s eyes shifted between Nate and the closed door.
“My guess is there’s a small lover’s quarrel brewing.” On cue, an explosion of sound echoed down the hallway.
“Swell.” Eliza rolled her eyes. “How do you parents sleep through this?”
“Heavy sleeping pills.”
“Really?”
“No, I’m just teasing. They stayed on the boat tonight, there’s too many people in the house for their quiet lifestyle.”
“Your parents are brilliant.” Eliza muttered under her breath as another round of cacophony burst under the door, accompanied by screaming and a loud bang. “Do you think we should investigate?”
“Nope.” Nate shook his head. He approached the bed and climbed under the covers. “I’m much happier when I stay out of their relationship.”
“Now what do I do?” Eliza sighed. “I don't have any clothing except what I’m wearing.”
“You don’t really have that much on.” Nate raised his eyebrows appreciatively. “In an outfit like that, you’ll definitely get the most bids.”
“Thanks,” grumbled Eliza.
“If you’re that worried about it, I can take you tomorrow, well, today.” He clicked off the lamp. Punching his pillow, he settled back in the bed.
Eliza laid back and stared at the ceiling, contemplating her options. “Because shopping is your favorite activity?”
“No. However, it does give me the opportunity to spend more time with you.” Nate rolled onto his side. “Unless you’d rather go by yourself?”
Eliza shook her head, turning onto her side as well. Nate’s arm slid over her, drawing her into his embrace, his warm chest pressed against her back. She sighed, melting into his arms, her eyelids closing.
She jumped at another loud crash, her eyes flying open. She rolled onto her back again. “Are they going to kill each other?”
Nate laughed. “They’ll be fine by the time we launch. This is typical for them.”
“Okay.” Eliza drew out the word. Her gaze flicked to the wall as another crash echoed in the room.
“Are you hungry?”
“Pardon me?”
“It looks as though neither of us will be getting any more sleep.” A scream and an explosion ricocheted down the hallway. “Since we’re heading into town anyway, we might as well get an early start and enjoy some breakfast.”
“Just as long as there’s coffee.”
“Of course.” He rose from the bed and yanked on a pair of jeans. With his back turned, Eliza slipped from the bed and ducked down, collecting her panties from underneath the bed. She slid them up her legs and grabbed her jeans from the nightstand.
She dressed quickly and spun around. Nate, fully clothed, sat patiently on the bed, facing the opposite direction.
“I’m ready,” she said, collecting the stack of money from the nightstand. “I just don’t know what to do with this.”
“Do you trust me?” asked Nate, rising from the bed and turning around.
“I suppose,” replied Eliza, after a moment.
“I can put the money in my safe.” He crossed the room and dragged a dresser away from the wall, reveal a small safe embedded in the wall.
“Wow,” breathed Eliza. “I didn’t even know that was there.”
“Neither does Sabrina and I would appreciate if you kept it that way.”
“I promise.” Eliza raised her hand, crossing her fingers over her heart.
He opened the safe, moving aside. “You can put whatever you need to in there.”
Nodding, Eliza crossed the room. She set the stack of money inside the safe. Then dipped her hand into her coat pocket, removing a small envelope. She set it on top of the money and closed the safe, spinning the dial.
Nate moved the dresser back into place. Taking Eliza’s hand, he led her from the room. They traversed the hallway quietly, their escape concealed by the shattering of glass, and descended a staircase which led to a garage.
Escorting her to the passenger side, Nate patted her hand reassuringly. “I swear, I will give you the money back.”
Eliza nodded, her teeth worrying her lower lip.
“You don’t trust people do you?” He tilted his head.
“Occupational hazard,” replied Eliza.
“Perhaps I will change your mind.” He opened the door and helped her climb into the car. He dashed around the car and opened his door. Dropping to the driver’s seat, he closed the door. “I am going to buy you at the auction.”
“Why?”
“I like it when you beg.” He flashed a cheeky grin and started the car.
Eliza cracked the car window as they zoomed through the early morning. Cool air kissed her face, blowing her loose hair in every direction. She peeked at Nate’s profile, admiring his strong features as they raced toward the sunrise. Her stomach flipped over again as the morning light highlighted golden flecks in his hair.
Nate’s eyes slid toward Eliza, catching her as she gawked. Flushing, Eliza quickly averted her gaze. Nate smirked, his arm snaking out across the console. His fingers wrapped around Eliza’s hand, lifting it to his lips.
“See anything you like?” His mouth brushed lightly over her knuckles. Eliza’s stomach clenched, warmth flowing through her veins.
A chime echoed in the cabin.
“Call from Everett,” a pleasant female voice announced. Eliza wondered who would call at such an early hour.
“Do you mind? I need to take this.”
Eliza shook her head.
Releasing her hand, Nate skipped two fingers over a glowing panel. She turned toward the passenger window, to allow him the illusion of privacy.
“Big brother, I had hoped to see you this morning,” said Nate. “Are you calling to cancel?”
“If you turn around, you’d see me now,” replied the deep voice. Eliza twisted in her seat. Behind them an identical black car nipped at their bumper.
“Early today.” Nate smirked, his eyes rising to the rearview mirror.
“As are you.” The car behind them inched forward, almost kissing Nate’s car. Eliza gasped, bracing her arms. She squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the crunch of metal.
“Sabrina found another loophole,” replied Nate. He pried Eliza’s hand from the dashboard and brought it to his lips again. Dropping his voice to a whisper, he leaned toward her. “Relax, Everett is an excellent driver.”
“Are you?” She mouthed the words.
Nate snickered and squeezed her hand. “Yes.”
“What did Sabrina do this time?” Anger flared in Everett’s response.
“She paid one of the girls to agree to be auctioned.”
“Who?”
“Eliza.”