Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 16728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
If there’s one thing about Silver Spoon Falls that I can’t help but appreciate, it’s the low-key charm of the 5th Avenue Diner. One step inside, and I’m hit with the familiar scent of coffee that’s been brewing since the crack of dawn and bacon that’s one hundred percent grease, but damn if it doesn’t taste just right with a side of crispy hash browns. It’s the perfect kind of joint for a man like myself, trying to dodge the spotlight.
Sliding into a booth, I spot Roman Sterling—an old friend, a partner in crime from way back when, and the owner of The Sterling Rope, the BDSM club that guarantees discretion among those seeking its particular brand of freedom. Roman’s sitting there halfway through a cup of coffee, his sharp eyes scanning the room until they land on me.
“Eric,” he greets, using that old name, the one that doesn’t come with the baggage of Hollywood. Rylan Rhodes might be lying low, but Eric is a different story. “Good to see you, man.”
“Roman.” I nod, easing into the opposite seat. I give a quick nod to the waitress for my usual, then turn my attention back to him. “Still running the show at The Sterling Rope, I see.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says with a grin, gracing me with that smirk that never entirely leaves his face. “And speaking of running the show, I’ve got something we need to discuss.”
“I don’t like the sound of that,” I mutter, leaning back with a wary eye. Roman’s got a way of roping you into things without you even realizing it until it’s too late.
“Oh, come on.” He laughs, a gleam in his eyes. “You know me. I’ll make it worth your while.”
The waitress drops off my coffee, and I take a long pull, savoring the comfort of the bitterness. “Spit it out, Roman. What’s got you all excited?”
“There’s a bachelor auction at the club in two weeks,” he starts, a hint of mischief in his tone, “and I think you’d be perfect for it.”
I almost choke on my coffee. “Hell no,” I retort immediately, shaking my head. “You know I’m laying low. No way in hell I’m putting myself on display like some piece of meat.”
“Easy, tiger.” Roman chuckles, holding up a hand to stave off my objections. “It’s anonymous. We’ll refer to you as Eric. No one needs to know you but the highest bidder and, trust me, the crowd we pull is discreet.”
I narrow my eyes, trying to see the angle he’s playing at. “What’s in it for you, huh? Why me?”
“You'll bring big bids.” He shrugs, casual as ever. “Plus, it’s all for charity, man. And you might actually enjoy yourself... Consider it doing a favor for an old friend.”
I grit my teeth, weighing the annoyance of the idea against the logic of what he’s proposing. Going by Eric could be the perfect way to sneak under the radar, even satisfy a bit of that curiosity that never entirely fades from being a former actor. The allure of something unexpected scratches at the part of me that’s always been drawn to the thrill.
“Look,” Roman continues, “it’s not like you have to go all-out. Just get your ass up there, smile a bit, and let the money roll in. If nothing else, it’s a night out.”
I shake my head, exhaling, and a reluctant smirk tugs at my lips. “You’re a real piece of work, you know that?”
“Guilty as charged.” He grins, clearly pleased with himself for so easily wearing down my defenses. “So, we’ve got a deal?”
With a reluctant sigh, I give the bastard what he wants, nodding despite my better judgment. “Fine, fine. I’ll do your damn auction. But if this blows up, I’m holding you accountable, Sterling.”
Roman chuckles, lifting his coffee in a mock salute. “I’m worried. You pay for everything on the date and that’s your donation. What do you want to offer your lucky winner?”
“I don’t care.” I really don’t. I’m not looking for a happily ever after.
“You might regret letting me choose.”
I roll my eyes, masking the spark of irritation with a grumble. Sure, living under the radar has its perks, but there’s something about the promise of the unexpected that sets my blood thrumming again. Besides, in a town full of secrets and whispers, what’s one more night of raising hell under the guise of charity? Even a grumpy bastard like me can’t resist that kind of gamble. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll lead to something—or someone—worth breaking my seclusion for.
Chapter 2
Eve
The late afternoon sun pours its golden light through the tall windows of my gallery, catching on curves of glass sculptures and illuminating oils and acrylics lining the walls. I love this time of day, when the world quiets down and each piece in this space seems to come alive, whispering their stories to anyone who dares to stop and listen.