1. Chapter 1

Demi

E dward sits across from me in his office. From the elegant dark wood-paneled walls to the exquisite leather chair he sits in; every inch of it exudes status and wealth. Edward stares down at me with a menacing look. He's obviously not happy I'm here, but hidden in his eyes is amusement. I can tell he's just as interested in finding out why I'm sitting in front of him while my application lays between us on his desk. The dark stain of the wood threatens to swallow the bright white rectangle of paper, much the way Edward contemplates entertaining me or throwing me out of his office. His thick, bushy brows furrow together as his deep, honey-colored eyes flit over the details. Edward checks the time on his watch as his tongue darts out to wet his dangerously perfect lips. Cecile failed to warn me how devastatingly handsome Edward is. I've heard he's the epitome of a silver fox, but never in a million years did I expect to find such a beautiful creature staring back at me, smirking. It's as if he's already figured out exactly why I'm here. Poor, pretty man. He has no idea what is in store for him. He may know exactly who I am, but Edward has no idea the kind of storm I'm planning.

He clears his throat, then speaks. His tone is threatening. "Tell me, Demi. Why are you here, and do you understand how angry Jay will be with both of us if he finds out you were here today?"

I simply smile at him in return. I can play hardball just as well, if not better than most of the men Jay employs. "I think you know exactly why I'm here."

"I can assure you, Miss Demi, I have absolutely no idea what brings you to my office today and under the false premise of an actual application. If you wanted to see me, all you had to do was make an appointment." He leans back into the plush chair ever so slightly, shifting his posture.

I lean forward, resting my elbows on the edge of his desk, which earns me a look of disgust from Edward. "It's a real application, and you're not exactly an easy person to get an appointment with."

The corner of his mouth lifts into a smile, as if he knows it would have been an impossible task. "And yet," he tsks at me, "I still don't have the slightest idea why you are here. You are aware just as well as I, that I can't possibly allow this to happen." He pauses to point between the two of us.

Smiling, I lean back in my chair. "But you will." I reply. "It's a real application. I have completed and passed all the required tests, and my relationship with Jay should have absolutely nothing to do with this process. If you allow me to do this, I can guarantee Jay won't be a problem for you. You won't hear a peep from him."

Edward chuckles. "That's cute, Demi. Please explain to me why you think I am going to entertain any of this. I'm genuinely curious now that you've piqued my interest in the matter."

"Take Jay out of the equation, turn a blind eye, whatever you have to do to morally overlook approving my application." I beg.

"Maybe I'll keep an open mind," Edward replies.

"Maybe you should, and I can personally guarantee you won't regret it. Please, Edward. If I were any other girl in this city, you wouldn't think twice about passing my application. It's a solid application and just think how much you stand to make off of me? It will be a real bidding war." I wink.

"I'm growing impatient and tired of our conversation." Edward's reply is haughty and curt.

I weigh my options carefully before answering. "We have a common interest. We both need money. I need it to follow my dreams of owning a bakery and, well, you don't need money, but you enjoy making it. I can make you a lot of money, Edward. Think about it. Both of us have something to gain if you allow me to join the auction." Edward appears to be captivated by my explanation. He's hanging on my every word as I continue. "You have a very small part to play. All I need is a break, someone to give me the opportunity to earn the money I need to start fresh."

Edward crosses his arms, thinking over what I am asking him to do. I'm banking on his greed, fueling the decision to let me in. "I can't guarantee anything, but as it stands, I have nothing to lose by passing your application through this stage. You must understand I will not interfere with the process, and I can't guarantee who will have the winning bid on any collateral."

"I understand perfectly, Edward. You'll find my application is completely in order. I've passed my tests and answered every question."

He sighs, one more rather important detail. "There better not be any funny business."

"Once the auction is over, I will disappear without a trace." I reply eagerly.

"If your application is accepted, you will receive an email with further instructions. Thank you for coming." He stands, gesturing to the door, dismissing me.

I stand unsure of how to interpret his actions. Before I twist the door handle open, I look over my shoulder back at Edward. "I'll be sure to let Jay know at dinner tonight we bumped into one another and you asked me to wish him a happy birthday."

I sashay out of his office and down to the car, which is waiting for me around the back. I think we had a productive meeting. Now I just have to sit back and relax while I wait on Edward's email. He will email. He has to. It's the only way my little plan will work. I may have crossed my fingers and my legs when I told Edward all I wanted was the money. The truth is, I don't just want the money; I want Ghost. I've wanted Ghost for nearly two years, and a few weeks ago Cecile came to me with an idea of how to lure him into a trap. Since Cecile has purchased from the auction before, she's allowed to recommend buyers. She's already done a bunch of the legwork to recruit Ghost. All we have to do now is get me in. As long as Edward passes me on this round, Cecile has someone on the inside who can guarantee my selection. I breathe a sigh of relief as the realization washes over me. I've officially completed step one of the plan: get accepted to the auction.