Overview
Vivi Prescott loves her sorority, Beta Kappa Nu. It’s her escape after a lifetime of living under her wealthy father’s overbearing thumb. She’ll do anything to help her sisters, including auction off her virginity to the highest bidder. One tiny hitch—she’s not a virgin.
Vivi gave that prize away three and a half years ago—right in the back of her brother’s best friend’s pickup truck. Dallas Monroe was a smug country boy with a dirty ball cap, torn jeans and a perpetual smirk. He showed her what pleasure could be, then let her go without a fight.
The mysterious, arrogant playboy who places the winning bid won’t ever know her secret. But his touch is so familiar, his mouth the one she’s been fantasizing about since forever. Turns out Dallas is all grown up. And he was never bidding for sex . . . he was bidding for keeps.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781488038754 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Harlequin |
| Publication date: | 05/26/2022 |
| Series: | Sorority Secrets , #1 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 54 |
| Sales rank: | 390,517 |
| File size: | 1 MB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Vivi
"Daddy, please," I beg, my eyes filling with genuine tears. Sure, I've been known to perform quite the waterworks show in the past when I've needed my dad to finance something I wanted, but this is the first time it's actually meant something to me.
Helping those in need after a horrible fire.
My sorority sister Jessie Miller's fireman brother Shane was burned in the awful blaze. Not to mention the complete and utter destruction of the facility that housed over two hundred animals. Once the fire started, it was all they could do to rescue the animals, but many firemen were injured, including her brother. It was absolute chaos from what I heard on the news. Shane, who suffered the worst, has a long road to recovery and the medical bills are ridiculously expensive.
This is something I can help with. The silly auction some girls from my sorority came up with doesn't have to take place. I'll get the money from Dad and save the day.
My father leans back in his leather chair and frowns at me. I look more like him than Mom. Jet black hair. Wide green eyes. Somber. The girls at the sorority call me Smiles. And it's not because I smile. It's because I have resting bitch face.
"Now, sweetheart," he says, his voice firm. "You know I can't give you a couple hundred grand. It doesn't work that way."
"Why not?" I demand, emotion making my throat clench. "You paid that much for your Aston Martin last month!"
He scoffs and waves his hand at me to brush off my argument. His Rolex catches the light above him, sparkling. "The Vanquish was my gift to myself for my fiftieth birthday. I waited my entire life for a car like that. I've finally earned it."
Tears escape my lids and streak down my cheeks. "Please. I've never asked for much."
"Because it's inappropriate, Vivienne."
"You're not going to help us?" I ask once more, my lip wobbling in frustration.
He frowns and shakes his head. "In this life, you have to earn everything. I've given you a lot but I've always expected you to do your part when you can. There are other ways you can help, I'm sure, but taking the easy route isn't one of them. Perhaps hold a car wash or whatever it is you sorority girls do to raise money."
Car wash?
A car wash would pay for a homecoming dance or a paint job on our sorority house or helping a needy family at Christmas. A car wash won't finance Shane's recovery and physical therapy, find temporary homes for two hundred animals, and rebuild a facility.
He's delusional.
"Okay," I utter in defeat as I stand and smooth out the nonexistent wrinkles on my sweater dress.
"Okay?"
I lift my chin and meet my father's frown. "Okay. I'll raise money another way."
"That a girl." He beams at me — the same expression that seals his international deals. The same bright smile that made him the millions that buy Rolexes and Aston Martins and everything else besides what his daughter wants. "I know you'll earn that money. Hang in there."
I'll earn it.
It's just going to be a lot more complicated than I originally hoped.
* * *
"You're seriously going to do this?" Alani asks, gaping at me.
"Yep," I clip out. "For Jessie and Shane. For the cats and dogs from the shelter."
She frowns at me. "No offense, Vivienne, but I didn't realize you were a virgin anymore. You're a senior and "— she motions at my body — "have a killer body. I'm not even a dude and I'd tap that."
"There's a lot you don't know about me," I mutter under my breath as I continue typing out my profile.
Virgin? Check.
Down to fuck? Check.
Starting bid? Ten thousand dollars.
This whole virginity auction is risky. A lot is at stake. But the risk is what we signed up for because Shane's medical issues aren't going to disappear overnight. In order not to get caught, we spent hours working on a solid plan. No real names. That way, we don't get nailed for prostitution if the police catch wind somehow. And Jessie, the smart girl she is, set up everything under the Shane Miller Foundation. The bidders know what they're bidding on but when they make their transfers, it will be disguised as donations for the foundation.
I named myself Smiles. It takes forever to find a picture of me actually smiling though. There aren't any on my phone. Well, there are fake smiles. But, for some reason, I want at least my smile to not be a fraud.
Because I'm exactly that.
A fraud.
My virginity is a lie.
I gave that up to a jerk who I thought I loved. Love isn't love when it's one-sided, though.
I pull up my brother Nolan's Facebook profile and find the picture. My favorite picture. The picture where my smile lit up the world. At one time, at least, I thought it lit up his world. As soon as the picture pulls up, my cold dead heart throbs back to life.
Don't look at him.
Just take the picture and crop him and Nolan out, Vivi.
I'm a masochist though, because my gaze slides past my own smiling face to the guy on the right. His tattooed, muscled arm is draped over my shoulders. His ball cap is flipped backwards and he's smirking at the camera, his brilliant blue eyes twinkling with mischief. My stomach flips because even though nearly three and a half years have passed, I still get a thrill at seeing his handsome face.
"You're blushing," Alani screeches and launches herself onto my bed to peek at what I'm looking at. "Oh my God! He's hot! Is this Nolan's friend? Is he single?" "He's an asshole," I hiss as I quickly crop down the picture and affix it to my profile.
"Assholes are kind of my thing," she explains.
"I thought anal was your thing," I deadpan.
"Anal is my other thing but assholes are my favorite thing. I have a hard-on for pricks." She snorts at her joke and then curls her hand as if she's stroking a cock. Her eyes waggle and it earns an eye roll from me.
"How old are you again?" I grumble.
"I'm just saying that if that guy isn't taken, I'm gonna take him."
I snap my laptop closed and let out a huff. "He's all yours, Alani."
As crushed as I still feel, even after all this time, he's certainly not mine.
CHAPTER 2Vivi
As we pile into the main room of the Beta Kappa Nu house, my eyes land on Jessie. She's the leader of our illegal fundraising operation. With her family struggling to pay for her brother's medical bills, she decided to auction off her virginity. To her, it was the only thing of value she could offer since she's just a college student. Her dad has been out of work for ages and her mom is stressed to the max trying to pick up extra shifts to cover the costs. Jessie knew in order to keep her family from falling apart she had to act quickly. At Beta Kappa Nu, we pride ourselves on pledging abstinence and giving back to the community. Several of the girls, including Jessie, are actually virgins. Some of us, like Alani and I, are not. The difference between Alani and I, though, is one of us is a liar. She's totally up front about the fact that she's had sex before. I told all the girls I was a virgin so I could help raise money.
There's only one man to call my bluff and he's not here to do it. My secret is safe.
"Have you seen the bids?" one of the sorority sisters squeals. "Thousands and thousands. This is going to work."
I smile politely at her but then let my face fall when she turns to chat one of the other girls' ears off. Truth is, I'm not good at fitting in here. Back in high school, I was the queen of the school. Loved by everyone. Happy and involved. I enjoyed life. But the summer before college, all that shattered right along with my heart.
Three and a half years ago ...
"Race you to the pond," Dallas says, a crooked grin on his face.
"Then what?"
"Then we'll see."
I roll my eyes but dart off without giving him a chance to start our race.
"Little cheater!" he calls out behind me.
He may be big and fit, but I've been a cheerleader for four years and Coach Davies runs us like horses every practice. Barefoot is a little harder than with shoes but the grass is soft and the ground is cool compared to the hot August night.
"Slow ass," I taunt over my shoulder and pick up my pace when fingertips brush against my back.
He grunts but speeds up. "You're a shit talker like your brother!" "Who do you think I learned it from?" I ask and then laugh.
Nolan's off making out with his girlfriend Leah. Just when things got awkward, Dallas asked if I wanted to go for a walk. Our walk has now turned into a foot race. After that...
My heart stammers. I've dreamt of so many dirty things with Dallas. He's always been my big brother's best friend. Always in the picture. Always invading my space with his addictive scent, sexy smiles, and stupid jokes. He makes me laugh and has since I was a kid.
I love him.
Unrequited love is a bitch, I tell you.
Pining over the man who won't touch you over some bro code. A line drawn in the sand by my own brother. "Don't touch my little sister." And that was that.
Strong arms hook around my middle and lift me from the ground. I let out a scream, kicking out my legs but meeting air.
"Don't you do it, Dallas Kyle Monroe!" He laughs, hot against my neck. "I'm so going to do it."
Before I can argue, he wades out, fully clothed into the small fishing pond behind his parents' house. The water is warm but I know it's slimy and gross, certainly not a swimming pond. Dallas doesn't care though. He carries us out into the center that's about chest deep and then he dunks us. When we emerge, I sputter and try to swat at him. His laughter is loud but he doesn't let me go. I shiver and it has nothing to do with my being soaked.
His body is hard against my back.
Hard everywhere.
"Come on," he says, his voice a husky rumble. "I've got a blanket in the truck."
He carries me out of the pond and sets me to my feet. I expect him to razz me like usual but instead he grabs my hand. My own feels familiar and right in his. He's quiet as we walk under the stars to the barn where his truck's parked outside.
The moment he pulls away, I feel the loss and it's hollowing. I've crushed over Dallas for as long as I can remember. Hope flutters through me like butterflies and I don't try to swat them away like usual. Tonight feels different.
Dallas is different.
He opens his truck door and looks at his phone before tossing it on the seat. Soon, music softly fills the barn from his truck speakers.
"Where do you think Nolan and Leah went?"
"They left for Leah's about five minutes ago. Your brother asked if I could get you home tonight."
"Oh," I say, disappointment flooding through me. "Okay."
He walks over to the back of his truck, a blanket under his arm, and pulls the tailgate down before making his way over to me. "I thought we could hang out for a while. Unless you need to get back."
"I'm good. Even though I'm soaked," I grumble, a smile tugging at my lips.
"Funny, every girl tells me that," he teases.
I swat at him and he captures my wrist. My heart stutters in my chest when he pulls me to him. We're dripping wet and this is ridiculous but I don't dare interrupt because Dallas freaking Monroe has me in his arms.
"You can't listen to Hank Williams Jr. and not dance," he says, his voice a low rumble.
I rest my cheek on his solid chest and my breath hitches when his palms settle on my ass. "We wouldn't want to piss ol' Hank off," I agree.
He chuckles. "Vivi?"
"Yeah, Dallas?"
"Your brother is going to kill me."
I pull away slightly to look up at his handsome face. "What for?" His blue eyes twinkle and he wears a panty-melting grin on his full pink lips. "For this," he murmurs.
My eyes widen in shock as he lowers his lips to mine. But as he presses in, I flutter my eyes closed and melt in his arms. A moan escapes me and he takes the opportunity to deepen our kiss. The second our tongues touch, something ignites within me.
I clutch his drenched shirt in desperation. I've wanted this moment for years. Now that it's happening, I can't get enough.
His palms grip my ass and he lifts me. It feels right to wrap my legs around his narrow waist. I'm burning up hot for him. I want all of him. On me. Inside me. He rests me against the side of his truck and his cock is hard between us.
"Tell me to get lost," he pleads, desperation bleeding through his usually smug tone.
"Get lost with me."
His growl has me giggling but then he starts grinding on me. I've touched myself plenty but nothing has ever felt as good as the way it feels to have Dallas rubbing his cock against me.
"Oh God," I whimper, my head tilting back.
His lips trail along my cheek to my jawline. He nips me and then continues his trek to my throat. "I should walk away, V." His mouth latches to my neck and he sucks hard enough I know I'll wear his mark tomorrow. The thought thrills me.
"Don't walk away. Not now, Dallas."
My words seem to spur him on, because like a man possessed, he storms over to the tailgate of his truck with me in his arms. Once he sits me down on the edge, he starts tugging at my clothes. There's no time to feel embarrassed under his intense scrutiny because the moment my bra is gone and the globes of my breasts are revealed to him, he bends to kiss them. His hot breath whispering over my nipples has them hardening in response. I push off his ball cap so I can touch his unruly brown hair. Without his hat, it flops into his eyes.
Dallas bites my nipple, causing me to mewl, and then he gently presses a palm to my stomach so I'll lie back. He slides away my panties and tosses them into the grass at his feet. I sneak a peek at him as he parts my knees. His playful blue eyes have hardened into something predatory and hungry.
I want to get eaten.
As if accessing my mind, he nips at the inside of my knee, his sharp stare meeting mine. A flicker of a question hovers in his gaze. Is this okay? Hell, it's more than okay. It's only what I've been fantasizing for as long as I can remember.
"Please," I beg, encouraging him.
He grins at me, wide and devious, and my core clenches in response. Dallas Monroe has the ability to stop the world around me with one smile. His smiles always demand mine in return. My smile fades the moment his hot breath tickles my pussy. Strong fingertips dig into my thighs, keeping me parted and open for him. I've watched enough porn to know he's about to eat me out but no one has ever done it before. Nervousness flitters through me.
Will I taste weird?
Do I smell bad?
What if he doesn't like —
My thoughts die an immediate death as pleasure assaults me. A hot, thick wet tongue drags along my slit from opening to clit and then circles on my throbbing bundle of nerves. I cry out and yank his hair as his tongue lazily rubs against me. He chuckles and I groan because even his breath on me feels good. The way he presses firmly against my pussy with a flat tongue and slides up and down has me squirming.
"I always knew you'd taste like honey," he rumbles, his tongue lapping at me as though I'm a sweet treat he's been denied all his life.
His teeth nip gently at my pussy lip before he starts circling my clit again with the tip of his tongue. The sensations are running wild through me. I've never known such blatant pleasure before and it doesn't take long for him to work me up into a frenzy. When he starts rubbing his knuckle along my slick, wet opening, I lose control. Blackness snuffs out the bright twinkling stars above me I explode with pleasure. I'm vaguely aware of my body jolting and tightening. The screams coming from me are foreign but sensual. I'm still convulsing when I finally become aware of a now naked Dallas kissing his way up my body.
This is it.
He rubs his rubber-sheathed cock against my clit and his mouth meets mine. It smells like me and him, an addictive concoction.
I want this. I want him. I want us.
We were always meant to be together.
"Everything's going to change," he murmurs, his lips hovering over mine. "Are you ready for that?"
"I've been waiting my whole life."
With a smile that mirrors my own, the boy I love slides into me. He may be taking my virginity, but he's long stolen my heart.
* * *
"Did you hear that, Smiles? Hello?" Claudia asks, drawing me from my past.
"Hmmm?" I blink away my daze and the urge to cry. Three and a half years is a long time to pine for someone. And I'm still doing it. Pining.
My heart will forever be ruined by Dallas Monroe.
He saw to it the next day, after a night I'll never forget under the stars, when he told me what we had was just a fun night. That he had things he still wanted to do and see. How he was going back to college and his life would be too busy for a relationship. The cold, uncaring way he delivered his words tore me apart. He completely crushed me with his words. I've been trying to piece myself back together again ever since.
"I'm saying you have the biggest bid," Claudia says as she shows me the computer.
So. Many. Zeros.
"That's stupid," I choke out. "Someone messed up. No one would pay that much for ..." I trail off. A fake virginity.
"They did," Jessie says. "We need that money. Half the girls wouldn't even need to do the auction if we could seal this deal."
What's between my legs is apparently the answer to everyone's problems at the moment.
"It's a joke," I mutter. "It has to be. I put the opening bid at ten thousand. He probably accidentally hit it twice. A mistake."
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Bidding for Keeps"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Author K Webster LLC.
Excerpted by permission of Harlequin Enterprises Limited.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
