Chapter Four: Meeting

Reina’s POV

During the drive, I thought about what kind of person Mr. Hart might be. I didn’t see myself as someone with high expectations which was why I wanted to take my chance with the auction. All I wanted was someone who would love me and who I could love.

Mr. Hart didn’t live far away, he was just outside the city. My brother would at least be satisfied with me not living too far, that is if we do get married. After we pulled into the driveway I wasn’t surprised the manor was as big and fancy as it was. His bid was so large that he had to have been super-rich. The driver opened the door for me and I slowly got out of the limo.

I walked up to the front double door and tried to shake my nerves. My index finger lingered lightly on the doorbell because I couldn’t bring myself to press it for a few moments. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes before pressing it. My eyes quickly opened, startled by how soon the door opened. I stared down at the ground, not being able to even pretend to be confident.

“Hello,” I mumbled.

A shiver of electricity ran up my spine as Mr.Hart lifted my chin and looked down into my eyes while there was a fire in his. This was Ryker Hart, the man who was willing to spend millions on me. He looked familiar but that didn’t surprise me since I’ve been Emily’s plus-one to a few high-class events. He must have attended at least one of them.

Right away, I noticed he was out of my league…

Mr. Hart moved his hand from my chin and placed it on the small of my back, causing my heart to skip a beat. Then, he led me inside, closing the door behind me. I had so many questions for him but wasn’t sure how to ask them. My eyes scanned his beautiful home, it was spacious yet comfy and well-decorated. I began to walk around, feeling his eyes on me. He hadn’t said a word to me and I couldn’t tell if he was disappointed or not.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, breaking the silence

Mr Hart nodded. “Did the action house manager issue you a copy of the signed contract to give to me?” he spoke to me for the first time, his voice deep.

“No,” I said, breaking eye contact with him. “Because I didn’t sign it yet. I needed to meet you first.”

Mr. Hart looked at me in disbelief. “My offer wasn’t too good to pass up?” he asked. “Is your family well off?”

I waved my hands in front of me. “No, we’re not, not by any means but the auction wasn’t about me marrying the highest bidder,” I explained, stifling laughter at his presumption.

He cocked his head to the side, raising an eyebrow, “You want to know what else I can offer aside from money?”

“It’s not that…” I muttered. “I know you can take care of me but I want to know if we’ll get along. I can’t be sure but I wanted an idea first. I was looking forward to the conversation part of the auction Mr. Hart,”

“Ryker.”

“Huh?”

A chuckle escaped his mouth before saying, “Call me by my first name.”

“Okay… Ryker.” I said and rubbed my arm. “Since nothing is official you can take back your offer.”

The look in Ryker’s eyes was piercing and suddenly intense. “And why would I do that?” he asked as if what I said was ridiculous.

I began to sway thoughtfully, diverting my eyes from his. “I just thought your bid was maybe impulsive and since you didn’t see me close up or meet me… um, maybe I’m not what you expected.”

Ryker took a few steps closer to me. “Sure it was impulsive but I don’t have any reservations.” When I looked up at him I was comforted by his warm smile. “I’m assuming all your things are already packed and ready to be moved? I can send a few movers to pick it up for you.”

I cleared my throat before reminding him, “I haven’t agreed to marry you.”

Surprise was written all over his face, he still couldn’t understand. “Oh? I thought meeting me was enough,” he said and I wasn’t sure if his confidence was attractive or annoyingly cocky. “Is there anything I can do to ensure your answer is yes?”

I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. “Um, tell me why,” I answered. “Why did you put in your bid so early? Why me?” Ryker wasn’t giving me any red flags or bad vibes but I wasn’t convinced that this wasn’t too good to be true yet.

“You want to know why I want you?” Even when his voice softened into a whisper it was low and almost intimidating. He waited for me to nod and I stopped myself from biting my lip. “It’s simple really and might not make much sense to you but I trust my gut. I know what I want and when I want it.” There was a fire in his eyes again, this time one that ignited my attraction to him. “Spend one night with me and make your decision in the morning.”

I appreciated him giving me time, usually, women would accept their largest bid right after the auction. We’d technically have a week to make our decision but not many women wanted to risk a suitor withdrawing their offer.

“I’ll give you a moment alone, I have something I need to take care of,” Ryker said and made his way up the stairs after I nodded.

I let out a deep sigh and sat down on the most comfortable couch I’ve felt. As I melted into the couch I stared up at the ceiling. I pulled my phone out of my dress pocket. It’s been on silent so it hadn’t rung despite the multiple calls I got from my family. Since I was alone I decided to call my mom back. “How is everything going??” Mom asked as soon as she answered.

“Good,” I said, sounding unsure.

“So you’re going to accept his bid?”

“I think so.”

“Think? Is there any reason not to accept?” Worry was evident in her tone.

No there wasn’t a reason to say no, he was seeming perfect and if we married, I’d have an easy pampered life. “Not exactly but…” I said. I was afraid I wouldn't be enough for him.

“You’re overthinking again Rei,” Mom said, not letting me finish.

“Maybe I am,” I said. “I’m staying the night but I’ll call you tomorrow.” I hung up and pushed my phone back into my pocket.

I looked up as Rkyer walked down the stairs. “Was that enough time?” I nodded and stood up to follow him into the kitchen, wondering what he had in store for me. “Can I get a better look at you?”

“Yeah…” I said, unsure what I was agreeing to.

Ryker slightly bent down towards me and placed his hands tenderly on my waist. His touch was paralyzing. I blushed deeply as he lifted me and placed me on the kitchen counter.

His eyes dragged down my body, devouring me patiently. He left one hand on my waist as the other stroked my arm, leaving goosebumps in its wake. My heart rate sped up and the heat between us grew. His gaze returned to my face, studying my features and I took the opportunity to do the same. He was extremely attractive with sharp, strong features and a defining facial structure. His hair was jet black, thick with loose curls.

I never felt so flustered as his hand traveled up my back. My eyes widened a little as I felt a gentle tug on my dress's zipper. Was that what he meant by getting a better look at me?? A lump formed in my throat as I leaned back, pressing myself against the wall.

A simple smirk appeared on his face as he moved his hand. “My bad Reina,” he said, making that the first time he said my name. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love the way it sounded. “Don’t hold that against me.”

Ryker’s attempt to undress me reminded me of something Clara shared with me. She said on the first night she spent with her husband they had sex. She felt like she had to after he spent a couple hundred thousand dollars on her hand in marriage. I wanted to make my boundaries clear now so he could withdraw his offer if he’s not interested in waiting.

“We should leave while our chefs prepare dinner,” Ryker said, helping me down. “I’ll give you a tour of your new home.” He was still so sure that I was already his…

I was looking forward to the rest of the night. Ryker knew how to make a good impression and he knew how to turn me on… maybe a little too well after only just meeting. I started to hope that he’d still want to marry me after tonight but I wasn’t convinced yet.