Always In A Million Years

13

Hera McQueen 

"Hera?" 

I turned around towards the voice and saw Dylan standing a few feet away, where the stage props were kept.

"Oh, Hi!" I waved at him, "What are you doing here? I thought you send your team to all these events." He walked towards me after ushering a team member for some work. 

"Chris took a day off, so I have to fill in for him." He replied. Chris is the head manager and partner in his business. "What are you doing behind the stage? Is everything alright?" He asked. 

Before I could answer him, Lucus came out of nowhere. "Ready?" He asked and placed his arm around my shoulder. I nodded in reply. 

"Ready for what?" I looked back at Dylan who was staring at Lucus's hand which was around me. Crap!  Dylan has always been the protective brother, where Ryder has been more of an interrogatory one and Tyler has been the infrequent older brother whenever it comes to any men in my life.    

"Hera is one of the candidates for the date auction," Lucus replied for me. Dylan fixed his gaze at me, "Is she now?" I internally flinched to that glare he is throwing at me, but I didn't show it. 

"Yes." I confirmed and turned to Lucus, "Shall we?" We made our way towards the aisle where other candidates were waiting.

"No!" Dylan holds my arm, halting me in steps. "You are not going up that stage." He said, more like commanded. 

"Excuse me?" I am surprised at his commanding tone, it wasn't the first time he did that, but back then we were kids.   

"You heard me, Hera." He said, "I won't be at ease knowing, you are spending a day because man bid on you."

"You are being unreasonable Dylan," I stated, even though I'm touched by his foolish behavior. 

"Come on, man!" Lucus spoke up, "It is for good cause." He reasoned. "And look at her, she is going to raise the bar." I would have facepalmed at that statement if I wasn't saving him from Dylan's punch. 

"Dylan, I am going up on the stage." I firmly stated and stand with the crowd at backstage. 

There were around 12 candidates, out of which eight were women and the rest were men. The co-ordinator took our name and some details. Lucus and I talk till it was his turn to go up there. He ruffles his hair back, "How do I look?" 

"I won't be shocked if the catfight breaks out over there." He laughed at that statement and climbed up the stairs. Turns out, he got the highest bidding of $200,000, but no catfight happened. 

I was up next. I took a deep breath and walked out as the curtain slide open. 

"Our next candidate is Ms. Hear McQueen. She is 24, 5'6" with beautiful brunette hair with mesmerizing blue eyes." The host announced as I walked further down the ramp. I laughed hearing his statement. "She is also a lawyer and branch manager at McQueen&Spencer. Gentleman, a rare combination of beauty and brain. Let's get started with RV - $15,000."

"$20.000" A man in the center called.

"$25,000" Another one called out, 

"$50,000" A familiar voice raised, I scanned around and find Zachary sitting at the far center. I smiled at him.

"Do I hear $50,500. 1"  the host announced.

"75,000" another familiar voice called out. I looked at the source and find Dylan glaring towards Zac's direction as if challenging him.

"100,000" Zac bidded.

"150,000" Dylan raised. My eyes widen as they both kept on raising the bid.

"500,000" I raised my brow in disbelief. What the hell are you doing Zac? Zac smirked when Dylan nodded at him.

 "Do I hear 500,000,1-2-3-highest bid-" The host was cut by another voice.

"1 Million." The voice boomed over the slow music. My head jerked towards the voice. The man was sitting at the back and the light was dim back there, making it impossible to see the person. 

"Do I hear 1 million 1-2-3.  The highest bidder is Mr. Nicholas Thomson." I stood shocked as I saw the person's face as the stage light is thrown at him.

Zachary Deighton

I turned my head as soon as I heard his voice. "What the fuck is he doing here?" I stared aghast at his presence. I shot a look at Bennett who was also sitting at my table. He looked confused himself and shrugged. I got up from my seat. 

"Excuse me," I mumbled and made my way behind the stage, where Hera would be. 

I saw Dylan on my way and pass a stiff nod. I know what he was doing back there, and I respect him for that. 

 "I told you." I heard Lucus's voice, it was coming from the green room, "You raised a million."

"I will double it if you canceled that bidding," I announced. Both their heads jerk towards my direction. 

"Don't be ridiculous. Tell me you are kidding." Hera asked, her face was flushed as she gulped down water from the cup. I stared at her with a straight look. 

"No! I won't let you do that." she stated when she saw I am damn serious about it. 

"Dude! it's just a date."Lucas said.

"Yes, with Nicholas Thomson." I gritted my teeth. 

"Who is he anyway?" Hera asked, "The name sound familiar, but I couldn't pinpoint where I heard about him." 

"He is San Francisco business mogul." Lucus replied, "We all went to Columbia. I didn't know he would be coming, he said he was on a short business visit when I ran into him yesterday in downtown." My head snaps at him, controlling myself not to punch him. Why would he invite him?'

"Well, that's a relief." Hera sigh, "At least you guys know him, he is harmless. A day with him won't be torture." 

I scoffed, "Sweet, but you will never know because you are not spending any time of a day with him." 

Lucus find this the right moment to leave the conversation and us alone. 

"And who are you to decide?" Hera placed her hand on her hip in a defensive stance, I stared into her fierce blue eyes. I know I don't have control over this situation. I couldn't explain to her my indifferences with that man, and she would not back down unless I give her a reason. 

I released a defeated sigh, "Right, forget it. Let's go to the main hall." I took her hand in mine and we made out of the green room. 

"I appreciate your bidding on me." Hera said.

"It was nothing. I would have bid the highest if Nicholas didn't take me by surprise." I replied I was shocked when I heard his voice. It's been three years since that ruinous incident and when I last saw or heard from him. 

"I would have been looking forward to that date if that may happen." Her confession comes as a shock to me. I looked from my peripheral at her, "You would?" 

She slightly shrugged her shoulder and looked into my eye, "Yes, I want to know what the fuss is all about Zachary Deighton, ladies can't shut up about." She leaned a little and slightly placed her chin at my shoulder and gave me her dazzling smile, "Must be your charm," Her breathy tone tingle with my skin. Jesus! She is the only woman who had affected me this bad, without actually doing anything. I circled my arm around her hip, bringing her closer.

"Why don't we check that theory?" 

Her eyes widen a little, as my finger trace her back before she could reply someone cleared their throat. Hera instantly steps back, I scowled at the sudden interruption. 

"I hope I am not interrupting anything." 

Of course, it has to be Him. 

***************

Aha! Now there is some twist and turn I was itching to write. 

What do you think?

Love

db