The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 14

Marcus was beginning to relax as he and Leonard enjoyed a quiet conversation. When they first arrived he had been afraid that they would be inundated by over-eager servers. Perhaps five years ago he wouldn't have minded but now he wanted something...more. But he had no idea how to attain it.

He couldn't help but be jealous of Julius. After all, Macey had been his childhood friend. Even Silas knew Avalynn since high school. Their roads to happiness might have been rocky but at least they knew the person who would complete them. The only woman Marcus knew that long was Elizabeth and he refused to believe she was the one to stand at his side. There had to be someone else.

His thoughts once again turned to the woman who lingered in his dreams. It didn't matter where he was she always lingered on the fringes of his mind. There had to be a reason why his thoughts wouldn't let her go. Maybe she was the one?

But then why did she act like she had never met him before? Was she afraid of his status? As his wife she would enjoy the same privileges as himself. Was it because of his past reputation? Surely there had to be a way to show her he was different. After all didn't Julius and Lucas change for their women?

"What's wrong with you?" Leonard suddenly spoke up. "You've been frowning and sighing for the past ten minutes. We're here to have fun remember?"

"Sorry. I've got a lot on my mind."

"If you're worried about Elizabeth, don't be. You think you're the only guy to marry a woman he doesn't love? Happens all the time. You just have to find your own fun elsewhere."

"Like here?" Marcus asked.

"Better here than somewhere else, right?'

Marcus grimaced and turned his attention back to the stage. He watched the tap dancing troop finish their routine before taking a bow and stepping off stage. The entertainment here wasn't half-bad but it wasn't distracting him.

"... Put your hands together for the Masked Tappers!" the MC announced. "And keep them going for Madame Butterfly!"

"Ooo, finally. You'll like this one," Leonard said. "She's enough to distract anyone from their troubles."

"That good, huh?"

"She has the voice of an angel...and a body you would kill for."

Marcus raised a brow but looked back at the stage as the curtains parted and a young woman stepped out. Her black hair was pulled back and tamed in a clip. Like everyone else she wore a mask covering half her face. However hers wasn't plain, its pattern reflected her name.

She walked up to the single microphone left on stage with a quiet grace and confidence. Looking over the crowd with a faint smile she waited as the din slowly fell silent. Though she had not spoken a word everyone was now at attention waiting. Marcus sat in silence just as captivated. Then the music cued up over the speakers with the familiar strains of a popular song: Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves. But the real shock was when the one stage provided the vocals. When it rains, it pours

But you didn't even notice it ain't rainin' anymore

It's hard to breathe when all you know is

The struggle of stayin' above the risin' water line

Well, the sky has finally opened

The rain and wind stopped blowin'

But you're stuck out in the same ol' storm again

You hold tight to your umbrella

Well, darlin', I'm just tryin' to tell ya

That there's always been a rainbow hangin' over your head...

Marcus wasn't sure what he expected but he was stunned. Her voice was clear, emotive and mesmerizing. She swayed slightly letting the music carry her away. Her hand reached up as if to grasp her own umbrella further evoking the image and the stage lights turned blue. Marcus almost blushed. The performance almost seemed like something intimate as if she was singing in the shower even as her voice reached its crescendo captivating them as it filled the entire club. Even those at the bar previously focused on the sports broadcasts turned to listen.

Reaching the end of the song her voice softly faded drawing them in until the last strands of music finally ended. Everyone seemed to hold their breath then they suddenly erupted into applause. Marcus found himself on his feet alongside the others. She smiled, bowing gratitude and almost seemed embarrassed by the accolades. As the applause slowly died the MC joined her on stage holding a wireless microphone. The masked man in a suit waited for everyone to take their seats before he spoke. "We have now come to this night's bidding. Who wouldn't love to have a drink with this lovely lady? But who is willing to pay for it?"

"What is going on?" Marcus asked returning to his seat and looking to Leonard for explanation.

"Madame Butterfly has two performances. After the first they have a little auction. Whoever wins Madame Butterfly will join them at their table. They sit, have a chat and drink until her next performance."

Marcus frowned. Really? He turned his attention back to the stage. The masked diva still stood there looking slightly uncomfortable while the MC spoke and the bidding began. It didn't seem like this was her favorite part. "Do I hear ten thousand?" the MC asked.

"Ten!" an eager guest stood up in the center of the orchestra pit.

"Fifteen. Do I hear fifteen?"

"Fifteen!"

"Twenty!"

"Twenty-five!"

Marcus gritted his teeth as the price quickly climbed. Were they serious? All of this for a drink? And she had to spend time with whoever won? He clenched his hands into fists until his knuckles were white. "She's very popular," Leonard said as if that explained everything.

"Thirty!"

"Thirty-five!"

"Forty!"

"Forty-five!"

"The current bid is forty-five thousand," the MC said. "Do I hear fifty-five? Fifty-five anyone? How about fifty? Do I hear fifty? Forty-five thousand going once. Going twice..."

"Fifty!" Leonard suddenly called out startling Marcus.

"We have a new bidder. Fifty thousand. Fifty going once. Going twice. Done! Thank you Mister Big!"

Leonard raised his glass earning more than a few jealous glares. On stage the MC whispered something to the diva before she disappeared behind the curtains. Marcus watched her until she was out of sight before looking at his friend. "What? It looked like you wanted to spend some private time with her."

Marcus frowned. Was he really that obvious?

"What? Am I wrong?"

Marcuse sipped his drink instead of answering. He didn't know why the thought of the singer spending time with someone else irritated him. She was a stranger to him...yet there was something oddly familiar about her too. Was he going crazy?