The Ryland Boys
Chapter 35

“I don’t care how much her ankle hurts, she’s the singer tonight and I’m not going to let her drop out three hours before the damn dinner.” Alison said scowling at the floor with the ear piece on her ear.

We left this morning to the estate to set up the massive ballroom with decor, it took us hours and lots of people but in the end it became a luxury dining area with over two hundred tables and a massive stage with a small cat wall that went down the middle of the tables sectioning them off.

It was currently seven and people where going to start showing up. The event begins at eight but the best seats are either reserved or first come first serve.

I was in the front with Amanda and Nichole at our own table. I wanted the family to have their own table, it just seemed right.

Their table was next to ours and Lucas continued to run to our table and run back to theirs.

Mason eyed Amanda who smiled and gave him a small wink.

She said they weren’t official and told him to have fun tonight and remember that they both were being auctioned tonight.

Nichole and Amanda also are being auctioned, how exciting!

“There’s so many people here this is insane.” Nichole said eyeing all the hot men who walked in, she gave them all smirks and winks.

They enjoyed it.

All the auctioned are supposed to be back stage but since I’m the finishing one of the night, I had lots of time to get all dolled up.

“We should go.” Amanda said pointing to Alison who was walking behind the curtain and eyeing them.

They got up and headed up the stage behind the curtain.

“I thought you were being auctioned.”

I stared over at the blonde from last night and smiled “Rebecca, Hey. Yeah I’m not till the way end so I’ve got loads of time.” I said laughing and watching her nod.

She looked to Jax at the table beside us and gasped “That’s Mason Ryland.” She said low.

I nodded “Yeah he’s a real pain in the a*s. He’ll be auctioned off tonight too.” I said c*****g an eyebrow.

Rebecca eyed him “You know him?” She asked.

I eyed the table “Yeah, you want to be introduced?” I asked hoping I could get rid of her.

She nodded and I took her to the table, “Hey, Mason this is one of the beautiful babes I picked up at the bar.” I said smirking.

She smiled nervously and shook his hand “Hi, I’m Rebecca. You’re at the end too? For the auction?” She asked.

He stood and gave her a nod, “Yeah, Norah and I are the finishing acts.” He said smiling at me.

Her eyes grew as she looked down at Jax “Please tell me you’re being auctioned.” She said eyeing his arms and neck.

Jax eyed me wearily and a bit worried, I think she’s scaring him. “He’s not, He was supposed to but instead they put Cory in his place.” I repeated the name watching her nod “Oh okay.” She shook his hand and I gestured to the tables “You should get a seat before the good ones are taken.”

She nodded and waved bye while hurrying to a table.

“She’s hot.” Mason said nodding to himself.

I smirked “I told you, I got the hottest woman. If a woman walks in and you’re like damn she’s a babe, just know that I brought her.” I said laughing and watching him nod.

Going to my seat, I stared across the room watching him with the fear building up in my body. The hate growing immensely, I haven’t seen him since that day.

James.

He stared at me and we caught eyes before I bore my hateful glare and he eventually looked away nervously.

“Don’t give him the satisfaction of knowing you acknowledge his existence.” Benson said from behind me.

I turned and smiled at him softly, “I’ve been thinking of becoming a professional fighter just to meet him in a ring with thousands of viewers watching me beat the crap out of him.” I said.

I hated James. He took my happiness away.

“Norah!”

I looked back at Alison waving for me.

Going to the back, I watched the hectic mess of everyone running around and some people panicking.

“Your dress just came in and I don’t know if it’s going to fit you right.” She said sighing and gesturing for me to follow.

I headed to my room and pushed the door open. The dress was on the bed, it was breath taking.

I eyed the heart shape dress, the slit from my upper thigh down and the silk material. It was just…beautiful.

“Alison, this is not the dress I picked.” I said softly.

She gave me a confused look “What? That’s the one Mason said you chose.” She said scowling and turning shutting the door behind her and going to probably yell at Mason.

He did a great job though.

Pulling the dress off the hanger, I stripped down and pulled on the corset stepping into the dress.

The door opened and Mason was arguing with his mom while I zipped it shut.

“Holy f*****g hell.” Mason said stopping in his tracks while he stared me up and down. He moved his moms face toward me and she scowled at him before gasping, “Holy

F*****g hell.” She said.

I looked in the mirror “This dress is a whole new level of sexy.” I said laughing.

“Is it leather?” Mason asked walking over.

I shook my head “Silk.” Alison said running a hand over the back.

Mason shook his head “Nope. She can’t wear it.” He said clearing his throat.

I laughed “Why not Mase?” I asked turning to him.

He shook his head again, “Oh no, definitely not. Don’t say my name in that dress. It’s very, very inappropriate.” He shook his head a third time.

Staring at Alison, I did a small turn “So I guess I’ll be the star of the show.” I said laughing.

Mason ran a hand down his face, “Norah, the entire room will be paying. Who knows how much I’ll have to pay.” He sighed.

I laughed “What?” I smiled.

He nodded “Carter, Jax, Dad and I decided if you get bet on by anyone we don’t know or trust, we’re out bidding him.” He said eyeing my body over.

Alison smiled, “Don’t worry, she’ll be fine.” She said giving me a wink.

They left the room and I stepped out of my dress, hanging it back up and pulling on the simple little blue dress and my heels going out the door.

Going to the back door, I stood in the back helping Amanda with last minute touches before moving to my table and sitting down.

The room was full and my table was the only empty one.

A few empty chairs for the auctioned in the back and I sat down in my seat watching as Alison went up front smiling at everyone “Hello everyone and welcome to our third auction of the year. This ones a bit different though, tonight you’ll be auctioning for an evening with some of the most beautiful and handsome faces.” She smiled wide and everyone cheered, whistled and shouted names.

She eyed the crowd “Make sure to put in your meal orders because after this auction you’ll be fine dined before we begin to open the floor for dancing.” She said smiling.

The menus sat in front of us, our seat numbers at the top, and I checked off the lemon basil chicken handing it to the waiter.

He placed down a glass of champagne and I smiled giving him a thank you watching Mason stare at me and smirk. “Drooling.” I mouthed pointing to the corner of my mouth.

Mason smiled and wiped it with his thumb checking to make sure he wasn’t drooling. Dork.

He got distracted by Jax talking before he nodded and turned to Benson saying something to him.

They all began discussing something and Lindsay seemed bothered watching all the gorgeous woman.

“Let’s begin the night!” Alison said after she stated the rules and restrictions of betting.

One of the most important rules was to remember that if the date refuses longer than an hour, they must comply. There won’t be any forced affection or physical actions. We are not property, and we have a right to refuse.

Four champagne glasses later and twelve auctions later, Mason walked over taking my hand “Its time.” He said looking to Alison who was standing staring at us.

I nodded and got up taking my glass and going with Mason to the back and to my room.

Putting the glass down, I stripped down and pulled the corset on and let my hair down before slipping into the dress.

Alison zipped it up and shouted for the artist Anissa who ran in and shut the door placing a box on the desk and gesturing for me to sit.

I took a seat and she smiled “Ready to smash that face up with makeup?” She asked laughing.

I shrugged “I guess so.” I responded.

Twenty minutes later, I had my hair pulled at and ran through a curling iron, hair sprayed then messed with a little to give it a sexy appeal.

I slipped on the diamond bracelet and the earrings and strapped on the black heels.

“Damn you could win Miss America if you wanted.” Anissa said laughing softly.

I stood and took steady breaths, “Alright, When is it my turn?” I asked watching her eye her watch “Let’s Get you to the back and see.” She said and I nodded following her to the back room to see only three more woman and two

guys left.

Alison eyed me over and scowled “Oh my god you are way too hot. No. Oh my god.” She said placing a hand over her mouth.

I rolled my eyes, “Don’t be over dramatic.” I said laughing.

She shook her head, “Poor Benson…I should go warn him. He’s going to be so uncomfortable.” She said laughing and turning to go actually warn him.

Wow.

Laughing I watched Mason walk from the main hall to the backroom brushing his white button up off.

“Oo going for that classy look huh?” I asked teasing him.

Mason smirked and looked at me scowling the same scowl his mother held, “Anissa what the hell is this? You just-she’s too hot. Go cover her face with a paper bag.” He said angry with her.

She laughed and brushed a piece of my hair back, “She’s a babe.” She said proudly.

One of the girls to be auctioned was the daughter of Alison’s co worker and she eyed me over “Its no wonder you’re the finish. Jesus. They really just got you straight from heaven didn’t they?” She asked laughing.

I smiled “You look beautiful too.” I said watching her smile and brush me off while she headed through the curtains to be auctioned.

“Mason my hearts racing.” I said nervously.

He smiled and took my hand, “Nah you’ll be amazing. Just think of it as that pageant from your highschool. Only this time, we’re trying to win a ton of money.” He said smirking.

I laughed and nodded “Alright.” I let out a shaky breath and the girl came back in smiling “Just brought in six grand!” She said proudly.

I half fived her and watched Mason go out the curtains as they whistled and cheered.

The bids grew and grew and I looked to Alison who was smiling with her body half way in the back. She was proud, and cheering.

He was sold for eight grand.

I was astonished.

He walked back in with his shirt off and I laughed watching him smiled and give me a wink.

Alison waved for me to go.

Taking a heavy breath, I let it out and stepped out the curtains smiling and walking out c*****g one h*p with a hand on it as the man Dave stared at his paper “And our last for the night is Norah Anne Brooke’s, beauty and brains with-” He eyed the silent room and looked from them to me before staring like a fish out of water. “Holy shit.” He said into the mic.

I laughed and that caused the laughter to shake over the room while others whistled and began shouting prices and holding their numbers up.

“Ten thousand!” An older man called and I watched Dave nervously laugh “I uh haven’t finished reading but I guess we’ll just start.” He said shrugging.

I began my walk down the catwalk and kept it moderate paced turning twice and then standing posed and smiling.

“Twenty thousand!”

“Twenty one thousand!”

“Twenty two thousand!”

“Thirty thousand!”

I lost track and as the number kept getting called I looked to the crowd “Honestly it’ll just be a night of eating and awkward conversation.” I said loud, “You’re paying to feed me and hear me ramble.” I said hearing the laughter grow.

Staring back at Jax, I smiled softly and watched him raise his number “One hundred thousand dollars.” He said making my stomach explode with butterflies.

I quickly looked to Lindsay who scowled at him.

Is he serious?

“One hundred and fifty thousand.” James called from the other side.

Ohhh no, no, no way!

No f*****g way.

Shaking my head I looked to Dave “Hell no. Two hundred thousand!” I called watching him look from me to Alison in confusion.

She nodded and he sighed “Uh six hundred thousand.” He said confused, “What do I say? Norah Conrats you win an evening with yourself?” He asked laughing.

I laughed “Saves me a lot of guilt.” I said laughing and causing the crowd to laugh too.

“Three hundred thousand.” James called.

God dammit!

“Three hundred and fifty thousand!” An older man said smiling and winking at me.

He eyed my body in a way I hated.

“Four hundred thousand!” A couple called out from the back.

“Oh well that sounds like a fun night.” Dave commented causing me to laugh and shake my head.

“Four hundred and fifty thousand!” Nick called from the back giving me a smirk.

Oh god.

“Five hundred thousand.” Jax said before Lindsay smacked his arm.

I hope no one else bids.

My god. Half a million.

“Five hundred thousand going once, twice, congrats Jax Ryland you win one evening with the beautiful Norah Anne Brooke’s.” I headed down the cat walk going behind the curtain grabbing Alison’s wrist “Half a million dollars?!” I asked.

She shrugged “Oh don’t look at me like that, I didn’t even know.” She laughed and looked to me “I think he would’ve paid a million if he had to.” She said pursing her lips.

I headed out from behind the curtain with her to my seat.

Amanda and Nichole sat beside me both of them breath taking and deep in discussion. “Why the hell was James bidding? That guy has absolutely no common sense.” Nichole said scowling at James.

“Oh s**t he’s coming over.” She said before shutting up and then scowling.

I turned my head and watched him walk over and kneel down, “Norah, I have to tell you, I am so, desperately sorry for-” he shut up as he looked behind me and stood.

Looking behind me, I stared at Carter, Mason and Jax, even Alison all glaring at him and watching him.

“Can we talk in private?” He asked.

I nodded and stood gesturing for him to go out the double doors.

Pulling off my diamond earrings and bracelet I placed them down in front of Amanda smirking. “Oh you’re- right now?” She asked with wide eyes.

I nodded and took my heels off “Norah.” I looked back at the table smiling at the guys “Call an ambulance. He’ll need one.” I said smiling and walking out the double doors.

He stood rubbing his jaw with a sorrowed face.

Pulling my fist back, I slammed it with all my might into his jaw before blocking his left hand and kneeing him in the stomach and shoving him into the wall gripping his neck “Eye or balls?” I asked him watching as he stared at me furiously.

“Eyes or balls?!” I asked louder.

“Eye!” He shouted.

I smiled and slammed my knee so hard into his balls he let out a heavy and loud scream.

Stepping back I eyed him “I gave you the choice, it doesn’t mean I’ll listen though.” I gave him two sharp kicks to the stomach and he shouted for me to stop.

“Norah! Please! Stop!” He cried out.

I stepped back and lifted him by his tie back to his feet, “You took everything from me. Everything!” I shouted shoving him into the wall and turning around kicking him hard in the ribs.

The cracking sound came and he cried out.

“I’m sorry Norah!” He cried.

I nodded “By the time I’m done with you, you will be James.” I said low and as he hung his head low, he was on all fours b***d dripping to the wood floor. Grabbing his hair I pulled his head up letting him watch my eyes.

Gripping his face the way he did to me, I tightened my hold and punched him hard twice before he fell to his side.

Standing up, I gave him one hard kick to his broken rib and he shouted loudly in pain before he passed out.

Taking heavy breaths, I slowed them before straightening out my hair and wiping the b***d off my hands with his hanker Chief.

Tossing it onto him, I straightened my dress out and walked through the double doors noticing all the eyes.

I guess they heard.

“Guess we know not to make that one angry.” Dave said lightening up the mood.

I smirked and took a seat slipping my bracelet back on and putting the earrings in. I bent down strapping the heels in and looking back at the guys, “You called an ambulance right?” I asked.

Jax stared over at Mason who looked to Carter who nodded as he ate his steak.

I nodded and smiled “Good.” I turned to my dinner giving Amanda a wink.

She smirked “You did it.” She said laughing.

I felt so good too.

It was…exhilarating.

The door opened and James walked in bloody and wiping his face going to the restroom.

“Oh shit.” Nichole said softly.

I stared back at James, and then eyed Lindsay watching her eyes grow in fear. She looked away and I smirked eyeing Nichole’s steak.

She took the chicken swapping out dinners, “You earned it.” She said laughing.

The paramedic entered and looked around while Alison stood and guided them to the bathroom.

James’s parents stood by the bathroom door worried.

I finished the steak and two buff men pushed the cat walk, it began closing in and then eventually there was just a huge gap between both sides of the room.

Music played and I continued to drink, James had walked with the paramedics out the place and telling them “I’m fine, I’m fine!”

I felt happy.

“Can I have a dance?” An older guy, probably in his late twenties smiled down at me.

I laughed lightly, “You sure? I was almost sure I just scared everyone off.” I said watching him laugh, “I find it kind of hot.” He smiled wider.

Standing, I nodded, “Alright then.” I said taking his hand and following him to the floor where couples and others danced.

It turns out many men found my ability to kick a fighters a*s sexy and after too many dances, I was dancing with Carter laughing as he kept trying to keep his hands on my a*s.

“Can I cut in?” Benson asked smiling as the soft song came on.

I watched Carter nod, “Sure thing dad. Just don’t try to feel her up, she might threaten you.” He said earning a smack to the back of the head.

Laughing, I cringed a bit and watched Benson shake his head “They would’ve been a lot different if they had you in their lives from the start.” He said putting one hand in mine and the other on my side while I placed one hand on his shoulder smiling at him.

We danced slow and he sighed “I’m proud of you Norah.” He said giving me a smile.

I smiled back up at him, “Yeah?” I asked.

He furrowed his eyebrows “Absolutely. Your father would’ve been so proud to call you his daughter. I know I would be.” He said giving me a pursed smile before nodding.

Hugging him, I laid my head on his shoulder dancing slow with him and feeling like for once in the many years of my life, I had someone to fill that empty gap that my father never did.

This made up for all the missed father-daughter dances, all the missed fatherly lectures to my boyfriends and all those things fathers do for their daughters.

For once, I had a father.

The song ended and I stepped back as Alison smiled at me “Mind if I cut in?” She asked.

I shook my head “Of course not.” I replied watching her take his hand and smile up at him dancing slow with him as the next song started.

“You-” I turned looking over my shoulder to Jax feeling a bit taken back.

He smiled shyly, and looked over my face “You want to dance?” He asked.

I looked to his table to see Lindsay gone.

Jax took my hand and I placed one hand on his shoulder, the other stayed in his hand. “Five hundred thousand, huh?” I smiled.

He stared down at my lips and then over my face, “I would’ve bid all I had.” He said catching my heart into my throat.

Moving closer, I felt his hand push me into his chest lightly. I moved my hand up his arm laying both hands over his chest and laying my head onto it as we slowly swayed, his arms around me and his heart beating quick before it slowed and calmed.

Smiling, I shut my eyes and enjoyed this moment for two songs before I stepped back and Amanda took my hand pulling me to dance with her.

She eyed the door where Lindsay came back in wearing a different dress.

Jax gave me a small smile and headed to the table sitting down and sitting back drinking his beer and eyeing the glass.

“He’s not going to be happy with her.” I said as Amanda laid her head on my chest “Nope, never.” She said softly.

I laid my head on hers and sighed “You think he’s the one for me?” I asked low.

She laughed a bit “Oh yeah.”

Me too.