Seven shot me a warning look even as she traced my lapel with a sharp burgundy fingernail, murmuring, “Tonightwillcost you. The only question is—how much?” She turned her head, and I sucked in a sharp breath as she revealed a brutal scar down one side of her face. “Don’t worry.” She patted my lapel condescendingly. “I think you’ll find our selection to be worth every penny.” Underneath all her swagger was a flash ofsomething else. It was gone almost quicker than I could detect. Pity? Resentment?
I released her as an armed guard approached us. “Who are you?” I demanded softly, unable to determine if this woman was here against her will—she had a damn number for a name, add that to the growing list of crises to deal with. “I can help you. What is yourname?”
“I am the seventh.” She murmured, her voice a push of breath as she ignored my question altogether and tapped the object in my hand, drawing my attention back to it. It was a remote, with a two-digit number inscribed on the top and a single button on the bottom. “As an honored guest, the elite members of the organization have voted, and you’ll be allowed to take part in tonight’s event.” She added. “You’re quite lucky, you know—they’ve never voted to include an outsider.”
“What is the event?” I demanded.
“All will be revealed in due time.” She lifted a folder, holding out a pen. “Now sign your intention to join the organization or youwillregret it.”
I shook my head. “I’m sorry, I can’t.” What would they do to her when she failed, I wondered.
“Your funds will be limited as a guest.” She warned.
“Seven,” Richard warned sharply, and as small as it was, her flinch was unmistakable. She shot him a glare from beneath her dark lashes and stalked away, disappearing into the darkness without another word. I stared at the slender metal object in my hand, its shiny gold surface reflecting the dim candlelight.
“Sad really, what a man will do to pay for his debts.” Richard shrugged, sipping his cocktail. “However, one man’s loss is usually another man’s gain.”
“How much does he owe?” I asked.
“Enough to hurt.”
I bristled, shoving my personal feelings down. “I’ll buy out the loans. Tell me who to talk to.” Why hadn’t Brad just come to me? He must've known I’d help him. If not for the guidance he’doffered me over the years, however skewed, then for Sara, and for Liam.
“They’ve already been bought out.” Richard said blandly, and an odd feeling washed over me as I looked back in the direction they’d dragged Brad off to. “He made a donation to cover his debts in full.” Richard explained.
Donation? What did that even mean?
“Almost time.” Richard checked his watch, looking pleased. “You really should grab Seven and sign the membership addendum before it’s too late.” He added, “Although this is undoubtedly more entertaining. I wonder if you’ll fight as hard as your father did?”
“Excuse me?” I demanded, all while feeling a pull towards the glass that I couldn’t explain as I peered into the darkness, took stock of the guards blocking the room they’d dragged Brad into.
“You could have been a great asset to this organization and not the liability you’ve turned into.” He said. “You know, I heard a rumor that several people pooled assets to bid against you. Makes it a fair fight, I suppose.”
So this was an auction. “Who did?” And what was the merchandise they all thought I was so interested in? They were going to be sorely disappointed. I’d never been hypnotized by all the glamour like everyone else.
“We owned your father.” Richard ignored my question. “And don’t you forget for a minute that nowwe own her too.” I stared at him, panic rising in my throat. “You didn’t think that messy little PR stunt was really going to deter us, did you?” A slimy smile. “This is just the beginning, boy. You can use your father as an example of what happens when you deviate from the organization’s wishes. Your membership was just a formality. Always has been.” He scoffed. “We owned you the minute you took over the estate. Your childhood entanglement only makes all this that much easier.” He added menacingly, “Let me make one thing clear. From here on out, you will offer the utmost loyalty andrespectto this organization. Otherwise.” He gripped my shoulder,amusement painting his ugly expression. “She dies, unavoidable collateral damage,just like your mother. Though, even I can admit how wasteful that was.” He shrugged irreverently, as if he hadn’t just admitted what I’d always suspected—he’d murdered my parents.
Everything went red hot as I shoved him against the glass, and even reaching for my gun, I felt powerless. “You bastard?—”
The void beyond the glass blasted us with a burst of too-bright light. I couldn’t see, and I couldn’t look away—my eyes stung as my vision adjusted all too slowly. Sara’s phone started vibrating in my pocket over and over again as a vague outline on the other side of the glass took shape, all while Richard chuckled.
I shoved him out of the way, blinking to bring the horrifying reality into focus. The long dark hair, the plunging dress plastered over her every curve, how she wobbled on too high heels—my throat went dry.
She was the merchandise.The only thing I had left.Sarafina.
The sounds in the room ceased to exist. Only my heartbeat in my ears as time slowed. She’d always be mine, and I’d been a reckless fool to pretend otherwise. Seconds turned long and deadly as my training took over.
One.Hands cuffed to the podium.
Two.Eyes glassy,terrified—drugged.
Three.Myfingers against the cool glass wall between us—bulletproof.
Four.Armed guards at all the exits.
Five.Approximately thirty disposable suits spread evenly across the room.
Six.Taggart-fucking-Caldwell was here, eye-fucking, what wasmine to protect.
