My heart squeezes up tightly in my chest, then hammers out a staccato rhythm against my ribcage. I ball my shaking hands into fists as I march toward the stage, my jaw clenched and nostrils flaring.
Am I angry? Confused? Turned on? I don’t fucking know. I guess I don’t fucking care, either, because I keep stampeding through the tables, chairs, and wealthy men giving me unapproving glances.
“As you can see, this one is as innocent as they come,” the emcee announces. “Just look at her trying to cover herself up.” My blood boils at the thought of anyone else seeing so much of her porcelain skin. “It’s okay, honey,” he coos to the woman on stage. His voice is dripping in condescension, and I want to punch him in the throat. “Let the crowd see what’s for sale. Go on.”
I growl when the woman winces, though she reluctantly unwraps her arms from around her torso. She looks so lost up there, her eyes darting around the crowd only to land on her feet. The woman tucks a few strands of her dark hair behind her ears, her fingers sliding down the silky strands and twirling them in a nervous gesture.
Fuck me, she’s all shy and innocent, and while I know that’s the whole point of this auction, I still hate that she’s on display. I want all of her sweetness. I want every bit of her innocence, not just the treasure she’s saved all these years. A fresh wave of hot fury floods my system when I think about anyone else taking her virginity, and I pick up my pace.
“A little extra cushioning on this one, boys,” the soon-to-be-dead motherfucker says. “If you appreciate a lot of curves, you’ll be in for a good night. Shall we kick off the evening with a seventy-five thousand dollar bid?”
Why is this damn aisle so long? Why is she not already in my arms?
A man next to me raises his paddle, signaling his interest. I wrench the paddle out of his hand and snap it in half, throwing both pieces behind my back. He yells something, but I don’t register his words. I’m on a mission.
“Looks like we have an eager–”
He’s startled into silence when I leap on stage. The woman gasps and stares up at me as my shadow falls over her. Even though she’s in four-inch heels, I tower over her. She blinks afew times, her brow furrowing in confusion. Jesus, she’s younger than I initially thought. At least fifteen or sixteen years my junior.
I recognize her… from somewhere. I’m sure I wouldn’t forget those otherworldly eyes, plump lips, and rounded cheeks, but I just can’t place her. No matter. She’s mine now. There will be plenty of time for introductions once I get her away from this disgusting place and prying, hungry eyes. She doesn’t belong here, and neither do I.
Cupping her chin, I tilt her head up and lock my gaze on her. Golden brown eyes stare back, hundreds of questions and even more emotions swirling beneath the surface. I silently ask permission, and she nods, almost imperceptibly.
I bend down and toss my woman over my shoulder, causing her and the emcee to gasp.
“Sir, you can’t just–”
“Five million,” I bark out. “No, ten. This one ismine.”
2
JAYLIN
I’m currently draped over the shoulder of my dad’s business partner and the most feared mafia boss in the city. How the heck did I get here?
Oh, right. I had the brilliant idea of selling my virginity to the highest bidder. Never, not in my wildest dreams, did I imagine Renzo Salvatore would be in the audience, let alone bid on me.
What’s even stranger is that I don’t think he recognizes me. I certainly know who he is. Not only have I seen him around the house conducting business with my father, but I may have had a few…intensedreams about him. We couldn’t be more opposite, and in no way did I think my forbidden fantasies would be fulfilled. But now…
Renzo grunts and tightens his hold on me. Reality crashes in, distorting my dream and transforming it into a nightmare. This isn’t exactly a meet-cute situation. Renzo didn’t court me, flirt with me, or treat me to expensive dates before seducing me into his bed; he purchased me. This is transactional, nothing more.
“Um, excuse me?” I ask, tapping on his muscled back from where I’m slung over his shoulder. He abruptly halts, making me smile to myself despite the circumstances. I feel powerful knowing I can control this dangerous man with the tip of myfinger. At least, for now. “I’ve obviously never done this before, but I think we need to fill out paperwork and stuff.”
He chuckles, the sound dark, deep, and overwhelming as it vibrates through me. “I’ve never done this either, but paperwork is the least of your worries.” His voice carries a thinly veiled threat, and as inappropriate as it is, I think… I think I’m more turned on than I’ve ever been.
I have no right to care, but I’m happy to hear he doesn’t normally participate in these auctions. It makes me wonder what was different this time. At first, I thought he recognized me and wanted to save me or something, but now, I’m not so sure. He couldn’t really want me, right? I’m sure Renzo Salvatore has a harem of women serving him day and night. That’s why he’s never gone to one of these auctions. He doesn’t need to purchase affection. But still… Why now? Why me?
“Did you hear me?” Renzo growls. “I said you shouldn’t have been up there, putting yourself at risk.”
He loosens his hold enough to lightly smack the back of my thighs. I gasp as a jolt of pleasure accompanies the sting, both sensations pooling in my core. I’m more aware than ever of my precarious position. My ass is right next to his head, but instead of being embarrassed, I wiggle slightly.
“Fuck, little girl. The things I want to do to you…”
His voice is so deep and gravelly, I hardly hear him. A shiver runs down my spine, and Renzo sucks in a breath before tightening his grip. I shouldn’t be this excited, this ready to give up everything to him. But God, I want to.
“Sir! Sir, you can’t leave with the property until you’ve signed the contract,” a security guard calls out from behind us.
I recoil at being calledproperty, but I guess he’s accurate. I literally put myself up for sale. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Okay, not agoodidea, more like a Hail Mary to gain myfreedom. But when I walked out onto that stage… I regretted my decision immediately.
