This is necessary, I remind myself. Alessandro needs to believe this is real. The offers need to be credible.
But Christ, watching this is harder than I expected.
"Excellent bone structure. Good height, appropriate proportions." He stops in front of her, studying her face. "The breeding shows. Italian aristocracy?"
"Old Roman family. Educated in Switzerland and Paris."
"Languages?"
"Four fluent, two conversational."
"Impressive." He moves closer to Camilla, close enough that she has to tilt her head back to meet his eyes. "And her training?"
"Extensive. She understands expectations and responds appropriately to direction."
"Demonstrate."
The word hangs in the air like a challenge. I see Camilla's shoulders tense.
Fuck.
I should have anticipated this based on what Matteo told me.
"This is a viewing only, Viktor. Demonstrations will be reserved for serious buyers after terms are agreed."
"I am serious. Fifteen million euros serious." His smile doesn't reach his eyes. "Surely a simple demonstration of obedience isn't unreasonable."
My mind races. If I refuse too strongly, he'll suspect something's wrong. If I agree, I'll have to make Camilla perform for this monster.
"Today is about visual assessment. Nothing more."
For a moment, tension fills the salon. Kozlov isn't used to being refused anything, and his displeasure is evident. But he's also a businessman who understands negotiations.
More importantly, he's greedy. And greed makes men overlook inconsistencies.
"Very well. But I'll expect full access during final evaluation."
"Understood."
A lie.
There won't be a final evaluation. Alessandro will pay before then.
Kozlov completes his circuit around Camilla, making notes in a small leather journal. "She's everything you promised. Perhaps more." He looks at me directly. "When will the auction take place?"
"That depends on the level of interest from qualified buyers."
"Consider my interest confirmed. I'll expect first opportunity to make an offer once evaluation is complete."
"All serious offers will be considered equally."
"See that they are." He glances at Camilla one more time, practically salivating to get his hands on her. "I'll be in touch soon."
After Kozlov leaves, I have exactly three minutes to prepare for Al-Rashid. Camilla remains standing where I positioned her, but I can see the slight tremor in her hands.
"You did well," I tell her quietly.
"Did I? Because I felt like a race horse being evaluated for purchase."
