"Of course."
Torretti checks his watch impatiently. "Gentlemen, conversation is illuminating, but we need practical evaluation. May we proceed?"
Kozlov waves a hand. "Certainly. Though I do hope we can continue our discussion afterward, my dear."
"I would enjoy that," I lie smoothly.
"Excellent. Now, if you would remove your dress? We need to assess your physical condition."
This is it.
The agonizing moment of truth.
I reach for the zipper at the back of my dress, moving slowly, gracefully.
"That won't be necessary." Renato's voice cuts through the room.
Everyone freezes. The three buyers turn to stare at him.
"Excuse me?" Kozlov's tone is dangerously quiet.
"The merchandise can be evaluated without full undress." Renato stands, his posture rigid. "Standard examination protocols include—"
"We know what the protocols include," Torretti interrupts coldly. "This isn’t our first auction. And full visual assessment is standard. You agreed to this, Vitiello. Don’t waste our time."
"I'm adjusting the terms."
"You're adjusting nothing." Kozlov's cultured mask is slipping. "We came here for a thorough evaluation, and that's what we'll have. Or is there a physical problem with the merchandise you haven't disclosed?"
The implication hangs in the air, that Renato is hiding my defects.
"There's no problem," Renato says, but his voice is strained.
"Then the lady removes her dress." Kozlov turns back to me. "Now."
I see Renato's hand move slightly inside his jacket again. Closer to the gun. His jaw is clenched so tight I can see the muscle jumping.
But he doesn't draw the weapon.
Doesn't stop this.
Because stopping it means admitting he can't go through with selling me. Means showing weakness in front of dangerous men. Means blowing up his entire operation.
"I... I need a moment," I stammer, buying time, giving Renato one more chance to intervene.
"Now," Torretti says, standing abruptly, "we need to examine everything. More thoroughly."
I freeze, the reality of what he's asking hitting me. My eyes dart to Renato, looking for some sign that he'll intervene, that this won't actually happen.
His face is stone, but his hand is still slightly inside his jacket.
"Renato," Kozlov interrupts, also rising, "I believe I should conduct the first examination. As the most serious bidder—"
"You haven't made a bid yet," Torretti snaps. "And I represent multiple clients. I need verification first before bids are placed."
Al-Rashid stands as well. "Gentlemen, perhaps we should establish proper protocol."
"The protocol is simple," Kozlov cuts him off, his cultured mask starting to slip. "The merchandise belongs to the highest bidder. Until then, we should all examine... thoroughly."
