“Jesus,” Julian replies.
McKenzie and I share a look, both of us smiling. The auctioneer brings out the youngest woman so far. He says she’s twenty, but I made it very clear no one under twenty-one couldbe bought. Even though the invitation said differently. I sit forward, trying to figure out who she is.
“I told the auctioneer her age was twenty,” Jason says in my ear. “Since you said he likes them young, maybe this will encourage him.”
“That’s one of the UCs,” Julian says.
I settle back in my chair. I hate not being completely in control, but everyone is playing their part perfectly.
The auctioneer begins to take bids, starting at half a million dollars. Dick doesn’t bid first, but he does follow up with a million. The bid gets up to three million, and I wonder where Dick gets his money. Probably on my mother’s payroll with the extra-curricular activities she does. It wouldn’t surprise me.
There’s some shuffling behind me of someone trying to get to their seat, but I focus on the bidding to see if anyone will outbid Dick. No one bids higher than three million. Dick wins the bid. I suck in a breath as he stands and is escorted out to go meet who he purchased. Now we just have to get my mother and him in the same room.
I rub my fingers along McKenzie’s shoulders to her neck, where the collar rests beautifully against her sun-kissed skin. She smiles up at me and it hits me square in the chest; I’m a lucky son of a bitch. I don’t deserve her, yet here she is.
“Boss,” Rex’s voice sounds in my ear. “Your mother just sat right behind you and Miss Kenzie.”
Chapter 36
Phoenix
I’ve trained myself not to react when my emotions are high, but knowing my mother is right behind me is testing even me. McKenzie’s nails are digging so hard into my thigh I’m glad I chose a red suit so the blood will blend in. I hate the fear she must be feeling right now. But I will make it right. I will.
We sit through the remainder of the auction. I rub my fingers up and down the inside of Kenz’s wrist. Everyone is quiet and onalert. Jason has confirmed he’s in the back watching Dick. Victor has a couple of guys back there as well. Luca is standing at the other exit. Everything is covered. My mother is not going to get out of here without being seen.
Once the auction is over, an announcement is made about where the ritual will take place. “I’ll follow her and make sure she goes to the correct room,” Rex says in my ear. He also opted for a full face mask and his hair is slicked back, so even if my mother has seen him before, hopefully she won’t recognize him. McKenzie and I stand to exit. I force my muscles to remain relaxed as I guide Kenz to the aisle.
I wrap my arm around her and lean down as we walk. “Are you okay?” I whisper, so only she can hear and those in our ears.
“My heart is pounding,” she replies softly. I place my hand directly over her heart. To others, it looks like I’m flirting with my pet, but I’m trying to calm her and let her know I’m here.
“I’m going to have so much fun with you later, pet,” I murmur.
She sucks in a breath, her eyes flying to mine. I wink at her and she exhales deeply. She nods once, understanding I’m trying to get her head back in the game. We follow the crowd downstairs. Some branch off to go have fun of their own and I have to continue to dig deep to stop myself from looking for my mother.
“She’s behind the two of you. I’m keeping an eye on her,” Rex says.
“Dick is headed downstairs with the girl he bought,” Jason tells us.
“My guys will stay at all exits once everyone is downstairs,” Victor instructs.
We gather downstairs and wait for instructions like everyone else. Several people were purchased, so they’ll begin branching off into the different rooms and areas. The girl Dick bought begins to act out just in time.
“What? I didn’t know this was part of this. I’m not doing this.” Victor and Olivia step forward with one of their security.
“It’s okay,” Olivia says softly. “Come in this room over here, both of you, and we’ll get this sorted out.”
Some other girls begin to protest, which was expected, so the other security that was hired leads them all to separate rooms to help. What they don’t know is those rooms will lead them outside.
“Let’s go see if Victor needs help,” I tell McKenzie.
“I’ll talk to her,” Kenz says. “I mean, I know how she feels.” I know she’s saying what she’s supposed to, but her words hit me square in the chest. She didn’t know what was happening the night her father sold her. She had no idea what was happening. Yet, here she is, by my side.
“She’s following you,” Rex says.
I interlace my fingers with McKenzie’s and squeeze her hand. She squeezes mine in return. Victor and Olivia come out as we’re about to walk into the room.
“We talked to her, and she’s okay, but she asked if only a handful of people would watch,” Olivia says.
