Just like I thought—it was super comfy.My tired, weary body sank into the soft cushions.
Honestly.
I might fall asleep in ten seconds.
My eyelids briefly fluttered closed for a moment.It was like suddenly my body knew I could relax.I was with Stefan.And his brother.And his best friend.In a highly secure home.Raul and Aldo were nowhere around.And my dad was an hour away.
Not that I freaking cared anymore.
I'd saved him.
Raul had the money.
My eyes popped open.
Wait.
Had Stefan paid for me?
I looked at the fireplace as I bit my lip.I tried my best to go over everything that had gone on after Stefan's winning bid was announced.But it was all a blur.
I'd been so scared when I'd walked out onto the stage.Not knowing who was out there.Or who was going to buy me.
And then when I spotted Stefan, my heart had nearly leapt out of my chest.Because I knew—I just knew—he'd save me.
Even if he hated me for what I'd done.I was almost one hundred percent sure he'd save me.
At least I hoped he would.
The look on his face had made me take a step back.Literally.
Over the weeks that I'd taken care of Stefan, I'd gotten to know all his expressions.But that one had been especially brutal.I could almost feel his shock.
And his hurt.
After that initial surprise, Stefan sat down and began bidding on me.Raul did his best to counter, but in the end, Stefan won.Then he'd stormed up to the stage stairs and hauled me off.
And out the doors.
To his car.
Crap.
Stefan hadn't paid.
Which meant my father's debt was still there.
The other two couples followed us into the living room and sat down on the couch opposite us.Nick started speaking first.“We need a quick debriefing, Stefan.”He looked directly at Stefan with an assessing gaze.
Stefan cleared his throat.“I was there playing cards with Raul and the rest of his idiots.Got as close to him as I possibly could.”His voice lowered.“Until I'd had enough and got up to leave.And then—” His head jerked toward me.“She comes out on the stage.Turns out Raul was hosting a virgin auction.”
The looks on Carlo and Nick's faces hardened.“I've heard about those.Never been in attendance for one, however,” Nick said with a sneer.“And then?”
Stefan's hand squeezed mine.“And then I bid a fuck ton of money on Francesca.”
Eve and Giselle peered at each other and shared smiles.
“And then?”Nick prompted Stefan once more.His eyebrows raised.
