She catches sight of me and frowns. “You should already be in the back. We don’t want the audience catching sight of you until it’s time.”
“Yes ma’am,” I move as fast as these five-inch heels will let me.
Twenty other girls are milling around, some trying to shake off their nerves, others playing on their phones and a couple talking loudly to let the rest of us know they will be getting the highest bid tonight.
“So, Signore Bianchi begged me to not do the auction tonight, he promised me anything to come as his date instead…” the girl practically yelling this confession to the rest of us is a blonde who is so stunning that I believe her. “I told him I made a hundred thousand Euros last time and he offered to double it.”
“Why didn’t you take him up on it?” Her friend is equally beautiful, with smooth skin the color of milk chocolate and gorgeous cheekbones.
“You have to keep your options open,” the blonde says wisely.
A hundred thousand Euros?If I made half of that then I could pay for Nate’s treatments for the next year. He might finish his chelation treatments by then.
The clapping and music start up in the main room and Gabby gives me a quick squeeze. “You have this,mio amica,smile and remember why you’re doing it, okay?”
“Okay.” Overcome with gratitude, I hug her fiercely. “Thank you for everything.”
Signora Mancelli opens the door. “Mia, you’re up first!” It’s the beautiful blonde, who gives her hair one last pat and slinks out to the stage and a roar of applause.
We all shamelessly crowd the slightly open door to watch Mia charm the hell out of the members, swirling and flipping her hair and when it looks like the bids are slowing down, she unfastens her halter neckline and her dress drops to the floor, displaying her scanty lingerie. That kicks off another round of fierce bids.
“I didn’t know we were taking off our dresses,” a little redhead whispers to me. I recognize her, she works on the second floor.
“You don’t have to, unless you feel like it,” I assure her, though I have no idea. I don’t thinkIcan do it.
“Gia! Your turn.”
The redhead gives me a tremulous smile and slinks out, transforming into a luscious sex kitten as the lights hit her.
Signora Mancelli keeps calling out names as the holding room empties out until I’m the last one. Did she change her mind? Did she realize how painfully awkward I am and knows no one will bid for me?
“Ivy!”
How can I do this? Who’s going to buy me? Someone ancient and hideous? What if he ignores my limits list and wants me to eat pet food? What if-
“Ivy!” She’s standing right next to me with a frown. “Did you not hear me?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” This is as bad as when I first changed names and it took forever to realize someone was calling for me. “I’m just nervous.”
“Don’t be,” she says, fluffing out my skirt. “You are the last auction item of the evening, it’s a position of honor. Go out and make me proud.”
All I hear is ‘auction item’ and I try to use it.This isn’t me. I’m playing a part, just for tonight, I’m someone else.
Sucking in a deep breath and pushing my shoulders back, I follow her through the door.
Chapter Six
In which Ethan might be Scottish, but tonight, he's got the luck of the Irish.
Ethan…
“It’s always a pleasure to host another family’s professional.”
Dario Toscano is the second in command of the Toscano Mafia and was one of the most talented members of their assassin’s guild. Now, he runs their clubs and restaurants stateside with his wife Cora.
“Did one of your sons take over the family specialty, then?” I ask, clinking my glass to his.
He shook his head. “They don’t have the aptitude for it, but they have their own unique talents. Don Giovanni has a son and a daughter who have an impeccable killer’s instinct. We could talk about teaming you up if you ever need help on a job.”
