Another man, one I couldn’t recall seeing before now, slapped a piece of paper with large black numbers onto my ugly gown. I would have fallen if Morgan hadn’t kept me from doing so—although he didlaugh.
Why was he so amused by my reactions? I couldn’t help being weak. Maybe if they’d given me more food to survive in this hell, I’d be a bitstronger.
I vaguely watched through blurry eyes with my head down as the slaves were moved from the room in groups through another door. Most of the girls struggled as they were dragged out, some crying and fighting against theirrestraints.
I had once been like them. I once thought that struggling and fighting would be the key to getting out of this place, but all it did was cause more pain. All it did was cause more lasting bruises from the insideout.
I didn’t think I’d ever heal from such abuse. I’d likely die inpain.
“I was trying to talk Galvin into letting me have you, or even taking you until you got over your illness, but he wouldn’t allow me,” Morgan whispered in my ear, kneeling at my level so no one would be able to hear him. His breath was too warm against my heated skin. “You are wonderful in every way, my Pet. I will find you and bring you home when the time comes. I promise I will be the best Daddy to you.” He roughly kissed my cheek and grabbed my breast before he backed away. I took a deep breath, trying not to let his touch get to me. I was unable to hold in the shiver that wracked my body, unsure if it was from the spoken words or from his touch—most likely fromboth.
Morgan dragged me through the door when my number was called, along with several others. I stumbled up the few steps that led to a wooden stage. I couldn’t see much through the smoke and bright lights that were pointed towards the platform. Some of the girls were crying, while one or two had gags in theirmouths.
Once on the stage, I was forced to stay still after Morgan tapped against the back of my knees with his foot. I didn’t pay attention to what was said as each girl was auctioned. I kept my position, kneeling on the floor, hands behind my back and chest jutting out. I knew most of the girls were either tied with their hands behind them so they had less of a chance of trying to run. Most of these girls had not been held captive for as long as I had. They had no idea how deadly these men were. I still didn’t know everything they were capable ofdoing.
When my turn came, I was forced forward to a podium where a man stood wearing a black suit. I kept my head down, arms behind my back, knowing I would easily be punished if I was out of line in any way. I was sure my body wouldn't be able to take any more pain—not rightnow.
Although, on second thought, maybe that would finally end my patheticlife.
“Number 73. Age nineteen. About five foot two. She’s ill, so she is unable to perform any service tonight after purchase. She is fully trained, and can do every command you wish her to do. Let’s start the bidding at ten grand,” spoke the man with a foreignaccent.
I was unable to follow the fast pace the bidding took. The man spoke too fast and I kept swaying, trying not to allow the dizziness at the edge of my vision to takeover.
“Sold to paddle number 109,” the man said, as I was shoved sideways towards the other end of the stage, where I practically fell down the steps. Once down, I was guided towards a wall as my eyes began to stay closed on their ownaccord.
“Remember, she’s drugged just a tad and already falling asleep. She won’t be of any service until the drugs are out of her system,” my handler spoke. “She is completely trained and ready to be at your service within twelvehours.”
A different hand that I didn't recognize, much gentler than the hands to which I had grown accustomed, touched my upper arm as I nearly fell, almost falling into the man that now owned me. Morgan once again laughed as the new man gently, but sternly, led me out of the building after making sure I was stable enough to walk on myown.
It was dark outside, and I gave up the fight as the drugs took over my body. Letting my legs carry me wherever I was led, I hardly felt the rough ground against my bare feet as we made our way outside into the night. I could have been walking over hot, sharp glass for all I knew. I didn't reallycare.
