Someone knocked, and Julio rose to answer the door.
“Mr. Presley has requested your presence in Mr. Halloway’s office,” the butler stated as he stepped aside, allowing Julio to leave the room.
He entered the office and shook hands with the tall man dressed in a designer suit and nodded at Gerard.
“It’s finally nice to meet you,” Mr. Presley greeted him. “You have an impressive portfolio. We sometimes appreciate a favor from our buyers, such as using one of their properties for ourimpromptu events. It seems you have invested heavily in the real estate market.”
Julio nodded as he accepted the glass of whiskey. “I’m sure we can work something.”
Mr. Presley nodded. “Tell me about your preferences.”
“I like blondes. Shapes and sizes don’t matter to me as long as they’re appealing to the eye,” he said, thinking about what Jameson told him about how they gave the higher-paying clients more choices if they didn’t have specific requests. He kept his description vague, hoping to cast a wider net to find Rebecca.
“I’m sure you’ll find we have a nice selection of blondes. Do you have a preference in eye color or temperament?
“No. Personality intrigues me. Sometimes a quiet woman can add mystery, and one with attitude can be amusing to subdue,” Julio added, making it sound as if he gave it some consideration. In truth, it made him sick.
“Then you’ll be pleased. We require a $100,000 deposited to our account before this evening’s festivities. For an additional fee of the same amount, you’ll get a private glimpse of the merchandise before anyone else. Bidding will start tomorrow night at nine. Once you complete the purchase, you’ll return to your hotel, and we will deliver your order.”
“How do I know you won’t take my money and run?” Julio asked.
“We work on a system of trust, Mr. Garcia,” Mr. Presley said, pulling out a computer from a briefcase, typing in his password, and turning it toward Julio. “We trust you’ll keep our transaction to yourself and you’ll receive your merchandise.”
Julio bent, typing in his bank account number and sending double the amount. He refused to let Rebecca go through such humiliation when he could prevent it.
“I see you like having first choice,” Mr. Presley chuckled. “After dinner, you’ll join me in the private library for a viewing.Your generous payment will allow you to make the first bid, and you’ll have one opportunity to outbid the highest bidder for your preferred choice. If you don’t bid high enough, they will walk away with your preference.”
“You’ll find if I want something, I won’t stop until I get it,” Julio said as he rose from his chair. “I look forward to this evening.” He left the room, scanning the hallways and noting the stationed guards. More people appeared as he walked through the house. Ensuring he got pictures of everyone he encountered, Julio slowly made his way back to his room.
The watch buzzed twice. Jameson must’ve found something. Anticipation filled him as he entered the bathroom with his phone and turned on some classical music. The room filled with steam as he entered the shower and checked the message Jameson left him.
The deal didn’t go through. They have another offer in place.
Jameson texted.
What the hell did he mean? Julio ran his hand down his face as he let the hot water slide down his back. Disappointment filled him. Rebecca wasn’t there. What did Jameson mean by another offer? Julio guessed he was about to find out.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Rebecca showered under Jim’s watchful eyes. She gave up caring about him seeing her during the last eleven months. Her body carried the scars from the beatings, and they branded her their property. Little did they know, she’d never belong to them. Rebecca doubted she’d ever belong to anyone again, especially Julio. Months dragged on, and the nightmare continued without any sign of him coming. They endured a two-day ride in a container truck to reach the next location. When they finally allowed them out of the stifling truck, the humidity felt thick and dense. If she guessed correctly, they must be in Florida, based on the tropical trees she noticed while scanning the area.
She shivered under the cool water, thinking about escaping at night with no weapons and running into an alligator in the unknown area. The other homes seemed more elegant than this place, and instead of cages, they placed them in windowless rooms. Instead of cold, damp floors, they slept in humid, hot rooms.
She wrapped the towel around herself and brushed her hair. Grabbing the shorts and t-shirt on the counter, Rebecca putthem on and smirked at not giving Jim the satisfaction of seeing her. She picked up the toothpaste and vigorously scrubbed her teeth. They didn’t always provide them with dental hygiene products, and it felt like a luxury.
Feeling clean and refreshed, she entered the room and stood by the door, waiting for Jim to move.
“It seems like you and Ebony have become close friends,” Jim said slowly, watching her.
“You try staying in a cage and while away the boredom,” she snarked, hoping it kept him from hurting the other woman. Over the last few months, Rebecca realized she had gotten away with more than the others. Jim found other ways to inflict his punishments on her, but what did it matter now? As long as she continued protecting the women, she’d deal with the consequences later.
Jim chuckled as if she made some private joke between the two of them. Her stomach flipped as she went over every conversation over the last few days. In the truck, they barely spoke, and since their arrival, she didn’t recall even seeing Ebony.
Jim rose, grabbed her arm and led her down the hallway. They passed two men who stood outside another door. A flurry of activity at the end of the hall caught her attention.
“Becca, Becca,” Megan cried out as a man dragged her from the room they entered earlier.
Rebecca yanked away from Jim and ran toward the child. Her heart raced as she caught up with them and yanked Megan from the man’s hold. Placing Megan behind her, she snarled, “Stay away from her.”
