Keep spiraling upward.
I've lost track of who's bidding.
Can only stand here while strange men shout amounts into the darkness.
"Two million dollars."
The voice that says it is different from all the others.
Quieter. Calmer. Absolute.
His voice.
I know it's his voice even though I've never heard him speak. Know it the way I knew his eyes were blue before I could see them clearly.
Two million.
He just bid two million dollars.
For me.
The room holds its breath. I hold mine.
"Two million dollars," the auctioneer says, and there's something in her voice now. Surprise. Respect. "Do I hear?—"
Silence.
No one speaks. No one raises a paddle.
He won.
Of course he won.
"Going once."
My heart is hammering so hard I think it might break through my ribs.
"Going twice."
This is it.
This is happening.
The man with ice-blue eyes just bought me for two million dollars, and I don't even know his name.
"Sold to bidder twenty-seven for two million dollars."
Applause.
Polite, refined applause.
Like I've just performed a piano concerto instead of being sold like livestock.
Some of the men are standing.
A standing ovation for a successful transaction.
I'm going to be sick.
