Everything I've worked for. Everything I've built. Everything I've sacrificed.
All comes down to six days from now.
So why does the thought of taking Eden into that room make me want to burn the whole Consortium to the ground?
My phone rings around seven in the morning, interrupting my third cup of coffee and my hundredth review of the showcase logistics.
Victor Hargrove. Of course.
I answer. "Hargrove."
"Sutherland. Good morning. I hope I'm not calling too early." His tone suggests he doesn't care if he is.
"Not at all. What can I do for you?"
"Just checking in about the showcase. Only a few days out now. Wanted to make sure everything is progressing smoothly with your acquisition."
Acquisition. The word grates more than it should.
"Everything is on schedule. She's ready."
"Excellent. And you're clear on the expectations? The performance requirements?"
"Crystal clear."
"Good. Because there will be quite an audience this year. All eleven inner circle members will be attending. Several potential new members like yourself. Their acquisitions. Some of the Consortium's most influential patrons."
My stomach tightens. "How many people total?"
"Perhaps fifty. Maybe sixty. It's become quite the event. The spring showcase is always our most prestigious gathering."
Sixty people.
Sixty strangers watching Eden kneel.
Watching her submit.
Watching her prove she's mine.
The thought makes my hands clench into fists.
"I see," I say, keeping my voice neutral.
"Your acquisition will be expected to perform multiple demonstrations. Obedience commands, of course. Presenting herself. And at least one intimate act—oral sex is traditional, though some members have gotten more creative. The audience appreciates variety."
"Understood."
"And Sutherland—this is important. She needs to appear willing. Eager, even. The Consortium doesn't approve of acquisitions who look coerced or frightened. We're not monsters. We're connoisseurs of consensual submission. Your girl needs to demonstrate genuine devotion. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Because if she shows resistance, if she hesitates, if there's any indication that you've broken her through force rather than training—that reflects poorly on you. On your worthiness for the inner circle."
"She won't hesitate. I've been very thorough."
"I'm sure you have. Which is why I'm calling with a proposal."
My instincts go on alert. "What kind of proposal?"
