It isn’t a lounge.
It’s a theater.
Tiered velvet seating. Men scattered through the rows with drinks in hand.
A low stage under bright lights.
On it, a girl stands in a silky chemise, her face blank.
A man with a microphone smiles down at a clipboard.
“Sold,” he announces. “Via phone to one of our long-time clients.”
The men clap.
Two security guards escort the girl off stage.
My vision blurs.
I turn to Luke. “What is this?”
His smile stays polite.
“Relax.”
“Luke.”
“Don’t start,” he mutters, still smiling for the room. His fingers dig into my waist. “You’re going to ruin everything.”
The presenter taps the microphone.
“Alright, gentlemen,” he says cheerfully. “Next.”
My heart slams against my ribs.
This is an auction.
My knees weaken. I try to step back.
Luke’s grip clamps down.
“No,” I whisper.
The presenter laughs lightly. “Don’t be shy.”
My fingers go numb.
“Luke,” I breathe, “we need to leave.”
He leans close, his mouth at my ear.
“You’re not leaving.”
My stomach drops.
“You said tonight was important for us,” I whisper.
“It is,” he says. “For me.”
