The guards look me over.
One of them whistles low.
“Damn. He doesn’t look bad. Too bad his ass would be sold, because if not… we would have some nice time with you, and especially that smart mouth of yours. You wouldn’t be able to function without being stuffed by our cocks.”
The other grins.
“Yeah. They’re gonna pay good money for this one. The guy who’s gonna get you is one lucky motherfucker I’ll tell you that. Besides, the crazy ones, like him, are always the best in bed. Speaking from experience.”
My stomach twists again.
The hallway doesn’t hurt my eyes as much this time.
They’ve adjusted.
Or maybe I just don’t care anymore.
And then—
I see him.
Standing a few feet away.
Watching.
The guy from the lobby.
Only now he’s not wearing a hotel uniform. He’s wearing a black shirt, and black pants.
But he still has the same knowing smile.
My breath catches slightly.
He looks me over slowly. From head to toe. Taking his time. Like he’s assessing a product.
Then he smiles wider.
“Well,” he says smoothly.
“You clean up nicely.”
I don’t respond. I can’t. My throat feels too tight.
His gaze lingers for a second longer before he nods.
“I have a feeling you’re going to be very popular tonight.”
A pause.
“They always are.”
My stomach drops.
“Your friends are already prepared,” he adds casually.
“Waiting for the stage.”
Archie. Theron.
