Page 44 of He Will Come for Me

“Phoenix,” I whisper. My stomach is in knots as more and more people enter the room we’ve been escorted to.

“Have you done this before?” he asks as he moves to the bed on the other side of the room. At least people can only stand behind us.

“This? No.”

“I mean, have you ever had sex before?”

“Oh.” He’s asking if I’m a virgin. Everything is happening so fast. My knees hit the bed and his chest hits my back. If this were anywhere else at any other time, I might be excited. But the fact that we have to do this in front of all these people, excitement is the last thing I’m feeling right now.

I try to look around, but Phoenix’s body is blocking the view. I shake my head. “No, I haven’t.”

“That explains why your bid was so high,” he murmurs. I don’t know how to feel about that. I’m still in shock that I’m here. How could my father do this? I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to distance myself from the breaking of my heart.

My breathing becomes erratic. All I can feel is the bed in front of me and Phoenix behind me. He wraps an arm around my waist. I glance down at his tattooed forearm, blinking away the tears.

“Dig your nails into my arm,” he instructs. I don’t move. Why would he want me to do that? Does he get off on that? How many girls has he purchased? How many girls has he done this with?

“I’m going to be sick,” I murmur. My stomach rolls and acid works its way up to my throat.

“Breathe McKenzie.” He pushes my hair away from my neck and blows on it. Goosebumps breakout over my skin as he tries his best to cool me down.

“Why did you buy me? Why are you here?”

“We don’t have time for those questions right now. They’re going to expect something soon.” I try to look around Phoenix again, but he blocks my view. Again.

“Don’t look for them. Pretend like they’re not here.” I want to snatch the mask off I’m wearing. The red one I was wearing has been replaced with a silver one Phoenix gave me when he met me in a separate room. The black one he was wearing has been replaced with a gold one.

My father was pissed he bought me. Why put me up for sale if you’re not willing to give me to the highest bidder?

“I can’t do this, Phoenix.” He takes my hand and guides it to his arm. I dig my fingernails into his forearm like he instructed me to, and it does offer some comfort. Almost like it’s grounding me.

“We don’t have a choice, pet.” I recoil at the nickname.

“I’m not your pet.” I seethe. He moves his hand I’m clinging to up my stomach, between my breasts and to my neck. He tilts my head to the side, unphased I’m drawing blood.

“You are here.” It’s a warning. A whimper escapes. I want to be strong. I want to pretend like this won’t affect me. But it will. It’s something he’ll never be able to take back.

“I can make you feel good,” he whispers against my neck. I shake my head slightly, but his hand is still wrapped around my throat.

“Just get it over with.” Defeat is evident in my tone. Are we going to be expected to do this a lot? Will we have to come back? I don’t think I can do this over and over. I’ll kill myself before I allow that to happen.

There’s grumbling coming from behind us and I know without Phoenix saying anything they’re becoming impatient. Is my father here? I hope so. I hope he has to watch his enemy take his virgin daughter.

I’m going to make him pay. Make him suffer for doing this to me. And I know without a shadow of a doubt Phoenix will help me. His lips caress my ear. “Kenz, they’re getting impatient.”

I nod. “Is my father in here?” I ask. He pauses as he shifts. Maybe he’s looking.

“Yes, he is.”

I take a deep breath.“Make me feel good. Make him regret doing this.” He chuckles against the skin of my neck.

“It will be my pleasure, pet.”

Chapter 20

“Kenz?” I open my eyes slowly. I’m sitting on the floor in the pantry, leaning against the wall, my knees drawn up to my chest. Phoenix is sitting facing me, his eyebrows are drawn in as he studies me.

I push away from the wall and climb into his lap. He wraps his arms around me and holds me tight. “I remembered the night of the auction,” I whisper.

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