Page 53 of He Will Come for Me

“Smart girl.” He wraps his arms around me, holding me close. “Yes. Some enjoy doing this. They like the thrill of it, but others have done it because it was their only way to get out of adire situation. Usually financially. And many times, those who purchased them did not get them out of the situation.”

“So, the fights?” I haven’t thought about them much since he told me that, but I’m curious all the same.

“They are a thing. One day I’ll take you, but I haven’t yet because I didn’t feel you were ready.” I inhale deeply, feeling a little overwhelmed. This is so much to take in. “That’s enough for now. Let’s finish getting ready so we can go. We need to be there on time.”

I nod and head into the bathroom. Putting my palms down on the cold counter, I lean forward and stare at myself in the mirror.

“We’re doing this. We’re really doing this.” I take a few calming breaths before opening the drawer with my makeup. I have a lot of makeup. I’m assuming to keep up appearances for these auctions. Pulling out the various tubes of lipstick, they range from dark red to bright pink.

Who would have thought the girl who was nervous about wearing red lipstick on graduation day would be wearing a lot more than she ever thought? The aspect of Phoenix being Master or Sir at these events has me feeling things I didn’t know were possible.

I thought this would be humiliating. But maybe it can be liberating. Maybe we took a bad situation and turned it around. I wonder what Anna would think if she knew about this. I’m not sure if it’s something we’ll ever tell her.

After I’m done applying my makeup, I brush my hair one more time to tame any strays. I have to look put together even if I don’t feel it. It’s all about playing the game. I think. That’s what I’m gathering from what Phoenix has told me so far.

He appears in the doorway, looking amazing in his all black suit. My eyes roam over him as I walk toward him. “Is this always your outfit of choice?”

I run my palms over his chest to the collar of his shirt, fixing it slightly. Frowning, I rub my thumb over the fading hickey on his neck. He smirks, like he knows what I’m thinking. “Later, love.”

He steps in front of the mirror and combs his hair. “Sometimes I wear a red shirt. Sometimes I wear a color that matches what you’re wearing.” He shrugs as he sprays some cologne, his ring catching the light.

An unexpected surge of frustration… maybe anger… rises in my chest. Something tickles at the edge of my brain, but it refuses to come to the forefront.

When he’s done, he wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close. Sighing, I melt into his embrace. “Kiss me, pet.” Something stirs deep in my belly as I lift up on my toes and raise my chin. He meets me halfway, kissing me thoroughly.

He steps back, helping me get into my heels and leads the way downstairs. When we get to the bottom stair, I pull on his arm, stopping him. He arches an eyebrow at me. “Where’s Anna?” I whisper.

“She’s in her room. One of my security guys will stand watch at her door. She’s pretty out of it from yesterday, so I doubt she’ll want to leave her room today.”I promised her we’d watch rom-coms today. Maybe we still can when I get back.Even if she falls asleep, the seats recline so she’ll be comfortable. Phoenix leads the way to the kitchen and I stop at the sight of Phillip and Clara.

Clara offers a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. Phillip doesn’t speak, which isn’t like him. They don’t like that we do this.

“Phillip, are you ready?”

Phillip grabs a black binder and kisses Clara on the cheek. “Yes, sir.” Phillip is dressed in all black as well. He looks handsome as ever.

“You look nice, Phillip.” I don’t like the mood in the kitchen. Maybe a compliment will help. His eyes soften as he looks at me.

“Thank you, Miss McKenzie. You do as well.” Clara offers a small wave. I return it as Phoenix puts his hand on the small of my back and leads me to the garage where Rex is waiting to drive us.

When we get in the SUV, there are masks on our seats. A silver one for me and a gold one for Phoenix. My heart begins to beat rapidly, unsure what I’m about to face.

When we get to the house, I stare at it, hoping it will look or feel familiar, but it doesn’t. Phoenix hands me my mask. He puts his on, so I follow his lead. Rex exits the vehicle and opens my door. I’m surprised when I see he’s wearing a blue mask, but I don’t say anything. Placing my hand in his, I take a deep breath as I prepare myself for what’s coming next.

Chapter 24

Phoenix steps out of the vehicle and places my arm on his as he guides me to the entrance. The house is beautiful. It’s a few miles from the historic district. I’m amazed at how secluded it feels, even though the city is just a couple of miles away.

I still like our house on the lake better, but this house screams old money. Which is surprising, considering the fact that Phoenix and his father come from new money and is one of the reasons my father hates them.

“Is this where we lived before we moved to the lake?” I ask as we walk up the cobblestone stairs.

“It is. This house belonged to my mother.” My steps falter. The mask is obstructing my view, so I have to turn my head to look at Phoenix.

“Your mother?” He nods as he opens the door and holds it for me. Stepping in, he disables the alarm as I look around. The foyer has marble flooring and a chandelier that could do some serious harm if it ever fell. There’s a winding staircase that leads upstairs and several rooms on each side.

I glance inside them as I follow Phoenix and Phillip into the kitchen. This house reminds me of mine growing up. Cold and sterile. “Each room will be staged. The auction will take place in the ballroom. The ceremony will take place in the basement. There might be multiple ceremonies at once and we can section off the basement.”

“The ceremony?” I ask.

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