Page 14 of My Soul for Sale

“I have Birdie,” Maxwell tells her as he un-links our arms.

“My name is Natalie. I’m going to show you to your dressing room. There are drinks and snacks in the room since it’s going to be a long night. The beauty team will be in shortly to get you ready.”

“Sounds good,” I answer, not really knowing what else to say.

“Good luck, Birdie.” Maxwell pats my shoulder before disappearing back into the elevator.

"Before I can show you to your room," Natalie speaks, pulling my attention back to her. “You'll need to pull a number to determine your position in the auction."

She holds out a small bowl filled with folded pieces of paper. With a sense of anticipation, I reach in and select one, fingers trembling slightly. Unfolding it with cautious excitement, I reveal the number two.

“Number two.” I flip the paper her way so she can confirm.

Number two means there are a lot of people behind me to be bought, so maybe the crowd won’t be ready to spend their money yet. I’m going to have to really appeal to their wants.

Fuck!

Why couldn’t I be… like number ten? I don’t know how many lots there are but ten seems like a good number.

Don’t think like that. What’s that thing kids say?

First is the worst, second is the best, third is the one with the hairy chest.

I’m the best. I just need to keep telling myself that and maybe I’ll start believing it.

Natalie's fingers glide across the touchscreen of the tablet she grabbed from the desk. She sets the device aside with a thud and lifts her gaze to meet mine.

"Okay, well, let's get you to your room, shall we?"

With a slight wave, she gestures for me to follow her.

We walk down a long hallway with doors on each side. The walls are rich black with sleek marble floors, glistening chandeliers, and modern art adorning the walls.

Natalie stops in front of a door that has Birdie written across it like I’m some sort of movie star.

“This one’s you.” She pushes it open and I step inside. “The team will be in soon for hair and makeup. Enjoy.” She closes the door and I hear the latch click, leaving me alone.

Looking around, I check out my room for the night. The walls are a light gray that envelops the space in a sense of calm. The air carries a faint scent of new leather from a black couch and chair, inviting me to sink into their plush cushions. Against the far wall is a glossy black vanity with a massive mirror bordered by lights.

The vanity is covered in an array of makeup and hair tools. I run my fingers over the cool surface, and a surge of anticipation builds within me.

Beside the chair, a small side table holds a tote overflowing with snacks, a mix of sweet and savory treats and an ice bucket filled with water and pop.

With a deep breath, I settle into the chair, grab a pop, and crack it open, ready for the glam team to come transform me.

Chapter Nine

Sloane

A knock has me setting my pop down and looking over at the door. It opens slightly before a feminine voice calls. “Are you decent?”

“Yeah. You can come in.” I stand from my chair.

A man and woman step inside, looking like they just walked off of the runway in Milan. The man pulls a silver cart behind him and heads straight to the vanity, popping it open and pulling out more beauty tools.

“Hi, I’m Sophia and I’ll be doing your makeup for tonight. This is Nico and he’ll be in charge of hair,” Sophia tells me. But I'm lost in her beauty, her dark, long, sleek hair pulled up in a high ponytail.

Nico is just as stunning with a strong jawline, expressive eyebrows, and captivating eyes that are bright blue.

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