Page 16 of My Soul for Sale

I hurry to the bathroom and wash my hands, staring at myself as I dry them on the towel.

The first girl sold. I wonder if she was as nervous as me. How much did she go for?

“You got this, Sloane,” I whisper to myself as I follow Natalie into the dark hall.

“Did you say something?” she asks, spinning to look at me.

“No. Sorry. Just a little nervous is all.”

“You’ll be fine. The weekend will come and go before you know it and your pockets will be deeper and your pussy sore.” She laughs, leading me down the same hall we came in.

I take a deep breath, my hand trembling slightly as I grasp the smooth railing, leading me up the small set of stairs behind a black velvet curtain. The air around me is heavy with anticipation. Edward's voice and the soft melody of music drifting from somewhere in the background are the only sounds in the place. My stomach churns with nerves, a knot forming as I ascend each step.

I wish my grandma was here. Her advice was always a source of comfort for me. But I can almost hear her disapproving voice echoing in my mind, her brow furrowing at the thought of what I'm about to do. Selling my "lady bits" for cash isn't exactly the path she would have envisioned for me. But a girl has to do what a girl has to do.

It's just one weekend, a blip in the grand scheme of things. And I'm no stranger to sex—I've fucked a few people before, though they were mediocre at best.

I stand behind the curtain, waiting to be revealed to potential buyers. I can't help but hope that I’ll at least be purchased by someone who knows how to give an orgasm.

Natalie leans in close and reminds me of what to do. "Just go out there," she whispers, her voice confident. “Hold your head high, smile, but look sexy. Strut your shit around that stage." Her words echo in my mind as she continues, "Remember to do a little twirl here or there, slowly, so everyone can see this sexy body you got going on." With a playful slap on my ass, she pushes me forward.

Taking a deep breath, I nod and make my way out onto the stage, feeling the eyes of the audience upon me. "Well, here goes fucking nothing," I mutter under my breath, summoning every ounce of confidence I can muster as I prepare to give the performance of a lifetime.

Chapter Ten

Atlas

My heart beats erratically in my chest as Dad and I step up to the elevator that will take us to the auction.

Pulling his key card from his wallet, he slides it through the reader, and it lights up green before the doors slide open.

Stepping inside, he scans his card once more and the doors close. The flip in my stomach tells me we’re headed down.

“What the hell?”

“Must be below ground level. I could see that being a draw to people. An actual underground club.” Dad smirks.

In seconds, the doors open to reveal a dark yet elegant space. All black furniture with LVT flooring that looks like wood and artwork of scandalously clad people and cocktails adorn the walls. The music is already playing and I can hear people talking, but no one is in sight yet.

We’re greeted by a woman with dark hair cut into a short bob. “Good evening, gentlemen. Here is your tablet for the night. Feel free to enjoy the bar until it’s time to begin, and then someone will escort you to your seat.” She hands Dad a black tablet and I can’t help but wonder if this is what all the merchandise will look like.

She’s stunning; high cheekbones, a defined jawline, and an oval-shaped face.

“Come on, Atlas.” Dad bumps his shoulder into mine.

I flash her a smile and follow him to the bar.

“Haven’t even seen what’s for sale and you’re eyeing up the pretty hostess,” he teases.

“She’s not my type at all… too skinny, but she was hot.”

A bartender comes to our side of the sleek black bar, setting down two coasters. He’s wearing nothing but a pair of metallic purple boyshorts and black boots. “What can I get you gentlemen tonight?”

“Two crowns and sevens please,” Dad tells him.

“Sure thing.” He grabs the bottles he needs and begins to make our drinks. “Here you are.” He sets them on the coasters and Dad pulls his wallet out again.

“No need, Sir. Cocktails are covered tonight. Enjoy.” He winks and moves to help the next guest.

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