Page 58 of Secured By the Buyer

He reaches out to trace a finger along my jawline, and I flinch away from his touch.

“You sold for a pretty penny.” His eyes gleam with greed, and he steps back, pulling out his phone. “I’m sure your owner won’t mind paying a little extra for the finder’s fee.”

He dials a number, and after a moment, says intothe receiver, “The toy has been acquired. Sending the location for pickup.”

As we wait, Bugrov circles the mattress, eyeing me like a piece of meat. “I seem to recall some special instructions for your original delivery. Tell me, are you pregnant? Because if you are, we could get more for your return.”

“Fuck you,” I spit, pouring every ounce of venom I can muster into the words.

Bugrov shrugs, unfazed, and paces away.

With his back to me, I survey my surroundings, my heart sinking as I spot the broken slot machines against the back wall. We’re in the underbelly of the casino, and judging by the number of men milling about, they’re using it as the base for their entire operation.

Time ticks by, counted only by Bugrov’s heavy steps.

Were Caleb and Jade able to follow me? Are they getting closer now? Or will Bugrov decide that waiting on Liam—no, Caruso—isn’t profitable enough and sell me again?

Each repetition of Bugrov’s path around me ramps up my anxiety. Was being brave worth the possibility of losing Liam? And what about the other Omegas?

Sometimes I hate my brain, which plays out all the scenarios of a situation, showing me how it can succeed and how many more ways it can fail.

I lick my lips. “You have quite the setup here.”

Bugrov turns to me and scoffs. “Save your breath. You’re already sold.”

“And the others?” I try to take in our surroundings without him noticing. “Do you have more like me here?”

His eyes narrow. “What’s it to you?”

My pulse quickens. “So thereareothers? Like last time?”

“You’re chatty for a toy.” Suspicion tightens his features. “How did you slip Caruso’s leash?”

Fear spikes through me as I realize I overplayed my hand, but before I can respond, the door bangs open. “Boss, Caruso is here for his property.”

A thug comes in, Liam on his heels. He’s back in his disguise as Caruso, with blue contacts and thick-rimmed glasses. He had dyed his hair black again, and a five o’clock shadow darkens his jaw. It doesn’t hide his face as well as the full beard did, though, and the lights here are brighter than they were at the auction.

Bugrov studies Liam’s face, and his suspicion kicks back in, his hand twitching toward the gun at his hip.The air crackles with tension, and I hold my breath, praying our cover hasn’t been blown.

If Bugrov figures out Liam’s true identity, this whole operation will turn bloody.

Bugrov steps forward, eyeing Liam up and down. “You got the cash?”

Liam holds up a briefcase. “It’s all here. Now, I believe you have something of mine.”

Bugrov’s gaze flicks to me. “I do, indeed. But he put up a bit of a fight. I think a little extra is in order.”

Liam’s jaw clenches, but he keeps his voice even. “Our contract has a retrieval fee, which is what I brought. I’m not paying a cent more.”

Then Liam spots my ripped jeans, and a muscle twitches in his cheek. “What the hell happened to his pants? Who touched him?”

Bugrov waves a dismissive hand. “Relax, it was just a minor scuffle. If you’re concerned, though, check for yourself.”

For a moment, concern flickers beneath Liam’s hardened exterior. It vanishes in a flash, replaced by cool indifference. “I’ll take your word for it. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll be collecting my property.”

He drops the briefcase at Bugrov’s feet and stridesover to the mattress, hauling me up, his grip firm but gentle.

Relief floods through me as we head for the door, but Bugrov’s voice stops us cold. “How is your new toy getting along with your first one? I’d be more than happy to acquire a third if you’re up for it.”

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