He calls out for me but I wave him off. Nothing could interest me less than purchasing a woman, or anyone, for that matter. Even if it’s just for a night and the women get a sixty-fivepercent cut of the bid. The pragmatic side of me understands it’s a business decision for some of the women up on stage. The other side of me who has seen the blackness of men’s souls and the torment they’re willing to inflict on people in vulnerable positions, however, can’t stomach the thought of participating in any way.
“First up tonight, we have the curvaceous and compelling Micaela. This is her first time here at the Naughty List Auction. Actually, it’s herfirst timedoing any of this, isn’t that right, sweetie?”
The tone of his voice makes it obvious what he’s referring to. My hand is on the doorknob, poised to turn it and leave this place for at least another year, but a memory rattles loose.Micaela.That’s the name of my boss’ daughter.
She doesn’t come around the shop much, but when she does, I make a point to not look at her. With round, perky tits, wide hips perfect for grabbing, and full lips that make my dick twitch, I know better than to entertain fantasies of the too-young, too-beautiful Micaela. Her father would strangle the life out of me with his bare hands, and I’d deserve it.
It can’t be her, though. That would be truly insane.
“Uh, yes. Oh, wait, were you asking me that or just… Uh, never mind.”
That voice.I whip my head around, looking at the stage over my shoulder. Fuck me, it's her. It's really her. Even if I didn't recognize the woman standing up there on full display, that voice… The uncertainty and timidity unleash something in me that's quickly taking over every rational thought.
I turn around and glare at the auctioneer, who chuckles at Micaela. “See, folks? A virgin in every sense of the word. But all that can change tonight, for the right price, of course.”
Micaela’s eyes widen as if realizing for the first time what she’s gotten herself into.
What the fuck? Her dad makes enough money to take care of her for the rest of her life. Why is she up there? Why is she doing this? Why do I feel the need to run up there and snatch her off stage so no one else can look at what’s mine?
Jesus Christ, I need to get myself under control.
"The bidding starts at one hundred thousand," the emcee announces. To my horror, a dozen paddles are raised, indicating interest in buying Micaela's virginity.
Oh fuck, no. Not on my watch.
I’m hardly aware of my movements, almost like an out-of-body experience. I watch as my hand grabs a paddle from the nearby table and then I storm through the crowd. I don’t know what my next move is, only that I can’t stand by and let this happen.
“One-fifty… Two hundred thousand… Wow, lots of interest in this one,” the announcer says as he continues to rattle off prices. My heart pounds against my ribcage with each new bid that rolls in, so hard it feels like my bones are cracking. I can’t seem to get to Micaela fast enough.
“Three million,” I roar as I tear my way through the crowd. Incredulous gasps and frenzied whispers fill the room while I continue my way up to the stage. I’m vaguely aware of Charles saying he told me so, but I don’t give a fuck. I have one mission right now; save Micaela.
I’m right in front of the stage, staring up at Micaela and her creamy curves. Her strawberry blonde hair frames her face, glowing under the spotlight while her green eyes widen in recognition. Those perfectly pouty lips are painted red and I can’t seem to take my eyes off of them as she opens and closes her mouth, trying and failing to speak.
“Th-three million,” the emcee finally says, acknowledging my bid. “That’s… Whew, that has to be a new record, right?”
I grunt and glare at him, my patience running thin. He gulps and looks out at the crowd, watching everyone put their paddles down.
“Going once… Going twice…”
“Sold,” I growl as I pull myself up onto the stage. Micaela blinks at me and watches as I stand to my full height. My shadow falls over her, casting her silhouette in darkness.
“Morrison?” she whispers, her voice trembling along with the rest of her. “Is it really you?”
Instead of answering her, I bend down and scoop her up, carrying her off-stage and away from the prying eyes of those fuckers and their filthy thoughts.
“Sir! Excuse me, sir?Sir!There’s paperwork to fill out before–”
“No,” comes my growled response. The employee is a man close to my age in a tux with a red cumberbund. He steps in front of me but I elbow him out of my way.
“If you don’t stop, I’ll be forced to call security and the entire transaction will be canceled and you won’t be able to bid on her or anyone else tonight.”
This has me stopping in my tracks. I heave out several frustrated breaths and then look down at the precious woman cradled in my arms. She lifts her hand to my cheek, that one soft touch calming the beast ready to break free.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she murmurs. “They just want to make sure I get paid.”
I grunt and flare my nostrils at the reminder of why Micaela is here in the first place. I don’t care about the money. I’d have given it to her yesterday if I knew she needed it and we could have avoided all of this.
“Fine,” I manage to say, though I don’t loosen my hold on Micaela.