Page 101 of Brick's Retribution

The girls are led away, and I see tears in the younger one's eyes.

Imani's just committed a million dollars of cartel money to save two children she's never met.

"Getting ambitious early," Don Carlos comments from behind us. "Saving your funds might be wise. I hear the special lots are exceptional today."

The next several women blur together—a parade of human misery.

Imani bids on two more, spending another million total.

Then the auctioneer's voice takes on a special tone.

"And now, esteemed guests, we present our first premium special. A two-for-one opportunity."

My entire body goes rigid.

"This particular lot comes with unique qualities. Twenty-six years old, speaks fluent Vietnamese, Chinese, Spanish and English, and has a few other tricks up her sleeve. Currently three months pregnant. Previous experience in... entertainment venues."

The door opens, and they bring her out.

Lashes.

Even drugged, even pregnant, even after three months of captivity, I'd know her anywhere.

The bright eyes that used to laugh at my jokes are dulled but defiant.

Her wrists are shackled, but she holds her head high.

The slight swell of her belly visible beneath the thin cream colored dress they've put her in.

Everything in me screams to move, to kill everyone between us, to get her outnow.

But I can't.

I have to stand here and watch them auction my best friend like a piece of property.

"Bidding opens at one million," the auctioneer announces.

"One million," someone calls immediately.

"One-five," another voice.

"Two million," Imani says calmly.

I want to look at her, to thank her, but I can't break character.

"Two-five," Don Carlos counters, sounding amused.

"Three," Imani responds.

The bidding war escalates quickly.

These monsters can sense something special about Lashes, even drugged and chained.

Her spirit hasn't been completely broken.

"Four million," a new bidder enters.

"Five," Imani says without hesitation.

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