Page 60 of Rescuing Rebel

“No need.” I use my most convincing voice. “I put him in his place. Who is he anyway? Surely not a buyer. The auction’s not for a few days.”

“A few weeks.”

“What?”

“I pushed back the date.”

“May I ask why?”

“Issues with our security systems. His team is here to fix it.”

Ah, that explains why Ethan’s here. Not really, but he’s obviously undercover, which makes things all the more complicated.

“I see.” I pull in the corner of my lip and gently nibble on it, knowing Kaufman will eat it up. But I can’t avoid his gaze for too long. There’s a fine line between deference and avoidance. Slowly, I lift my gaze to meet his eyes.

Kaufman’s gaze bores into me, probing for cracks. He’s not buying it. There’s too much suspicion on his face. I have to think fast and come up with something that will satisfy him without giving away Ethan’s secret.

An idea forms in my mind. It’s a bit of a long shot, but it might work. “He probably thought I was one of the merchandise and was trying to see what he could get away with.” I put on a coy smile.

My plan works better than expected; rather than hostility, boredom appears on Kaufman’s face. The man feeds off my adoration for him. He’s a twisted, ugly soul, but nothing I can’t handle.

“I could dismiss them and bring in another team.”

“That’s not necessary. I made things very clear, and your men backed me up. That man won’t touch me again. Besides, I’m going to be busy training your Angels.”

Kaufman rubs his chin, eyes calculating. “Well, if he gives you any trouble...”

“I’ll let you know. Thank you.” I dip my head demurely, playing to Kaufman’s inflated ego.

“Speaking of, how are my new Angels coming along?” Kaufman’s face softens almost imperceptibly.

My heart sinks a little at his words, and I swallow the bile rising in my throat. “Your new Angels are coming along nicely. Honestly, they’re not ready. I’m thankful to have a few more weeks. There’s still resistance in some. Not that a security issue is a good thing, but I’ll have them auction-ready.” My skin crawls at the words coming out of my mouth. “I apologize for underestimating the time it would take to pacify them.”

“I thought your timeline overly ambitious.”

“I’m sorry. I thought they would be more grateful. I don’t think they understand how things could’ve gone for them. The surgeries are a bit of a sticking point.”

“How’s that?”

“Honestly, I think when I mentioned it, they finally understood what they agreed to when they volunteered to be an Angel.”

“Hope is a hard demon to crush. You’re doing admirably with my Angels.”

“Thank you.” Once again, I duck my head like a dog begging for its master’s praise. I hate myself and loathe what I’ve become.

I try not to think too much about it because that’s me trying to rationalize the evil I’m putting into this world. They’re captives, abducted and held against their will. I give them the illusion of choice, and a little bit more of me dies each day. My goal is to brainwash these women until they forget how it feels to be free. Until they accept their fate with gratitude.

My stomach churns as acid burns the back of my throat.

I’m a monster. I’m not Kaufman, but what I’m doing is reprehensible.

Kaufman stares into space as if lost in thought before looking me dead in the eyes. “Your progress with those women is remarkable.” His voice is laced with admiration, making me squirm uncomfortably. “You’ll accomplish great things in the weeks to come, which will make the auction all the more profitable.”

He reaches out and places one hand on my shoulder in what can only be described as an intimate gesture, but his fingers press hard enough to leave marks. It’s his way of reminding me why I’m here and why I’m the only woman allowed to roam freely within these walls.

I exist to serve Kaufman’s desires no matter how corrupt they may be.

“Thank you.” I return exactly what he expects. My gaze dips to the floor, just like a submissive.

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