Page 20 of Auctioned Surrender

I brush her hair back, and remove the ring I’ve had since adulthood, the one with my family crest carved into the platinum band, and slip it on her finger. “It won’t be long, then I’ll know all your secrets, Doll,” I say, brushing a light kiss over her forehead before I hear Evers clear his throat outside. I close the door quietly, make my way back between the pumps, and slide into the back seat, staying as low to the floor as possible while Evers finishes up.

He starts the car and pulls over the gravel road heading to the highway, letting Nick and Cole know to take over tailing Bryanna and that we’re heading for the next car swap location.

“You can get off the floor now,” Evers says, accelerating the gas.

I take in his deep-penetrating eyes watching me in the rearview mirror. “You better hope they don’t scrub her for bugs, Dame. If they do and they find your tap, you just put that girl in a world of hurt.”

Chapter 14

Bryanna

I hear my name and make my way onto the stage, trying to stay upright in the five-inch heels they’ve dressed me in, while my knees and thighs tremble with trepidation. A virgin and completely consensual, that is what whoever plans to buy me wants. I try my best to shake the nerves, but it is absolutely impossible. I swallow down the lump in my throat and raise my head, glancing out over the crowd of men in a mix of black tuxes and fine business suits, and every single one of them has a mask on his face and is here to bid on my virginity.

I try to recall my instructions, pull my shoulders upright, and smile at the audience as my stomach churns with a deep sense of foreboding. Crystal is called next, and she joins me on the stage, standing right next to me, so close that I can feel her fear.

“Ladies and gentlemen, a late and surprise addition has just been added to the room. We could not in all good conscience keep this incredible little gem from your options. Please help me welcome Dahlia to the stage. Ladies, please make way in the circle for our newest member.”

Three women in total, all to be auctioned off. At the end of the night, we will no longer hold our fates in our hands. Instead, we will be slaves to the desires of the men who buy us, pay themost for us, and have the ability to circumvent the law, ensuring none of us will ever return to our families or the lives that we previously led.

I feel the touch of Dahlia’s shoulder against my arm as she makes her way onto the stage. The MC gives the men in the audience the rules. He tells them how the bidding will start, lets them know how each part of the process will be handled, right down to where they will collect us when they’re finished, and then it is time.

The spotlight brightens as he speaks, putting us all on display for the room full of buyers. I swallow again, trying to keep my nerves at bay, lifting my eyes to glance around, but the room past the stage is dim and smoky, and all that can be seen are shadows lurking in the dark. I keep trying, letting my eyes roam, but the opportunity for adjustment is short-lived as the lights above me suddenly brighten, and the glare blinds me to the men in the room.

“Gentlemen, we’ll start the bidding with half a million. It’s going to be an amazing night. Here we go! Crystal, step out and turn around,” the MC says as the sound of drums roll in the background for effect.

I feel the girl next to me move and watch as she nervously steps forward. I try to keep my eyes averted as she is instructed to spin and then turn for the crowd. She looks absolutely terrified, and I’m sure none of us will look much different when our names are called.

My angst is short-lived because the MC calls on me next. The drum rolls, and that’s my cue. I step out on shaky heels, still somewhat lightheaded, trying my very best to spin, before making it back to my spot on the stage as Dahlia is called.

“These ladies are prime choice, men, and they are just waiting for you to bid on them. Here of their own free will,they are just waiting for you to take them home and make them happy. Should we start the bidding, gentlemen?” the MC says.

The resounding roar of the crowd is answer enough. “One million dollars for Crystal; do I have another bid?” the auctioneer calls out.

“One and a half million; do we have more?” he coaxes.

He begins calling out numbers as paddles are raised in the crowd, over and over. “Going once, going twice and… sold,” the auctioneer finally says.

“I know some of you already had your preferences picked before arriving this evening, but we could not in all good conscience let such a wonderful addition pass you by. Take a good look at Dahlia, gentlemen, and then begin to place your bets. We’ll start at one and a half million. Do we have one and a half; do we have two million for this lovely young lady?” the auctioneer sings out.

The crowd roars, and the auctioneer hums in the microphone. “Gentlemen, order, please. Put your bids up! The lady is up to five million dollars. Five point five million dollars. Paddles in the air, gents,” the auctioneer says, and the crowd goes wild again.

“Six million dollars. Get those paddles in the air if you’re still in,” the MC continues, and some of the men groan as the price increases past their wallets’ allowances.

“We’ve got three active bidders. Anyone else want in? Gentlemen, good luck. Six and a half million dollars. Who wants to beat that and take Dahlia home with you tonight?”

The crowd collectively roars and groans in their excitement, and the auctioneer keeps the momentum, skillfully driving up the price. “I’ve got seven million in the back; do I have seven point five?”

“Seven point five to the man in the back right corner. Do we have eight million dollars. Come on, this angel is going homewith one of you tonight. Eight million, going once, going twice, and sold to the man in the back right corner!”

The astronomical amount of money resonates in my foggy brain as the crowd absolutely roars with the announcement.

“Okay, gentlemen, well that was a little bit of excitement, if I do say so myself, but we’re far from done. We still have one lovely young lady here who wants nothing more than to pair up with someone who is willing to take care of her, treat her like a princess, while making all of your fantasies come to life. Remember, this one is a virgin. Who wants to take her home with them tonight?” the MC asks, and the crowd gets louder.

“Alright then, let’s start the bidding at eight million for Lacey.” I hold my breath as the reality that men are actually bidding to buy and to take my virginity sinks in.

“Tell me how much she’s worth to you, gentlemen.”

“Nine million,” comes a voice from the back. I try hard to keep my gasp inaudible.

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