The room stayed silent.
“Going once, going twice…”
A new voice bellowed. “One thousand five hundred.”
Several people gasped.
Stanly relaxed. “Going once, going twice, sold to number fifty-four. We’ll send Alexa out to you. Please go to the bar to pay.”
She grabbed his arm. “Wait, I have to go right now?”
Stanley snorted. “Yes, you know how it works.”
He helped her down from the stool and held her until she had her balance before letting go. She wobbled over to the side and behind the curtain.
Her uncle was actually giggling he was so pleased. “Oh, wow, I never expected this. You had six or seven different men bidding on you, girl. Do you know how much money we could make if you did this every time?”
She put her hands on her hips, scowled, and then yelled. “This will never happen again. Do you hear me?”
“Now, Alexa…”
“I’d like to have my woman, please,” a voice said behind them.
She spun around so fast she fell and would have ended up on her ass if the man hadn’t caught her.
“Easy, honey.”
“Who are you?” she asked as she stared up at one of the most compelling men she’d ever seen.
“I’m Gavin. I’m the one who bought you.”
She felt a fiery blush overtake her face. “I’m not a…”
He grinned and nodded. “A hooker?”
She nodded.
“I know that, honey.”
“So, we’re just going to dinner?”
“Probably, but let’s see how the night goes? How’s that?”
She narrowed her eyes but nodded.
Gavin looked down at her feet. “The first thing I want is those shoes off you.”
“We can do that.” Jerry grabbed her arm to take her to the back.
“Hold up.” Gavin tightened his grip on her. “I’ll take care of her.”
“Fine, Mr. Barcina. I know she’ll be in good hands.”
She reluctantly pulled her gaze from Gavin and glanced at Jerry. “You know him?”
“I know of him. He’s a good man. I trust you with him. Now, the other bidder…”
She looked back and forth between the two men and saw their fierce scowls. “What about him?”