This is a lot harder than I thought it would be. But after one last look behind me and catching sight of another man by the entrance to the stage, a very large man, I know that I’m not getting off this stage unless I’m sold.
I throw my shoulders back and toss my long hair back over my shoulder. My damn little black dress is so short, I know some of the men in the front are probably getting a show. But I can’t worry about that.
I step forward hesitantly, blinded by the lights, confused by all the noise and action around me.
“What would you bid for a night with this lovely young woman? And keep in mind, the most important detail. She’s a virgin. And we have the papers to prove it.”
My face flames again. Yeah, that was an uncomfortable exam that I hope to never have again.
I never figured I’d have to prove that I was a virgin with a medical exam but I guess your word is just not good enough anymore.
Stepping forward to the painted x on the stage, I wait, heart pounding, breath huffing out. Voices around me start shouting higher and higher bids and although I can’t see them, I can feel their eyes on me, lusting after me.
It’s not a good feeling and I curl my hands, my fingers digging into my palms.
Louder, longer and out of control voices. Bright lights and just so much. I feel my head starts to swim, blurring in my peripheral vision.
“You will not pass out, girlfriend,” I whisper to myself. “No way do you want to finish this out unconscious.”
“Fiery red hair and milk-white skin. A beautiful combination. A lovely addition to your household.”
My eyes shoot to his and I narrow on him. That doesn’t sound good. It’s one night. I never thought about what might happen if they didn’t let me leave.
Actually I didn’t think beyond getting Jackson’s attention. I’ve tried and tried to get my best friend to see me as something more than his buddy but it just didn’t seem to be working.
So I got desperate and stupid and offered myself up for a mafia underground auction of virgins.
Jane has to write a book about this. It will probably be a bestseller. I can help her with her research. If I make it out of here alive.
“Thirty thousand!” A feminine voice screams from the back and my head shoots up.
“Well, there’s something I never considered,” I mutter under my breath.
I don’t think they actually ask you which way you go when you sign up so…
“Fifty thousand,” a deep male voice says. But it’s not the one I’m listening for. The one that makes my body shiver with need.
No, that is not Jackson.
On and on until my head is whirling. Loud hollers and higher numbers until my skin is ice-cold and tears crowd my eyes.
A rough male voice growls, “One hundred thousand!”
“Fuck,” I whisper, my stomach sinking. He’s not here. I’m in a lot of trouble.
“One million dollars.” A cold, almost cruel voice barks in the dark. A voice I recognize well.
“Jackson,” I whimper.
“Sold!” the jerk at the microphone hollers. “Come pay and get your prize, sir!”
The lights dim for a second as someone leads me off the stage and I see Jackson’s furious face.
Damn! He’s pissed.
A shiver runs up my spine as he glares at me and then the man with his hand on my elbow.
But he follows the handler that takes him to the back where he needs to pay.