Page 4 of Sold to the Titan

The room falls silent and I can feel the tension climbing higher. None of the other girls even came close to half that price. It’s a competition and she’s become the prize.

“Five hundred thousand,” that same voice calls out with deliberate smugness.

I keep my expression flat. I can’t let them sense my inner turmoil. In a place like this, emotions are a weakness. This is a game I can’t afford to lose.

The auctioneer’s voice cuts sharply through the silence. “Number six going once for—”

“One million dollars,” I say without taking my eyes off her, hoping my gaze will somehow help her stay grounded. She doesn’t need to see any of these bastards’ faces. Especially not his.

The silence stretches, heavy and suffocating until the auctioneer finally breaks it. “Sold!”

I let out an inaudible breath of relief, glad the ordeal is over. She’s safe now, and that’s all that matters. I just need to get her out of here and—

“Number six, please make your way to your buyer,” the auctioneer instructs, his tone dripping with anticipation. “We’ll all get a front-row seat to watch number six pleasure her new owner.”

Fuck. How could I have forgotten about this part?

I came here tonight to gather intel, and I’ve observed enough to know what they expect to happen next. Each of the previous girls has been forced into engaging in some sort of public display.Some of the men are still going at it with their purchases, in the shadows around the edge of the room.

“That won’t be necessary,” I growl, my voice low and lethal.

“If you refuse, your payment will be refunded,” the auctioneer replies in a perfunctory tone. “And number six will be passed along to the next highest bidder.”

I clench my fists at that.Over my dead body.

“Also, if the commodity’s performance appears unsatisfactory in any way, she will be returned and replaced.”

Commodity? Fucking animals.

I manage to keep my expression impassive. “I see.”

“To indicate satisfaction, please press the green button on the right arm of your chair, and the red button if you’ll be needing a refund.” The auctioneer pauses slightly for dramatic effect. “Now…number six, make your way to your buyer. Make it worthwhile!”

Her heels click loudly against the hard floor. I can tell from the hesitant, uneven rhythm of her footsteps that she’s scared shitless. I wonder how she ended up in this hellhole.

But none of that matters now. I just need to get her out.

Soon, she’s standing right in front of me. I let my eyes rest on her face, taking in her dainty features and innocent green eyes. She’s a stunner for sure, but she doesn’t belong in this world.

“W-what do I do?” she asks me hesitantly, shuffling awkwardly from one foot to the other.

My chest constricts as I watch her lower lip tremble, like she’s barely holding herself back from crying. I find myself wantingto hold her, to shield her from the gaze of every bastard in this fucking room.

“Come,” I say, holding out my hand to her.

She hesitates for a second and then quietly takes my hand. I close my palm around hers and gently tug her onto my lap. She gasps softly, her body strung tight, like she’s ready to flee at any second.

“What’s your name?” I ask gently, quietly so no one around us can hear.

“Aria.” Her voice is a breathy whisper.

“Okay, Aria, I’m Cillian,” I say, keeping my tone soft. “I’m not going to hurt you, I promise. I’ll get you out of here.”

“Really?” she asks, her eyes flaring with hope.

“Yes, love. But…we do need to put on a little show first. Just trust me and follow my lead.”

She nods, her body relaxing slightly against mine. “Okay.”

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