Of course I knew why I’d selected the mask over dozens of others.
Him.
The werewolf.
Seeing him in dark clothes and that mask, I should have been terrified. Hell, I should have followed my instinct and left when I’d had the chance. But I’d stayed. I wasn’t certain what it mattered, as it felt as if time was ticking.
“And the two of you,” I said, forcing myself to interrupt my silly thoughts. “The angel.” I pointed to Josie. “And the devil.” I winked at Penny who promptly dipped her fingers into her white wine, flicking drops in my face.
“You little bitch.”
“You love me,” I cooed, laughing as I noticed a man had suddenly appeared on stage.
“Ladies and a few gentlemen,” he said as an opening and a solid three dozen women cheered.
Meanwhile, I cringed.
Maybe I would sit here and drown my sorrows. For some reason, events such as this made me realize just how lonely I’d become after breaking up with the dickhead. It was ridiculous after what he’d put me through, but being single wasn’t glamorous by any means.
“We have twelve of the hottest Chicago bachelors tonight for your bidding pleasure.”
“Where’s the brochure?” Penny asked.
“What brochure?” I turned my head toward her.
“You know. The one with sexy pictures and details about the men being auctioned off.” The way she licked her lips made me laugh.
Josie laughed while I lifted my eyebrows. “You’ve done this before. Haven’t you?” I chided.
Penny just shrugged.
There were party horns on the table and some women started blasting them. My grip around the wineglass was much firmer than before.
The women were gaggling and giggling like schoolgirls. This just wasn’t my scene. I hadn’t gone to my prom. I hadn’t been a cheerleader. Hell, I hadn’t dated a single guy in high school. This was far too… girlish. No way.
“I can’t do this,” I hissed.
Penny grabbed my arm as if I was ready to stand. “You can and you will. You’re going to end up old and lonely if you don’t.”
“I’m not old or lonely.” I grimaced, given I’d raised my voice.
She snorted in her cute little way. “Think again. One thing is certain. That pussy of yours hasn’t enjoyed a big, thick cock in months. Maybe years knowing that pathetic whistle dick of a man you were engaged to. Besides, you’re bidding tonight.”
“I don’t have that kind of money.” At least she’d gotten the whistle dick part correct.
“We do,” Josie said from beside me.
Josie came from serious money, although she didn’t act as if her entire family was worth millions, nor did she flaunt her social status. She loathed her father and had insisted she live her life the way she saw fit.
“I can’t take your money.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. I earn more in interest every month than any of these men are worth. Indulge me. Please.”
Groaning, I glanced from one to the other. “You planned this.”
“We did.” Penny wasn’t ashamed in the least.
“Forget it.”