Page 44 of King of Desire

“Ten thousand is a lot for any woman to make, even one as beautiful as you.” He’s looking me over again, like I’m steak at the meat counter.

“Well, she does have something special,” Brittany says in this excited voice that makes me look up at her with a question in my eyes. Is she enjoying this?

“Really?” Dimitri leans over the desk, his eyes narrowing.

“She’s a virgin,” Brittany grins. “I know that’s big money.”

A squeak comes out of my mouth. I’m not sure I even want to be here, let alone share such personal information.

Dimitri’s brows cock. “Can that be confirmed?”

“What?” I cry, standing. “No. I’ve changed my mind. Thank you for your time, but I need to get home.”

“I’ll give you your price.” And then he opens the drawer on the right side of the desk, pulling out a wad of cash that he slaps on the desk. “What’s more, it will be a requirement that the man who buys you?—”

“Buys me,” I repeat in a strangled cry.

“A night with you,” he corrects. “Must stay here and use one of our rooms where you’ll have the protection of our guards.”

“Tonight? That soon?” I don’t know what I expected, but I need more time. Time to think. This is nothing like I thought and I’m sure I’ve made a mistake. I should have called Mason. No. I should have asked Triston.

But last night was just so…

My eyes are filling with tears again, but I swallow them down, looking at the money. I can’t follow my heart. That was never an option, even if I wanted it to be.

Do I want my brother to have that transplant? “Okay. I’ll do it.”

“Good,” Dimitri gives me another creepy smile before he pulls a contract from the center drawer and slaps it, along with a pen, in front of me. “Just sign, agreeing to the terms.”

Contract. I’ve never hated the word more. I skim the document. Once I sign, there is no changing my mind.

Brittany stands over me, tapping the back of my arm. “Go on. Do it. There’s no other way you can make the money.”

Why does she care so much? Would she feel better if I worked like she did? But drawing in a breath, I slash my name on the line.

“For Darius,” I mumble as I push the paper back.

Brittany claps as Dimitri takes the contract and tucks it away again. Then, he pulls another, smaller bundle of money out of his other drawer and hands it to Brittany. She scoops it up, shoves it in her purse and heads out the door without a backward glance.

I stare after her, my mouth slightly ajar.

When I first met her, I thought she might want something. Now I know she did. She just sold me.

But I don’t have time to think on it as Dimitri comes around the desk, his hand sliding under my elbow.

Unlike when Triston touches me, I shrink away, but his grip is firm. “Time to get ready.”

“So soon,” I gasp.

“We’ll have the auction at six o’clock. You should eat. Relax. Then you’ll be dressed and made ready. Some of the bids will be done online, but others will be in person.”

“But is that even enough time to find the right…” I stop, knowing I don’t need to tell him his business. I’m just stalling.

He moves me toward the door and down the hall. “Trust me, you’ll be posted on our website in the next five minutes. Buyers will be flocking here.”

My breath catches in my chest. I don’t want to do this. Any of it. “Please. I don’t think…”

“Too late, Honeyeh. You’ve signed the papers.”

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