Page 45 of Hush, Hush

“Second that with my mint condition Jaguar, E-Type.”

My harsh breaths fill the room in the midst of their offers. Inside, I’m trembling like a leaf. Hot breath hits my back, and I sly away only to come face-to-face with a Knight who grabs my hips, tugging me toward him. “My construction company for her to ride my face.”

I squirm out of his grip. “Let go of me.”

“You’ve been chosen, Delilah. You have something we all want. The choice isn’t yours anymore.”

“Fuck you.”

Groans sound again. “I’ll settle for jerking off with my fingers inside her.”

I whirl toward the voice, pushing the chest of the man who said it. “You disgust me. You all do.”

“I thought you wanted to be a Knight?”

Fury laps at me. “Did you give up your body to become one?” I counter. I should’ve known something like this would happen. They’re all animals.

“We all gave up something, and we’ve determined this is your one, true offering to the Knights of Arcadia.”

“I am not sleeping with any of you.”

“You don’t have to like it,” another voice adds.

Another voice chuckles. “In fact, I’d prefer it if she didn’t.”

More harsh laughter. The despicable words leaving these Knights’ mouths make me shiver. “Dad?” I call out.

The answering cackles send a ball of ice to my stomach. “He’s not here, Delilah. Of course.”

My mind races ahead, trying to figure out what to say to get out of this. Should I tell them I’m no longer a virgin? Will that make it worse?

“Mr. Forbes?” I ask desperately. “I’m Keegan’s. You promised.”

A figure moves forward, and I spin toward it. A cherry red tongue presses against curved lips. “That’s why I said you should be mine by right. I had no idea you were still untouched Delilah. If Keegan hadn’t said anything to me...”

“My father will never forgive you.”

“Your father knows what it’s like to be a Knight. You think he hasn’t participated in games like this?”

Opposing images collide in my head. Chaos settles in until I can’t think clearly. Half my mind rejects what I know to be happening, overpowering any rational thought. It’s like everything is in a haze.

“Shall we choose now? Or do we need more incentive?”

“You’re doing all this for virgin pussy?” I ask incredulously. “Couldn’t you just find someone willing?”

“Vivere triumpho, Delilah,” the main voice rings out. “Sometimes it’s not enough to be given, sometimes it’s best to take.”

I roar, throwing myself at the figure closest to me, trying to push past him. Hands scramble to grab me. Others shout not to hurt me, but I’m sure it’s not because they’re worried about causing me pain. They probably want a clean canvas to defile me.

“Just lie back and take it, Delilah. You’ll be a Knight afterward, and no one will have to know beyond the men in this room.”

Fingers sink into my skin, and I grimace. “Give up a piece of me. No fucking way. Not for you. Not for anyone.”

I was a fool to think I could change them. I never thought of anything as heinous as this existed though. An auction for my virginity, willingly or not. It’s despicable.

“But that’s what we do, Miss Astor. We give up ourselves for the greater good. You’ll be rewarded handsomely with Knighthood.”

But I’ll be giving up so much more. I still struggle against restraining hands. “I don’t want any part of this.”

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