Page 42 of Auctioned Innocence
“What do you want from me?” I drop the pretense of meek compliance.
Her smile widens. “Nothing you aren’t already providing, my dear. Your presence here has attracted exactly the attention we hoped for.”
She glances at her diamond watch. “Now, it’s time for your second viewing. Remember—grace, poise?—”
“Submission,” I finish flatly. “I remember.”
“Good girl.” She pats my cheek again, and it takes everything in me not to slap her hand away. “And Sofia? I’d reconsider whatever little plan you’re hatching with the others. It would be a shame if young Jessica suffered for your…initiative.”
Fear freezes my blood.
She knows.
But how much?
Has she overheard or is she simply anticipating rebellion?
When they parade me out for the second viewing, I let myself look at Dante again.
Just for a moment.
Just long enough to see the rage burning behind his careful mask.
His eyes meet mine, and in that brief connection, I find renewed strength.
Soon, I promise silently.
But first, I have work to do.
Because no matter what Madame Rouge thinks she knows, she doesn’t understand what it means to threaten a Renaldi.
I’ve been trained since childhood to assess threats, find weaknesses, and exploit opportunities.
I float through my second viewing, observing more details now that the initial shock has worn off.
I note which men seem most interested.
Which have the most security.
Which ones Dante seems to be avoiding.
And I note something else—a pattern to the guard rotations.
A three-minute window when the hallway between our rooms is unwatched during shift change.
A potential opportunity, if we’re quick enough.
If we’re brave enough.
As we wait for the third viewing, my mind races with plans and contingencies.
I think of Dante, somewhere in this same building, planning his own rescue.
I remember the moment our eyes met, the promise in that look.
The other girls are dealing with this nightmare in their own way.
How dare Madame Rouge’s threaten Jessica.
