Page 34 of Shattered Souls
Grayson’s hand moves from the back of her chair, sliding into her hair and holding her captive as he nips at her jaw, working his way along it to her lips. I know it’s mostly for show, but I don’t pull my gaze away as I watch her reaction to every one of his touches—notably, the heat that builds in her eyes, how her skin flushes beneath his touch, and her breaths grow shallow.
Oh yeah, Riley might protest there being anything between them, but there is no denying that chemistry.
A presence appears out of nowhere, dropping into one of the empty seats at the large, round table and forcing them apart as we all stare at the unwelcome newcomer.
“Haven’t seen you at one of these before?” the man drawls, eyeing Grayson before his gaze flits to Riley, and a salacious grin brightens his otherwise hard face. He looks as though he’s not much older than us—late twenties to early thirties—and is as crisply dressed as Grayson. Unlike Grayson, though, he doesn’t appear to have any security. Although, I have noticed that plenty of others do.
Leaning closer to Riley, he purrs, “I’d definitely remember if I’d seenyoubefore. What’s your name, sweetheart?”
“Since she’s here withmetonight, her name is none of your concern,” Grayson retorts in a manner that says he’s bored with the entire conversation.
Unperturbed, the newcomer simply smirks. “I see how it is.”
Logan chooses that moment to return with their drinks. Sending me awho the fuck is thisarch of his brow as he sets them down on the table.
I shrug ano fucking cluein response.
“So, first time?” the newcomer enquires.
“What did you say your name was?” Grayson turns the conversation back on him as he glares suspiciously.
Taking a sip of the whiskey he brought, he smirks at Grayson over the top of the glass. “Didn’t give you a name.”
“I’m bored,” Riley whines, leaning into Grayson and stretching so she can bring her lips to his ear. Loud enough for the rest of the table to hear, she says, “Want to take me to the coat closet and fuck me?”
Holy shit. There is no way I’m the only one at the table who got an immediate boner.
Although if new-guy’s dick so much as twitched, he’ll be going home without it.
I don’t dare take my eyes off him as he studies Riley and Grayson, that playboy smirk of his firmly in place.
“Mm,” Grayson hums, sliding his hand to the back of Riley’s head and dragging her mouth to his for a hot and dirty kiss. “That does sound like a lot more fun.”
“I wouldn’t go running off,” the newcomer states, finishing his drink and setting it on the table. “The auction will be starting soon.” Getting to his feet, he rakes his eyes over Grayson, and there’s an astuteness in his gaze that I don’t like. Just as I’m about to step forward and tell him to beat it, he glances at Riley, offering her one of those signature smirks before he ducks his head. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“Douchebag,” Logan hisses when he’s out of earshot.
Riley sinks back into her seat, shoulders dropping as she takes a large sip of her martini.
“Please tell me not everyone is going to scrutinize us being here tonight.”
“I’m sure he’s not the only one who will be interested in potential new players on the field,” I murmur.
“Great.”
Thankfully, the room lights dim a moment later, and spotlights illuminate the stage as a man steps onto it. His voice is smooth and commanding as he looks around the room,welcoming everyone. “We have an extraordinary lineup for you this evening.” His twitchy eyes practically dance with cold excitement, his slimy mouth curling into a vile smile that sends a noticeable shiver through Riley.
He quickly explains the rules and how to bid before ushering out the first princess of the night. “First up this evening isBelle,” he announces as a ball of yellow is dragged onto the stage by a mountain of a man with dead eyes. Her straw-colored hair covers her face as she stands on trembling legs and bare feet. Before the bidding begins, the auctioneer rhymes off the facts available in the online private room. The entire ordeal is beyond sickening, and as the little girl is dragged off the stage, putting up zero fight, I realize we can’t walk out of here with Aurora and leave the others behind.
It hadn’t crossed my mind before. My focus was solely on getting Aurora. Even so, none of these kids deserve the fate they are being marched toward. If we could buy every single kid, we’d do it in a heartbeat, but not only would that draw too much attention, it would cost more than all of us have.
“Dax,” I murmur into the earpiece, barely moving my lips.
“I know, Royce.” His tone is bleak. “We’re not leaving any of them behind. Focus on Aurora. I’ll get the rest. I’ve got a safe house and a doctor set up and waiting for them.”
The anvil that had been sitting on my chest lifts.
I do my best to detach myself from the situation as girl after girl, ranging in age from as young as three to preteens, is marched onto the stage. Some are forced to curtsy or twirl, while others merely stand there. Most keep their heads down, faces obscured, but occasionally, a spitfire of a kid emerges, and the excitement that strums through the crowd has my stomach revolting.
