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My heart pounded in my chest as I stood. under the spotlight, trying to keep my breathing steady. The host‘ s booming. voice filled the air and the room buzzed with murmurs as the bidding began.
“We’ll start the bidding for Dorothy at one thousand dollars!”
Almost immediately, someone from the crowd shouted, “One thousand!”
I stiffened. It was surreal hearing people bid on me like I was some object.
“Five hundred for Bianca!” the host
continued, glancing at Blake, who stood. beside me in his disguise.
“Chlyrus, bid now,” Daniel‘ s voice came through my earpiece, calm yet firm. “We need Gregor focused on Blake, not Daphne.”
Chlyrus‘ playful tone crackled through.
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“Alright, ten thousand for Dorothy!”
The crowd gasped. My stomach churned as I tried to maintain my composure. The lights were blinding, but I could feel the weight of every gaze.
A familiar, cold voice rang out. “Fifty thousand.”
Gregor Fitzburg. My breath hitched, and I resisted the urge to react. Daniel’s voice returned in my ear. “Don’t panic. Stay calm.”
I barely nodded, glancing sideways at Blake, who looked as uneasy as I felt.
Then, cutting through the murmurs like a blade, a new voice joined the fray. “One hundred thousand.”
The room went silent, save for a collective gasp. I blinked, trying to locate the bidder, but the stage lights made it impossible to see beyond the front row.
‘Who the hell is that?” Daniel’s tone was
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sharp, laced with irritation.
“I can’t tell,” I murmured under my breath, tilting my head as if adjusting my hair. “He’s wearing a mask.”
“Fantastic,” Daniel muttered. “Just what we need. A wildcard.”
Sue’s voice chimed in, calm and analytical. “Focus on the mission. Blake was chosen by Gregor. That’s our in. Let’s deal with the masked bidder later.”
“Daphne doesn’t need to deal with him at all,” Daniel snapped. “Ditch him the first chance you get.”
I exhaled slowly as the host sealed the deal. “Sold! Dorothy to the masked gentleman for one hundred thousand dollars! And Bianca to Mr. Fitzburg for fifty thousand dollars!”
Blake and I exchanged nervous glances before being escorted offstage.
The lounge area we were taken to reeked of artificial luxury–faux velvet couches, dim
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lighting, and the overpowering scent of cheap cologne. Blake was led to Gregor, leaving me alone with the masked man.
He moved with calculated precision, taking a seat across from me. His presence was unsettling, yet I forced a smile and leaned forward.
“So, Dorothy,” he began, his voice smooth. and calm. “What brings you to a place like this?”
I tilted my head, feigning nonchalance. “Curiosity, I suppose. And you? I wasn’t expecting to catch anyone’s attention tonight.”
He chuckled, low and soft. “I like
surprises.”
I couldn’t help but notice how his eyes, barely visible behind the mask, studied me with an unnerving intensity.
Daniel’s voice buzzed faintly in my ear.
“What’s happening, Daphne? Who is this guy?”
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“Still figuring that out,” I replied, pretending to fix a strand of hair.
The man poured himself a drink and offered one to me. I shook my head politely. “I’m more of a water kind of girl.”
“Smart,” he said, taking a sip of his own drink.
From the corner of my eye, I could see Blake laughing at something Gregor said. He was doing a decent job playing his role, even as tension lingered beneath the surface.
“So,” I said, turning my attention back to the masked man. “What‘ s with the mask? Planning to reveal the mystery, or should I guess?”
He smirked, setting his glass down. “All in good time, Dorothy. Patience is a virtue.”
I reached for the mask anyway, keeping my movements playful. “Come on, just a peek?”
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Iris hand caught mine mid–air, firm but not ndofurceful. “Not yet,” he said softly. “You‘ 11
ive your chance later.”
elfadad
ook me tone sent a chill down my spine, but I awaraickly laughed it off, pulling my hand
ick. “Alright, Mr. Mysterious. I’ll wait.”
gasme as
inutes felt like hours as I tried to keep the nversation light, all while my mind ced. His voice nagged at me, tugging at a emory I didn’t want to confront.
everneve
thingethin
job at job
ed bredhile Blake leaned in closer to Gregor, his
ugh airy and practiced. Gregor’s eyes eamed with predatory hunger as his hand cidentally grazed Blake‘ s fake chest. He
his lip, utterly captivated. I almost hhe myst
ay atte
art What
oked on my water. The plan was
orking, but watching Blake endure this sg his a whole other spectacle.
- v. Patience
ou‘ re not like the others, are you? maskare’s something special about you.” I bi. Comed Gregor said, leaning closer to Blake.
ake played it cool, running a finger along
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Gregor s arm. “You could say that. But I like to keep a little mystery.”
Finally, I excused myself, standing with a forced smile. “I’ll be right back. Just need a quick touch–up.”
The man nodded, his eyes following me as I walked away.
Once inside the bathroom, I locked the door and leaned against the sink, taking a shaky breath.
“Daniel,” I whispered, pressing a finger to the earpiece. “I think it’s him.”
“What?” Daniel‘ s voice was sharp, almost disbelieving.
“It’s Marco Salvani,” I said, my voice. trembling. “He’s the one who bought me.”
Silence hung in the air for a moment before Daniel spoke again, his tone cold and clipped. “Get out of there. Now.”
