Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21817 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 109(@200wpm)___ 87(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21817 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 109(@200wpm)___ 87(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
She smiles as she looks at the white gown she’s wearing. “Do you think we’ll be wearing gowns like this and going to huge galas full of interesting people in our new lives? I can just imagine walking into a huge glamorous hall on the arm of my prince as foreign dignitaries come over and kiss my hand.”
I’m trying not to twist my face up in disgust as I stare at her. That may be good for her, but I would hate that. I’m an introvert and big parties full of strangers I have to talk to all night are not my thing. I would prefer a man who likes to stay home most nights. Someone big and warm that I can curl up to with a good book.
Oh no. I didn’t even think of that. What if I get someone who’s dragging me to all sorts of corporate parties and fancy balls? I’d die.
A heavy feeling sinks into my body as I start to panic. This was a bad idea. I don’t want to be here.
“Are you okay?” Trinity asks as she looks at me.
Why did I do this? What the hell is the matter with me? An auction for billionaires? I was too afraid to make a Tinder profile and now I’m about to walk on stage in front of a room full of mysterious rich men from all over the planet who are going to bid on me? And I have to marry the winner? Without even knowing his name?! I can’t! I won’t!
“Ava, what’s wrong?” Trinity says as I dart up from my seat and head to the exit with my cheeks burning.
Coco St. James, the mean owner of the auction, steps in front of my path with a steely look. She’s terrifying with her blonde bob and icy blue eyes.
“Where do you think you’re going?” she snaps in her checkered power suit. If the devil came to earth, it would take a form similar to Coco.
“I was just… um, getting some air.”
“No leaving,” she says, her flinty voice like daggers. “The auction is about to start.”
“Well, um… about that…” I’m twisting my fingers while trying to look in her eyes, but it’s damn near impossible. She’s too intimidating. “I think I’ve changed my mind.”
She stares me down.
“I can give the money back.”
“You signed a contract.”
“I know, and I’m really sorry about that. I just don’t think this is the right move for me.”
“The right move?”
“Yeah, exactly. I’ll give you back the dress, it’s beautiful by the way, and then if someone can give me a ride to the airport, I’ll find my own way home.”
The corner of her lip curls up like she’s amused.
“That’s not how this works,” she says in a low rigid voice. “You signed the contract, you took the money, and now there are a room full of billionaires eager to pay a high price for the honor of having you slip into their bed. There’s no changing minds or second thoughts. Now, take your place and when it’s your time to walk onto the stage, I better see happy smiles or you’ll have a lot more to worry about than a bad first date with your new husband. Magnus! Door!”
My stomach sinks as she marches off. A huge imposing guard hurries over and stands in front of the door with his muscular arms crossed. He stares me down as a feeling of hopeless inevitability sets in.
There’s nothing else I can do but go along with it. One of the workers wearing a headset microphone lines us up at the entrance to the stage. She quickly walks down the line, touching up makeup, fixing hair, and adjusting dresses. I notice that she doesn’t look anyone in the eyes. We’re all products to her. One more object to bid off.
“Remember to smile,” she warns us as she fixes Trinity’s hair. “Coco does not react well to girls who don’t smile.”
Smiling seems impossible right now. I’m trying really hard not to cry.
“Walk onto the stage, step on the little X taped there, and look as innocent and fuckable as possible.” She pauses as someone says something into her earpiece. “Got it. First girl coming out in thirty seconds.”
The excitement and nerves rippling down the line-up of girls gives me goosebumps.
“Good luck,” Trinity says as she turns around with a big smile.
How can she be smiling? Wow, she really does go through life with rose-colored glasses on. I envy her.
“Get ready,” the worker whispers with her hand on the door.
She gets the cue through her earpiece, pushes the door open, and the auction starts.
Chapter Four
Elias
This is so fucked up.
I’m sitting in a huge tent on some Montana ranch waiting for my girl to come out. Anonymity is key with a group like this, so the entire area is cloaked in darkness. The only bright area is the lit up stage that all the chairs are facing.