Page 76 of Carnal Games

Raising her clipboard with her pen poised over it, she demands, “What’s your name and how old are you?”

“Iris. I’m twenty-one.”

“Hmm.” She pauses writing to stare me up and down. “Men will fawn over you. Especially with the innocent-looking face.”

I only wantoneman to fawn over me.

If only he would stop ignoring me or walking out.

“Come on,” she huffs, dragging me through a hidden door directly behind the bar. “We’re already behind schedule.”

I’m taking a big fucking gamble that has a high chance of backfiring in my face. What if Kian truly isn’t here tonight? Worse, he is and still doesn’t put a stop to this, like I’m praying. Will I have to go through this with whoever wins me? They must allow the women to back out at any time, right?

Is the dream job so important that I’m willing to sell myself?

I’m an engaged woman, for God’s sake. What if it gets out and the news reaches Nathan? I’m putting our deal at risk.

No. I’m just overthinking.

I have to go with my gut, which says Kian will save me. Because between the two of us, he very well knows he’s the reason I’ll be up on that stage.

Surely, he can’t be that heartless.

We enter a backstage room filled with a dozen girls. Each more stunning than the other. Some are boldly dressed compared to me with only the essential parts hidden. While a few are conservatively clothed, but no less beautiful. My gown falls somewhere in the middle.

And dare I say, the women appear just as excited as the men outside. All dazzling smiles and sipping on drinks. A part of me is relieved they are here of their own free will.

For a minute, my mind goes to the ongoing investigation. Then I remember, the women who went missing worked at his company, not here.

The elegant host slaps a sheet of paper against my chest. “Fill this out.”

Quickly grabbing it before it falls, I peer down and read the first line. It’s a form asking for my hard limits. The list is a mile long. My jaw drops to the floor with each item I read. Half of them I don’t even know what they are. Just how many kinks are there?

There’s a checkbox marked as virgin.

What virgin in her right mind will show up here to auction it off?

Umm… You are, Iris.

I fight the urge to crumple the paper. It doesn’t really matter what my hard limits are. I’m doing this for show. To tempt the mighty Kian out of his cave. Without paying attention, I randomly cross off boxes.

“Here.” I pass it to the woman holding the forms.

Filing it along with the others, she points me to the line near the curtains. “Please go stand in the queue. Once your name is announced, take the stage.”

I heft up my gown and go take my place.

The bidding war has started, as men yelling their prices can be heard in the back, making me wish I could peek outside. Just how many members are participating tonight?

This auction is just a power game between them, to broadcast their wealth and flaunt their fake big dick energy.

As I observe each of the women, I wonder if they’re fine with the prospect of having sex up on the stage. Will it be enjoyable for them? Aren’t they at all nervous?

The line moves as another woman struts to the stage. I take note that she’s out there for five to ten minutes. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

What about the money the men are throwing around like confetti because they’re too arrogant to ask a woman out like a normal person? Where does the money go? The woman forgot to mention that while she told me the rules.

My head snaps upward when I hear my name.