Page 5

I’ve always known what goes on in the chapel, and even though I find it distasteful, I don’t consider it my business. After all, I’ve only ever attended to buy art for my clients. It takes a morally skewed person to know about the depraved activity and do nothing—which I admit I am—but it takes someone truly evil to take part in it.

“Four million,” someone else declares, and Sergio counters immediately. “Five million!”

My attention returns to the woman on stage, and I see her eyes widen with fear and disbelief. She should be scared. I’ve heard a lot of things about Sergio and none of them are good. He’s an evil bastard who thrives on seeing his plaything bleed. Suddenly, the image of her soft, creamy flesh marred and stained with blood fills my mind, and my anger reaches a threshold.

My grip tightens on the chair’s arms. She should be pampered and worshiped, not used and discarded like Sergio would undoubtedly do. I would rather go against my morals than have him take her from me. The soft growl I tried to hold on to leaves my lips, heightening the tension in the room.

“Ten million.” My voice rings out in the deafening silence, and my gaze doesn’t waver from hers.

Even through the tension of the moment, need punches into my gut and makes my blood sing. I can’t let her go, or imagine her in someone else’s arms. If anyone in this room is allowed to have her, it’s me.

Sergio sputters at my declaration, and I almost smile, knowing my sudden bid has put him off.

“Twelve million,” he says in a wobbly voice.

I shift my gaze to him and call out in a hard, resolute tone. “Fifteen million.” My cold gaze remains on his, telling him I’ll bid higher, no matter the price.

He sputters again and I arch a brow, daring him. I couldn’t care less what everyone else thinks about me in this moment.

“Well, gentlemen, Roman is the highest bidder at fifteen million,” Lucian says, looking around the room. “If anyone would like to counter, now is the time…” After a few seconds of silence, he declares, “Sold—Roman gets to take her home.” I can hear the satisfaction in his voice. He might have felt trapped into performing this sick auction, but at least he knows I won’t hurt the girl.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” Lucian asks, turning his attention to her.

She exhales softly and answers, “My name is Bella.”

Bella. It’s a beautiful name that fits her well. I’m amazed at her strength, despite her growing fear and discomfort. The only indication that what has just transpired doesn’t sit well with her is the way she folds her trembling hand on the hem of her dress.

“Bella, you’ll be going home with Roman,” Lucian declares, and she swallows and nods.

“Not so fast,” Sergio says, drawing the attention of everyone. “As we know, the tradition of the chapel states that the buyer tests his merchandise and gives us a show. Roman shouldn’t be an exception. Isn’t that right, Lucian?” he adds in a sly tone that matches the sick delight in his eyes.

“That’s not fucking happening. This isn’t like the regular auctions,” I say darkly, straightening the cuffs of my sleeves.

“Lucian should decide that,” Sergio replies, then swallows at the full force of my cold stare.

“I have to agree with Roman,” Lucian replies brusquely. “I invited you all to bid on stolen artifacts, not on girls. If I wanted to watch a show, then I know where to go and so do you all.”

“If you didn’t want a show, then you shouldn’t have allowed the bid to take place,” another voice chimes in.

I could argue the idea, but I know I won’t win. More voices join in, filling the room with noisy chatter. Although it pains me to admit, I know I’d better give them all the show they’re clamoring for.

“Come here,” I say softly to Bella.

The wide flare of her soft brown eyes is tantalizing as I watch her leave the stage. The noise in the room dies down as she walks toward me. I’ve never been more grateful for the corner I’m seated in—it gives me control over the room and how much they can see.

As soon as she stops before me, I tug her into my lap, reveling in her soft gasp of shock. She sits sideways, her legs hanging off my thighs. Her scent hits me—a soft blend of jasmine and vanilla—and it goes straight to my aching cock. I pull her tense body closer and place my lips against her ear, delighting in her slight shiver as she relaxes in my arms. It’s good to know that I affect her the same way she affects me.

“I know this isn’t what you were expecting tonight, but we have to comply with their demands if we want to get out of here. Is that okay?” I whisper into her ear.

I can feel the pointed stares around us, the air rife with their arousal and delight about what’s going to happen. I push back the malevolent feeling riding at me at the thought of giving them a show.

“H-how far do we have to go?” Bella asks hesitantly, her brows furrowing in concern.

My hand reaches up of its own accord to smooth the wrinkle on her forehead, my heart tightening as I imagine what I would do if she was hurt, or if I ever see tears in those almond-shaped eyes. I sweep her thick red hair behind her ear and slide my hands to cup her cheeks. “Don’t think about anything or anyone. It’s just you and me. Trust me.” I search her gaze as I gently slide a finger over her lower lip.

She nods gently, and my heart warms at the blatant look of trust in her soft brown eyes. They reel me in until I’m drunk in her gaze, and I slowly guide her mouth to mine, smiling softly as she meets me halfway. Our lips touch, sending currents streaking through my blood. Her movements are soft and hesitant on mine, warming up my body.

I can’t hold back. The sparks of need push at me until I deepen the kiss, devouring her lips in a passionate embrace.