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"I really can't tell you," I say.

He studies me quietly for a moment. "With anyone else, I would offer wealth. Jewels. The power of my influence. But with you…" he ponders as we continue moving in synch. "With you, I feel you value more significant trades. Perhaps you would part with your secret for information about the dragon egg you are seeking."

I glance up in surprise. "Do you know where the egg is?" I ask.

"I could find information about its location, if we have an agreement."

I frown. "You're really not listening," I say. "I don't know what I am. I swear. But if you have information about the egg, maybe we could discuss another trade?"

"You're an intriguing woman, Miss Oliver. You effectively punished a man who was causing problems for the women at my party, for which I thank you. And I apologize that you were made to suffer such indignities."

"I don't know what you mean," I say, but he knows I'm lying, I can tell.

"Indeed." He pushes his hips closer to mine and I can feel his attraction to me, and it makes me sick. "I also saw you talking with Lilith, Mother of all Vampires. You keep interesting company."

"I could say the same of you," I say, looking around.

"Touché," he says with a chuckle. "What will it take for you to trust me?"

I shrug. "I don't trust easily. Don't take offense. It's the foster kid in me."

A smile curls at his lip as the orchestra completes its song. "Thank you for the dance. I have another—more private—event to introduce in the basement. Would you care to join me? You will find a great deal that might interest you."

This is it. This is what the whole night has been about. But I can't let myself look too excited. Play it cool, Eve. You got this.

"Sounds intriguing, but I don't typically follow strange men into basements. Another foster kid thing. You understand."

I make to walk away from him, but he grabs my hand to stop me. "You will be in no danger, and there will be other select guests in attendance. I give you my word you will be safe."

I turn back to him and smile. "Very well. I'd be honored to be your guest."

Chapter 10: The Bidding

I amdarkness A moonless night Grasping for stars Any trace of light The thunder resounding The lightning will transform I am the whirlwind I am the storm ~Jennifer Borak

As Nicholas escortsme out of the ballroom, I see Cole watching us, his gaze burning a hole in my back until we disappear from his sight. And even still, I can feel him close to me, his presence lingering.

We walk down a long corridor that ends at a door, behind which is a circular stairway that winds its way down quite a distance. We take the stairs quickly, and my shoes clack on the stone as we walk in silence, with just magically lit torches on the gray walls to light our way.

When we reach the bottom, he opens another door, and a bouncer dressed in black greets us with a nod. He’s shaped like a boulder, round and solid, and looks ready to rumble with anyone who breaks the rules.

When we reach the end of the hall, the Collector pulls away from me. "This is where I must leave you for now, to attend to my duties. Please, enjoy yourself and explore. The activities will begin shortly."

Once alone, I look around the large room with hand-painted tile flooring and white walls with murals depicting enchanting magical scenes of mermaids and dryads and dragons. An incredible chandelier hangs from the ceiling and white velvet chairs are lined up in rows.

A woman with wild curly blue hair and scales covering her skin hands me a crystal. "This projects your bid number for the auction. Hold out your hand, please."

I do as she says, and she pricks my thumb with a different crystal. "Miss Eve Oliver with The Night Firm. You are officially registered. Best of luck."

I rub my sore thumb and take a moment to look around. As I wander down a long hall, I notice doors spaced a few feet apart, and I hear the sounds of sex from within several of them.

One door opens and a man comes out buttoning his pants. Behind him I see the server I noticed upstairs, the cat girl, laying on the bed naked, her eyes empty, her smile a mask to cover her pain.

Are these women here of their own accord? Something feels off.

Another man pushes past me into the room, and the woman stands and closes the door, her eyes flicking to mine before she does.

I want to speak to her, to ask her about this life she's living, but there is no opportunity, so I walk back to the main room where other women are carrying trays around serving hors d'oeuvres and drinks. I take a glass of champagne and sip at it, then find a seat. Weariness settles over me and I wish I could just go home. But I'm finally getting closer to actual answers. I can't give up now.