Page 6

A moment after greeting the attendant, Weston reaches up to free a black envelope that was tucked into the sun visor. I can’t make out any words on it before he extends it out of the window, but it’s enough to make the security guard open the gate.

Looking like it was plucked from the pages of a fairytale, the stone manor comes into view. As enchanting as it is, I don’t allow myself to get caught up in the facade because Istilldon’t know why we’re here.

My question has conveniently gone unanswered, so I turn to ask him again. “Wes, what’s so special about tonight?”

“You’ll see.”

Annoyance heats my blood. “I’m not going inside until you tell me.”

Weston only kisses his teeth, rolling his window back up. “Tonight is auction night for The Society.”

He doesn’t look at me. Instead, he maneuvers the carthrough the gates of the property and onto the brick motor court outside the palatial building.

The same nausea from lunch assaults my stomach. My mouth waters in the worst way and that headache I got to ease up earlier chooses this moment to make a comeback.

Why do I need to be here for an auction? I don’t have any money. The man beside me made sure of that.

“An auction? For what?”

For the first time tonight, I’m worthy of my brother’s undivided attention. He shifts his Benz to Park before turning to regard me with a simple tilt of his lips. “Your virginity.”

Chapter 3

The Lost Rose Pt. 1

DELILAH

My words are still trapped in my throat when I feel the passenger door open.

The elbow I had leaning on the leather armrest sags, jerking me into motion. But I can’t do anything except stare at my brother’s profile as he takes the keys out of the ignition like he didn’t just drop a grenade on me.

Lips still lifted in a sadistic smirk, he opens his door at the same time a hand lands on my forearm.

“Ms. Rose? I’m happy to help you out of the car. Take my hand…”

The words are so distorted by the time they reach my ears, I can’t tell if it’s a man or woman waiting for me, and the bandwidth to figure out how they know my name is MIA.

My heart is the only thing I can hear clearly. The rhythm is so violent, I place a hand over my chest to coach myself through my next four breaths.

All the while, snippets of prior conversations play in my head on a dizzying loop.

I’m ready to cash in my favor.

It’s the least you could do.

Wear a white dress.

Do something with your hair.

Auction night.

Your virginity.

No.

No.

No.