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“Going three times…”

“Ten million dollars.”

What the?—

My eyes snap open. That voice. I know it.

My throat tightens as I search the crowd. It can’t be him.

“Well…” The emcee chuckles. “That’s one way to bid. Ten million, going once, twice…”

And there he is.

Cillian.

A gasp escapes me. Our eyes lock, the tension in his body unmistakable as he strides toward the stage.

“Going three times.”

Cillian takes another step.

“Sold to this gentleman,” the emcee announces, waving toward Cillian. “Come collect your bride.”

He doesn’t waste a second, marching up the steps and wrapping his arm around my waist as he leans in to whisper in my ear. “You’ve been a very naughty fiancée. I hope you’re ready for your punishment.”

“Go fuck yourself,” I mutter, ignoring his fake smile for the crowd.

He pulls me down the stairs, and a woman scans our masks before allowing us to pass.

“I’d much rather fuck you instead.”

“That’s never happening again.”

“It’s funny how you say that every time, yet we always find ourselves in bed all over again.”

We make it back into the house, and as soon as we do, he opens the first door through the foyer and drags me inside. The bedroom is empty, as though he somehow knew it would be.

He locks the door behind him, pressing his body against the wall as I instinctively step back, my pulse racing at the intensity in his gaze.

With a swift motion, he removes his mask. His eyes darken with anger and something else—desire. My body tightens in response.

“Take off your clothes.” The command lands like a slow, sensual caress.

A shiver runs through me. He closes the distance between us, tilting my chin with the back of his hand, his gaze dark and hungry.

“You need to be taught a lesson.” His thumb swipes across my lips. “I won’t ask again.”

* * *

CILLIAN

“Take off your clothes,” I repeat, trying like hell to control the fury simmering in my blood.

When Konstantin called earlier to tell me she was joining the marriage auction, I thought he was fucking with me. I’d already planned on showing up to keep an eye on her, but when the call came as I walked into the mansion, I couldn’t believe it.

How could she do this? Did she think I’d just let her marry someone else?

When I saw her on that stage with other men bidding for her, every part of me wanted to tear them apart. But I waited. Waited for the perfect moment to stake my claim.