Page 46

The anxious feeling in my stomach seems to worsen as the night goes on.

We’ve been ‘mingling’ until the start of the auction is announced. There are faces I recognize, and it’s nauseating. Politicians. Celebrities. Billionaires.

You hear stories about the corruption in society, but to see it in person? It’s something I wish to never experience again.

The more time I spend seeing how relaxed and excited these people are, the angrier I become. The desire to lose my fucking shit grows, becoming nearly impossible to control.

Rhys senses my continuous shift in emotions. He stays close, always making sure to have some part of his body touching mine.

While it’s comforting, it’s barely touching the surface.

A stocky man steps through a set of double doors to the right and the room falls silent. Everyone focuses their attention on him.

“Welcome, friends.” He smiles wide, his botched veneers on full display. they’re obnoxiously white and too large for his mouth. “If you’d please follow me, we are ready to begin.”

We file out of the room where they’ve had us wait and make our way down a set of stairs. Mine and Rhys’ heads are on a swivel, trying to find any sort of clue of where they might be holding the girls. I spot a small corridor, which seems very out of place. My hand knocks against Rhys’ and I discreetly gesture with my chin.

He nods, understanding what I’m meaning.

“I spotted some restrooms on the way down, we’ll need to see if one of us can excuse ourselves and check that hallway.”

“I’ll do it.”

He gives me a bored expression, clearly not agreeing with my statement.

We’re led into a room with a stage set up like you’d see at a runway show. They’re going to display them as though this isn’t a disgusting event.

I clench my fists and my hackles raise.

Everyone takes their seats. Soon the lights are dimmed, and the auction begins.

Bile rises up my throat, burning when I choke it down.

“Ready when you are,” Declan’s voice rings in the comms Rhys and I are wearing. Luckily, it’s small enough to go unnoticed unless you’re looking for it.

“Auction is starting now. We found a hallway we’re going to check out as soon as we can,” Rhys says quickly, leaning in so it appears he’s whispering in my ear.

“Keep me posted.”

The same man who brought us in now stands center stage, holding a microphone. “You’re in for a real treat tonight, friends. Our stock is plentiful to meet your every need.”

Stock?

Is this guy for real?

A low snarl pushes past my lips. Rhys takes my hand in his, setting it on his lap.

“We’ll find them,” he whispers.

Paige and Emily flash in my mind as the first girl steps on stage. Her appearance is daunting. She’s thin. The hollowness in her eyes is hard to miss. She’s wearing a delicate white gown, clearly meant to emphasize her youth.

Paige and Emily experienced the horrors that are reflected in those sad eyes. They had to live through the same pain.

I clench my eyes shut.

We’ll get them out. We’ll get all of them out.

My ears ring when the betting begins.

This is vile.

“SOLD! For $50,000 to Governor Davis!”

I dig my fingers into Rhys’ thigh. “I need to go. I need to find them.”

His gaze meets mine and he nods. “Keep constant communication. I will keep an eye out for anyone leaving.”

I stand, excusing myself to use the powder room.

I let out the breath that’s been trapped in my lungs since the auction began and then dart in the direction of the restrooms. The stall bangs when I shove it open. I’m vomiting before I reach the toilet, barely making it into the bowl.

My body trembles as I rinse my mouth and wash my hands.

Meeting my reflection, I right myself.

“You’ve got this,” I whisper to the cobalt eyes staring back at me with so many emotions swirling in them.

Shoulders back, chin raised high, I exit into the hallway with a determination to save these girls and watch these evil people die.

* * *

“Anything?”

Rhys’ voice startles me. The hallway is narrow, and I swear the walls shrink in the further I go. There have been multiple twists and turns; I’m not sure how I’ll find my way back.

“Nothing yet,” I whisper.

So far, I haven’t seen anyone, but I know I will as soon as I reach an opening.

I removed my heels as soon as I realized how much noise echoes all these walls. My feet pad lightly against the stone floor. I press myself tightly against the wall when I hear murmurs of men speaking Spanish.

My knowledge of the language is nonexistent since I ran from my hometown and haven’t really needed it.

It’s true what they say… Use it or lose it.

“Fuck,” I curse under my breath.

“What’s going on?” Declan asks.

I peek around the corner before replying. Four armed men stand guarding a set of doors.

“I think I found where they’re keeping the girls.” I plaster myself against the wall again. “There are four men with semi-automatics. They’re blocking a set of doors.”

“Where are you?” Rhys’ voice comes through.

I try my best to give him directions to my location. Hopefully, he makes it. There is no way I can take these guys on alone.

“I’m on my way. Don’t engage.”

I hold my sarcasm. I’m reckless. Not stupid. I know I need backup.

Who knows who else is behind those doors? This is such a big operation, only a moron would not have an entire arsenal of armed guards.

“We’re all waiting for your signal, Sarah,” Liam adds.

“What?” I hiss.

My signal? Why mine?

“You’re the only one with possible eyes on the girls.”

Shit. I didn’t think of that.

“L-let me think,” I stutter, internally cursing at myself for showing my nerves.

I pat my thigh. Making sure my pistol is still secure.

The sound of footsteps behind me causes my heart to plummet.

Shitshitshit.

I look around, trying to find a place to hide.

You’re in a fucking hallway. Where are you going to go!?

“Someone is coming,” I frantically whisper.

“I’m almost there.”

The footsteps draw closer. Leaving me no choice but to step out into the open.

All four men immediately face me with their weapons raised.

I hold up my arms.

Pretend you’re drunk!

I let out a high-pitched chuckle. “I’m so sorry! I got lost trying to find my way back.” I start to sway my body.

The guards glance at each other then back at me. “ Pinche gringa esta borracha.”

“What the fuck are you doing?” Rhys growls in my ear.

I don’t reply.

“Can one of you please show me the way back?” I bat my eyes and push my hair from my shoulder.

They lower their weapons, clearly not seeing me as anything but a drunk bimbo.

They’re built like fucking boulders. One has a buzzcut with a massive tattoo on his head. The others have hair, but I can see the tattoos sprawled on their necks and hands.

There isn’t anything I can use to identify what gang or cartel they’re associated with.

“ Ven conmigo mamí,” The one with the buzzcut purrs, cupping my elbow.

A loud shot explodes, followed by Mr. Buzzcut crumbling to the ground.

My head cuts to the hallway where Rhys stands like every woman’s depraved wet dream. His pistol is aimed in front of him. Rage burns in his eyes.

Everything erupts when the other three guards finally come out of their shocked state.

Rhys unholsters the other pistol behind his back. I take mine from my thigh.

“NOW!” I scream.

Then all Hell breaks loose.