Page 141 of Forgive Me Father

Forced to take a seat next to David, Luca hides his mangled hand, positioning himself toward the front of the room.

I scan the area for Echo, but he’s nowhere in sight.

“If you try anything fucking stupid, I will make sure the guards put a bullet in your skull,” David hisses, patting my thigh with feigned sympathy.

I check the guards; there are too many people between us. They wouldn’t reach me before I could deal with David and his loyal follower.

Perfect.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the 10th annual bidding,” Announces the man who had been shadowing Luca. “I know you’re all eager to see this year’s lot, so I won’t waste my breath on theatrics,” He jokes, eliciting a few chuckles from the audience.

Do they think this is fucking funny?

The man smiles as he looks around. “I’m thrilled with the turnout this year. Your generous contributions keep our organization running. Happy bidding, and may God grace you all this evening.”

As he takes his seat, the lights dim. My hand grazes the hilt of my pistol.

I could kill them both now. I could—

Jesus fucking Christ.

Bruised and worn, she stumbles onto the altar, her face red and swollen from what looks like countless slaps. Staggering, she needs two people to help her get to the satin chair.

Dragged, her heels scrape the floor. The red dress she wears is so sheer, it’s nearly transparent under the harsh light.

Petrified, my heart sinks as her head remains bowed, refusing to meet the audience’s gaze.

Eden.

My Angel.

"Isn’t she quite the looker—"

Seizing the back of David’s head, I force him down in what appears to be a grimly affectionate embrace. With the barrel pressed firmly against his chest, the layers of his clothing offer the necessary buffer to muffle the shot. My sole intent is to eliminate every soul around me. As the gun fires, David's body slumps, his hand instinctively clutching his chest before collapsing against me, almost as though he’s nodding off in my embrace.

I catch David’s follower's startled gaze. He barely has time to react before he too finds himself in a similar hold.

The crowd, transfixed by Eden, remains oblivious to the subtle disturbance unfolding around them.

"We will start the bidding at two million," The announcer’s voice drifts through the air as signs rise around me, indicating the opening bid.

Fucking animals.

Another pull of the trigger, and the follower's eyes widen in shock. His body slumps onto my other shoulder, both men now bleeding from their wounds, gasping silently for breath.

The dimness of the room cloaks the blood seeping onto the floor.

“Slowly bleed out, you fucking pigs,” I whisper. “And know the Devil waits for you.”

I tuck the pistol back into my waistband. The bidding number climbs ever higher as Eden’s head lifts just slightly before—

“Sold,” The announcer declares, gesturing toward Luca’s proudly raised sign.

Seeing him revel in his victory, I struggle to contain my fury.

“She will be waiting for you in the lobby. Bring in the next bid.”

As Eden is dragged across the floor once more, her head finally lifts, her gaze scanning the crowd.