Page 109 of Ruthless Chaos

Cassidy takes a step toward us, and my body grows tense.

She gives each of us a long look, but when her eyes land on me, I swear I see contempt in the way her brow twitches and her lips curl. Does she know things have changed between Alexander and me?

As far as I know, news of what happened between him and Liam hasn’t spread.

“Welcome to your second trial, sisters-in-waiting,” Cassidy says. Liz chuckles. “We’ve chosen you three because you all have something in common.”

I look at the other freshmen, but I can’t find any similarities between us.

They’re both white with bone straight hair. One of them is shorter than me, and they are both skinnier than I am.

My breath hitches. Did they fake their way into the school like I did?

I doubt that thisis how Cassidy would choose to handle it, but the uncertainty makes my stomach grow cold.

She doesn’t keep us in suspense for long.

“Right now, we’re backstage at the 1stAnnual Hemlock House Charity Auction,” Cassidy says, pointing to the wall of curtains. “The three of you are in a unique position to help us raise funds for this semester’s expenses. We look forward to your participation.”

Liz, who had stepped out of the room, returns bearing three garment bags.

“Change into these,” she commands, handing one to each of us.

The bags are too small to be dresses. My jaw drops.

It’s lingerie, possibly the most revealing kind I’ve ever seen. The ones I’ve seen on television look more like nightgowns, but this leaves nothing to the imagination.

Mine is a mess of neon yellow mesh fabric and strings. I don’t even know where to start putting it on.

Why do we need to be dressed like this for a charity auction?

“Get changed, now!” Liz barks, when none of us move.

Reluctantly, I start stripping my clothes.

The lingerie is so skimpy I can’t even wear my underwear underneath it. It doesn’t cover my scars either. My breathing grows shallow.

I feel more exposed than if I was naked.

Cassidy clasps her hands together in glee. “The Hemlock House Executive Body extended invitations to our wealthiest benefactors for this event. Behind this curtain you’ll find twenty-five of the world’s richest men.” Her eyes flash as she speaks.

Her smile is too wide, her hand movements are too exaggerated. I have a sinking feeling in my gut. Anything that delights Cassidy can’t be good.

Surprisingly, one of the freshmen speaks up.

“What does that have to do with us?” Her voice is deep and silky, a challenge in her tone.

I admire her courage for asking the obvious question, but I’m worried about the punishment Cassidy will mete out to her.

Surprisingly, she only laughs. “I’m happy you asked, Elena.”

She walks over to her, stroking the top of her head lightly. Elena recoils from her touch. Cassidy frowns.

“The men in the audience will be bidding for you ladies. Well, your virginities.”

My eyes widen, and it feels like somebody’s got their hands wrapped around my neck, squeezing the breath out of me. A collective gasp sounds from the three of us.

There’s fire in my chest and coldness all over my body.