Kiera’s POV
We were assembled behind a stage, and shortly after, the four Madams came in with a box. Each of us was handed a set of lingerie and a pair of heels, as we stood in a straight line.
“Put them on quickly,” Madam Naomi instructed.
My hands quaked as I nervously removed the pajamas, and donned the lingerie. It was a bra and pant set. The lace-like material made it very transparent and anyone could clearly see our intimate areas.
The Madams nodded in satisfaction as they observed us.
“Tonight, some of you will get new masters, but that’s not the end. You have a 2-month probation period. Your masters can do whatever they choose to do with you. If after 2 months, they're pleased with you, then you become their permanent property. If not, you will be returned here, and your lives will be 10 times worse.”
Madam Naomi's words sent a chill down my spine.
“For the sake of the new girls, I’m gonna say this again. You have a maximum of one month to get a new master, if not, El Diablo’s face would be the last thing you ever see. So when you get on that stage, exhibit your feminine charms. Be as sexy as you can, and don’t hold back. Your lives depend on this.”
At this point, all I could do is to accept my harsh reality. I had no urge to fight it, and neither did I have the strength to shed any more tears.
“You!” Madam Naomi pointed at me.
“You go first.”
Dread washed over me, as a sinking feeling gripped my heart, beads of sweat gathering on my forehead. Uncertainty clouded my mind, unsure of what to do when I get on the stage. Choking down the huge lump that sat in my throat, I took a step forward.
“Follow him,” she pointed to one of the guards, and I trailed behind obediently.
My head was lowered as I climbed onto the stage, my heart pounding in my chest as I lifted my head to see a room filled with masked-suited men. I wanted to run off the stage, but I was well aware of the consequences that would follow.
As my eyes scanned the room, the day’s event flashed before my eyes. The heartbreak of seeing my boyfriend getting married to my stepsister, the humiliation I faced at Royal City Hall, the robbery, and finally this.
A pool of tears formed in my eyes, but I only dared to let them drop.
“Save me, oh lord,” I mouthed, as the stage light shone on me.
From the opposite wing of the stage, El Diablo emerged. His steps were precise as he closed the distance between us.
“Tonight, I welcome you, my distinguished gentlemen, to our lair of pleasure. Take your time to absorb the beauty of the creatures that would be presented to you, and make your choices.”
I stood before these men like a piece of item, waiting to be picked off the market.
“The starting price for this breathtaking damsel is $20 million. Let the bidding begin,” he said, laughing hysterically.
“$25 million,” the first man raised his hand.
$27 million, came from the next. One after the other, the men placed their numbers on my head, and finally, a voice came through.
“$60 million!”
My eyes suddenly flashed toward him. He wasn’t part of the initial bidders, how’s he suddenly interested in me?
A devilish smile formed on El Diablo’s face, “$60 million… Can I get $65? Anyone?” After a moment’s pause, he sealed the deal.
“$60 million, sold.”
Narrowing my eyes on him, my new master stood up and was escorted to a private room, where the payment transaction was likely to take place.
I didn’t know if I should count myself lucky or curse the day, and as I was being led through the backstage where the rest of the girls were waiting, my eyes fell on Emerald, and I nodded, signaling her that I had gotten a new master.
A smile formed on her face as she mouthed, “Take care.”
I was handed over to Madam Leah, who ushered me into a compact, closet-like room, permeated with a vanilla scent and containing a vanity stocked with cosmetic items, along with an abundance of sexy dresses on the hangers.
“You should count yourself lucky. Life here is terrifying,” she said, and I nodded.
She examined me critically before reaching for one of the dresses on the hangers,
“Wear this.”
Leaving the lingerie on, I slipped into the red mini V-neck dress that fell below my bust line, and the expression on her face said it all.
“You’re ravishing. I wonder how you got yourself involved with a man like El Diablo.”
She led me to the vanity where she did my makeup and held my hair up in a messy ponytail that emphasized my facial features and for the first time in my life, I felt truly beautiful.
“Your master would be very lucky to have you. I hope you never return here. This is no place for someone like you.”
Without warning, the door swung open and two bodyguards entered. Before I knew it, they threw a black sac on my face, making it impossible for me to see anything.
They lifted me from my seat and took me away. From that moment on, I heard nothing but the sound of footsteps.
heard a door creak and a few walks later, I felt myself being shoved into a car and I braced myself for the unknown, my heart racing with fear and uncertainty.
As the car drove away, I tried to imagine what my new master would be like, and goosebumps spread through my body.
After roughly an hour's drive, the car came to a standstill, and as the door opened, someone grabbed me by the wrist and extracted me, leading me to God knows where.
The next sound I heard was the clicking sound of the door, and suddenly I felt myself being lifted off the floor. The person's movements suggested they were climbing the stairs.
Lowering me down, I felt my wrist tighten once again. Another door clicked open, and after a few steps, we came to a halt.
“You can take the sac off now,” a masculine voice commanded.
I was slow and concise, as I grabbed the tip of the sac, pulling it off my face.
The moment my eyes opened, I was met with the sight of the most handsome man, yet as I narrowed my eyes and looked closely at him, I felt a sense of familiarity.
Then, I remembered him.
Kiera’s POVMy eyes grew wide like saucers,“You’re the homeless guy from the grocery store!”My mind instantly swallowed itself, struggling to understand how that could be possible. I rapidly blinked my eyes and shook my head, wondering if I was hallucinating due to the immense stress that I'd been through today.He took a few steps closer but I retreated.“I know it all seems impossible to you right now, I know you have lots of questions but I need you to calm down. I’ll explain everything to you once you’re settled and in a good frame of mind,” he said.“No, I need an explanation now,” I insisted.The ringing tone from his phone interrupted, and he excused himself to answer it.A couple of minutes went by and there was no sign of him. I tried opening the door only to realize that it was locked.“F*ck!”I cussed, kicking the bedside drawer, causing the lamp to fall and shatter. However, something caught my attention. There was a small booth picture lying on the drawer, it was beneat
KIERA’S POVThere’s no way I’m gonna just stay put and watch anyone take advantage of me again.Lifting myself from the bed, I walked to the door and opened it gently, glancing around and making sure there were no guards around.I tiptoed to the opposite side of the first floor, only to find a door moderately opened. My curiosity shamelessly dropped its pants, and I intentionally peeped into the room.What I saw, triggered a surge of goosebumps all over my skin, causing my heart to go offbeat.My eyes got stuck on a strange man’s shirtless body as he stood in front of the mirror, examining his features.Goodness me!My lips unconsciously folded in, as my fingers trailed around my chest.Who is he? I wondered.Like a runaway train, my heart hurtled forward, unstoppable and untamed as his hands tugged into his pants, in an attempt to take them off, and my eyes didn’t even twitch.At that moment, my body made contact with the door, causing it to emit a squeaking sound that sent a jolt of
KIERA’S POVThe rays of sunlight pierced through my eyelids, and I instinctively shielded my eyes with my hand. I let out a big yawn and rolled to the other side of the bed.“Do you always sleep so deeply?” A voice sounded behind me, instantly throwing me out of dreamland.“Jesus Christ!” I screamed, instantly grabbing the covers and wrapping them around me. I was fully clothed, so why was I being dramatic?Gabriel stood at the window, his body blocking the harsh rays from hitting me, and I propped myself up, squinting as I stared at his shadowy figure.“I’ll have one of the house staff get you a T-shirt and a pair of jeans. Get dressed and meet me outside in 15 minutes,” he said, taking his leave before I could even open my mouth.I was ready and out in 15 minutes.“Get into the car,” he commanded.“Where are we going?” I asked, but he remained silent, striding over to open the front door for me.“Please get in,” he said politely.As I sat in the car, my eyes traveled to Damien’s wi
KIERA’S POVLike a flurry of arrows, his words pierced my heart, hitting every nerve connected to it. If there’s anything I dreaded more than my life back home, it was the haunting memories of the horrors I endured in that hellhole. It was a nightmare.He released a heavy sigh before entering the car and waited as I walked cautiously to the car, my legs trembling.As I settled into the car, beads of tears formed in my eyes, however, the deep measured breath he took was enough to relay the magnitude of his simmering anger.After a few seconds of regaining his composure, he started the engine and drove off. The oppressive silence and tension in the car were almost unbearable, and I silently prayed we’d arrive at our destination quickly.At last, we pulled up at an estate, and he swiftly hopped out of the car and opened the door for me. He stretched out his hand and I placed mine in his, my gaze pinned on the floor.“Hey,” he said gently, lifting my chin with his finger.“I’m sorry I la
MIGUEL’S POVI sat in the dimly lit room, smoke curling around me as I took a long drag from my cigarette. I gulped down a glass of whiskey relishing the fiery sensation as it coursed down my throat. Just as I flicked the ash from my cigarette, the door swung open, and Joe walked in. The look on his face was evident enough for me to know that he had something to say.“Speak up, before I lose my patience,” I said.Clearing his throat, his voice came forth, “Kiera showed up at the wedding venue.”Her name pulled a string in my heart, and I simply nodded and poured myself another round of whiskey.If I’ve ever felt any form of affection towards any woman, it would be Kiera. Cold as my heart may be, she fascinated me. Her beauty, innocence, her perception of the world, and everything about her made her special. But the affection I had for her was no match compared to the hatred I have for Gabriel. Despite the fact that our families have been sworn rivals for ages, the bastard was also res
GABRIEL’S POV“What?”She withdrew from my grasp, her eyes blazing with disbelief.I had certainly taken her by surprise. I realized that she would never feel comfortable unless I opened up to her. I needed her for so many reasons, and I didn’t want her escaping again—she had a knack for that. So, what better way to keep her than to ask her to marry me?“Are you out of your mind? I just told you I don’t want any part in this, and you’re asking me to marry you?” Her gaze narrowed, disbelief etched on her face.I let out a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure. “I need you to be calm.”“How can I be calm? You just dropped a bomb on me!” She protested, her feet tapping anxiously against the floor.“Do you find me so unattractive? Don’t I possess the qualities you seek in a man?”She shot me a glare, her voice sharp.“It has nothing to do with that. I don’t know anything about you. I don’t trust you, let alone love you.”“No one’s talking about love here,” I replied, frustration bu
GABRIEL’S POVMy gun was still pointed at him as he took a step forward.“One more step, and I’ll put a bullet between your f*cking eyes.”Staring narrowly, I read every twitch his body made.“Who the hell are you?” I roared, my voice echoing in the building.He hesitated. Next, I saw his hand creeping towards his pocket and I clicked the gun as a warning, my gaze unwavering on him.All at once, he pulled out a small pouch and flung it towards me, and it landed at my feet.“That’s just a fraction of Miguel’s diamonds,” he said, his voice trembling slightly.What? How did he get his hands on Miguel’s diamonds? Unless he…I exchanged glances with my informant, skepticism etched across his face as his brows knitted together.I lowered myself to pick up the pouch, the gun still trained on the stranger. With a flick of my wrist, I opened it, and I couldn’t suppress my shock as I caught a glimmer of the diamonds.I raised my eyes to meet his gaze, “How did you find me?” I questioned eagerly
KIERA’S POV“Wow… I didn’t realize it was free-the-body day!!”He said, sarcasm dripping in his tone.I froze, my heart doing dangerous flip-backs in my chest. Why the heck was he still staring?Frantically, I reached for the bed covers, wrapping them around my body, as embarrassment gnawed at my insides.“Have some decency and look away!” I shouted, my cheeks burning.“Decency? From someone who sneaks into my room uninvited?” He shot back.“This is my space. You can’t just barge in without knocking.”“Please, don’t flatter yourself because I'm not moved by you at all. You’re more like a piece of log to me,” he said, his casual arrogance igniting a fire in my chest.“I hate to break it to you, but the feeling is mutual,” I served him, crossing my arms defiantly.He scoffed, shaking his head in a manner that made me want to smack him in the head.“What do you want?” I queried, my tone icy.“Gabriel asked me to take you shopping.”My face twisted into a frown, “Why would he ask you when