Two

CINZIA POV

I was thirsty.

It had been two days since our capture, and I hadn't had more than a sip of water. I supposed I should count myself fortunate, as the others hadn't even had that chance.

As a server passed by, I swiftly snatched a glass, hoping for a reprieve. I downed its contents in a single gulp, only to wince. It wasn't water.

My throat burned, and I gasped, scanning the expansive hall for something to ease the pain creeping toward my chest. I had never tasted a glass of wine in all my years, but the it had looked inviting and much more like water.

"Thank goodness," I mumbled, my fingers closing around a sealed plastic bottle of water resting on a nearby table tucked away in the corner.

I released a sigh of relief as I drank, then tossed the empty bottle into a nearby dustbin, my gaze once again scanning the room.

I couldn't fathom how long we – the other captives and I – had been confined to this hall but I sensed it was growing late.

I remained ignorant of the reason behind our imprisonment and each time I asked, I received no answer.

After this morning arrival at the warehouse, we were dolled up and pushed back into the Van only to arrive at this location which was unknown.

We had been made to wear a mask, it obscured our view, leaving me unable to discern anyone. I was fairly certain we were the only women present.

Still, I hadn't caught sight of the other women I'd arrived with, not even Rhea. Every face I encountered belonged to a man.

A hand landed on my shoulder, causing me to whirl around. On reflex, I slapped it away and shot a glare at the offender.

"Move," a voice hissed in my ear. It was unfamiliar and laced with hostility.

"Why?" I inquired, my voice steady.

"Just move," he grunted, and I froze as I felt the icy touch of metal at my back.

A dagger? Who in their right mind would bring one to a party?

I clenched my fists and narrowed my eyes, though he couldn't see me. I delivered my warning, infusing it with a dangerous edge.

"I am well-versed in judo. Do not mistake me for a delicate lady; I am more than capable of defending myself if you continue in this manner."

"You wouldn't dare," he snarled, his grip tightening on my waist. I winced, trying to push him away, but he remained unyielding. I had no choice but to comply, discomfort prickling across my skin from his lingering touch.

"Stay in here. When your name is called, follow all instructions given. Don't attempt to be stubborn; it'll only end in your own pain," he warned, his voice carrying a serious edge.

A shiver ran down my spine at the weight of his words. What exactly did he want from me? He nudged me inside, and the lock clicked shut.

"Oh, princess!" Rhea exclaimed.

Pulling off my mask, my eyes lighting up as Rhea stood before me. "I've been searching everywhere for you!"

"Well, this isn't the place for a reunion," a voice interjected, breaking our embrace.

I glanced around the room and realized I wasn't alone. The other woman captured with me was here too. We were all dressed in the same manner, as if we were headed to some kind of strip show. I was grateful for the shawl I could use to cover my exposed skin, but the others hadn't been so lucky.

I grimaced, shaking my head, distressed by the situation.

As Rhea guided me to a corner of the room, I looked at her thoughtfully. "What's happening?"

"I don't know," Rhea murmured.

"I'd appreciate it if everyone stayed quiet!" the man in the room with us snapped once more.

Ignoring him, I kept my gaze on Rhea. "This doesn't seem like an ordinary party. We're the only women here. Are they planning to force us to strip or something?"

Rhea nodded but didn't say anything. She lowered her gaze, her shoulders sagging.

"Rhea?"

"Up!"

I jumped as a hand yanked me.

"What on earth?!" I meant to swat his hand away, but he grabbed onto mine.

"Do so, and I won't hesitate to make your life a living hell!"

"Jason, don't touch her; she's the princess," the man I'd met earlier interjected as he entered the room.

"I hope she brings a good fortune, Jerome, because I won't hesitate to do away with her if she doesn't catch anyone's eye," the man named Jason declared.

He was a sturdy figure, towering above everyone in the room. As he gripped my arm, I briefly entertained the idea of a judo flip, but his size seemed too formidable to attempt it.

He didn't strike me as someone easily defeated. Nevertheless, I held faith in my own capabilities.

"She'll undoubtedly fetch a good price," Jerome, the man who had earlier threatened me, declared.

In the dim light, I couldn't discern their features clearly. Truthfully, I had little interest in seeing their faces.

The notion of making a profit weighed on my mind. I nudged Rhea, seeking answers.

"What's happening?" I asked once more, but before Rhea could respond, Jerome stepped in.

"As you're likely aware, you're here for an auction."

"An auction?!" I turned abruptly, surveying the room with furrowed brows.

This place didn't resemble an art gallery. When I was outside searching for Rhea, I didn't get the impression I was in a gallery, antique shop, or any kind of market!

"Is there art here? I'm a skilled artist..." one of the women in my group ventured.

"Regrettably, your talent won't be put to use," Jerome dismissed. "You'll employ it in the bedroom for your new owner."

"What owner?" another woman queried.

"The one who'll be purchasing you. And I advise you to make a favorable impression, because if you choose to stay here, you'll face a living nightmare."

"Oh, gods," I murmured, sinking to the floor.

I hadn't envisioned my first night of freedom outside that beautiful prison would culminate like this. Frankly, I never imagined I'd be on the auction block today.

As soon as he departed, I turned to Rhea. "You knew about this?"

"I'm sorry," she murmured. The pain in her voice was palpable, tears streaking down her cheeks.

"I didn't know how to tell you, fearing it might put you in danger."

"Endanger me?" I scoffed. "Do you have any idea how I feel right now?"

"It's for the best. At least, you might find someone who treats you better..."

"You mean someone who'll treat me like a slave? Thanks, but no thanks!" I snorted and stood up, pacing the room before stopping in the center.

I hadn't made any plans. I was taken aback, feeling betrayed by Rhea's knowledge that she hadn't seen fit to share with me. Rhea had fucking made me dressed up and even assured me it was for a fucking party! A party and not an auction!

"I'm sorry," Rhea offered again as I moved to her side.

"Save it!" I snapped. I knew I was being harsh, but I couldn't help it. While I understood she was trying to ensure my survival, I couldn't shake the feeling that she should have told me sooner. If not to escape, then at least to prepare.

Now, I found myself in what I presumed to be a preparatory room, waiting for my turn to step onto a podium and be scrutinized by lecherous men.

It wasn't long before my name was called, and as I approached the imposing door, Jerome appeared in front of me.

"Don't mess this up," he warned, his hand lingering on my backside for a few seconds.

I stomped my heels onto his feet, and he raised his hand to strike me. Just then, the curtain opened, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

"You're damn lucky," he gritted through his teeth.

"You're luckier," I retorted.

I turned to face him, but I was forcefully pushed forward. A fabric covered my eyes, and I furrowed my brows.

"It's to keep you from being recognized," Jerome murmured.

That seemed somewhat better. At least, if things didn't go my way, my dignity would still be intact, or so I hoped.

Minutes passed, and I stood on the stage. I couldn't see anyone, but I was certain there were scores of men scrutinizing me, vying for the chance to claim me.

Their voices ranged from high-pitched to low, and even to deep baritones. They threw out absurd sums for me, and the bidding continued, leaving me standing there.

"Why don't we get a closer look at what we're bidding on? Who's to say she isn't a damaged good?"

"A damaged good?!" I muttered under my breath.

My fingers dug into my palm, and I exhaled slowly, trying to quell my surging emotions.

"Undress!" a voice commanded.

Startled, I held my breath and trembled as a hand tugged at the thin strap of my dress.

"I'll offer 100 million drachma for her, just leave the dress be," a calm voice cut through the tension.