Walking inside, the smell of cigar smoke filters into my lungs. The place is already crowded, men exchange in quiet conversation while half-naked women walk around the room carrying trays with beverages.
There are a few women with men, but those are few and far between. Most do not bring their spouses to these types of events, women have no real place in our world, except on their backs with their thighs spread. This is a business event, but it’s also my chance to show off my soon to be bride.
Anything from the selling of flesh and guns, gambling, and to the arrangement of marriages and illegal fights take place within these walls. This will be Elena’s first dip into my dark world, and hopefully, last.
Surveying the room, I see they have it divided into three spaces. A huge horseshoe bar sits at the back of the room, a stage where the auction takes place is at the front of the room, and numerous tables and chairs litter the center, making up the middle. On one of those tables, I spot Markus, he got here early like I told him. Our eyes briefly lock, and he gives me a slide nod, letting me know there is no trouble here tonight.
Walking over to the large bar, I release her arm and pull out a stool. She sits down without question, squeezing her thighs together so much that her legs shake. Keeping her head down, she places her hands in her lap just like I’ve instructed her to. I long to see her beautiful green eyes but push the thought away.
I take the seat next to her and look around, surveying the space. Of course, most of the people around us are men and looking right at Elena. They openly gawk at her, and with the way she is sitting, most of her legs are exposed, the fabric riding up her legs, so close to her pussy, her bare ass is touching the seat. She is all but naked and fulfilling the job I need her to, but that doesn’t mean I like it.
“I don’t like this,” she whispers beside me as if she can read my mind.
“Don’t talk,” I brush her off and wave the bartender over. “Whiskey neat, and a water.”
“Yes, sir.”
Just as our drinks are being served, the first group of men dare to come and talk to me.
It’s Boris–a well-known arms dealer in our circles– and two of his men. He’s a smug little bastard with a napoleon complex, but he does have the best guns around, so it’s wise to stay on his good side.
“Julian, glad you could make it. And you brought your newest acquisition, I see?” Boris’ eyes rake all over Elena, and I fight the urge to gauge them out with my bare hands.
“I figured I paid enough for her, why not show her off? Share her with the world.” I take a sip of my whiskey, concentrating on the burn in my throat and the warmth settling in my stomach. I’m going to need much more whiskey to make it through this night.
“Sharing, huh? How much would it cost to share her with me for a few hours?” Boris licks his lips, and I swear I see Elena’s chest start rising and falling in rapid succession.
“Let’s see what they have for sale tonight first. If there is something to my liking, I’ll buy someone new, and you can have this one for the night.” Elena lets out an audible gasp next to me, which makes Boris chuckle.
Using my other hand, I grab her exposed thigh and give it a firm squeeze. It’s a warning. Anywhere but here, she could have a reaction, but if she doesn’t obey, she’ll force my hand to keep her in place.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Boris exclaims, his beady eyes roaming her flesh one last time.
“I’ll let you know soon.” The words feel like acid on my tongue.
There is not enough money in this world that would bring me to sell her to anyone, let alone allow them to use her for a night. I’ve done a lot of fucked up shit, but I’m not selling my soon to be wife to anyone.
“Yes, and maybe we can discuss some weapons.”
“Of course,” I say before taking another sip of my whiskey.
Boris and his men meander away from us and strike up a conversation with another man who I’m sure is one of his clients, simply from the way he greets him.
“Please,” Elena whimpers while tugging on my arm. Her fear is palpable in the tremble of her voice. “Please, don’t give me to him. You promised...”
My features turn to stone, and I know she’s looking at me. As badly as I don’t want to hurt her, it’s either me or some other asshole in this room.
“I told you not to talk,” I grit out under my breath and grip my glass a little tighter, forcing myself not to glance at her right now. She’s making me weak, so fucking weak, and I can’t be seen like that. Her fear will have to stay with her because I cannot console her here.
As if she knows my resolve is close to shattering, she tugs on my arm once more.
“You promised no one would hurt me.”
Unable to hold it together a second longer, I let the cold, lifeless mask I wear when I’m away from her fall over my face.
Turning toward her, I snap, “Say one more word, and something bad will happen to Marie.”
Fear blazes in her eyes at the harshness of my words, and I push her feelings away, push her thoughts, wants, or needs to the back burner. Nothing else matters.
Sucking her bottom lip into her mouth, she nods and casts her eyes down. She drops her hand from my arm, and her shoulders curl inward.
It has to be this way. For her sake, and for mine.
19
Elena
No matter how much I try to control my breathing, it feels like I’m suffocating. Panic has seized me and is refusing to let go. I hate this place, what it represents, and everyone inside it.
These men, the way they look at me like I’m nothing more than a piece of meat they can buy. I can’t look at them directly, but I can see them watching me out of the corner of my eye, and I can feel their predatory gaze on me. Like dogs, they salivate, waiting for a bone. It surely doesn’t help me that I’m wearing a scrap of fabric for clothing. Julian wanted me exposed and vulnerable, and here I am.
I think of Marie and his warning, and still, I can’t stop the panic from rising up. Even with her life hanging in the balance, I can’t comprehend him passing me off to someone else. God, was he serious? Is he going to sell me to that man? Is that why he hasn’t taken my virginity yet? Maybe he is planning on selling it, or pimping me out? There is no way I could allow that, and yet, how would I stop him?
Doing the best I can, I try to keep my eyes down but can’t help but let them wander around, feeling the need to be aware of my surroundings, and sensing danger nearby.
With my trembling hand, I grab my glass and bring it to my dry lips. Just as the cool water hits my tongue, I look straight ahead, and my eyes find a set of familiar green ones.
My father.
My heart squeezes in my chest, and I find myself squirming against the seat, wanting to run to him. My father is really here. Julian’s grip on my thigh tightens, pulling my gaze from my father’s, and he leans over, his lips brushing against my ear.
“Don’t even think about it–”
“Julian!” Someone calls out, interrupting us. We both straighten up, but I lower my head again and find a spot in my lap to look at.
“Aldo, it’s been a while,” Julian greets and shakes this Aldo guy’s hand.