Chapter 30
Julian
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.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
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.