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As soon as we get close enough, her eyes snap up to meet mine. At first, I think she’s going to look away, as she hasn’t made eye contact with any of the other assholes that are trying to talk to her.
But with me, there’s a small flash in her grey gaze, but it’s gone so quickly, I barely have time to register it. While she continues to make eye contact with me, it feels like she’s looking right through me.
The closer we get to the front of the crowd, the more my heart races. I’m trying to control my breathing, as I’m only a few breaths away from hyperventilating. Sweat is beading on my palms, and it’s like I have a million ants slithering around under my skin. The urge to pick Tee up and run is growing, as is my anxiety—and my anger.
Once we reach the front of the crowd, The Sheriff eyes both me and Declan curiously, his right brow lifted in confusion. “Declan… I must confess, I was surprised to learn you finally accepted one of my invitations. But I was even more shocked to learn the name of your plus one,” he says, using the fake as fuck rich accent he used on Bree.
“I thought it was about time I see what all the fuss is about,” Declan replies smoothly, not bothering to introduce me, since it’s clear he knows who I am.
The Sheriff then turns his attention to me. “I must confess, I’m shocked to see a Doughty at Club Crimson, particularly after your family declared war on the flesh trade.”
Next to him, Teigan’s eyes widen upon hearing this, and I almost puff my chest out in pride at the way she’s looking at me. Instead, I reluctantly drag my gaze back to The Sheriff. “Actually, it’s my brother’s wife who declared war. She’s technically an O’Keenan. I run the Irish side of the Doughty family, and we have yet to announce our allegiance,” I reply, the lie easily slipping from my lips.
Though I try my hardest not to look at her, I’m like a moth to a flame, and I can’t help flicking over to her quickly. Her eyes narrow on me, in the way she used to do, when she was trying to tell if I’m lying or not. She pulls her lip in between her teeth, nibbling nervously as her grey eyes latch onto me.
I can tell the moment she works out I’m lying, as the side of her lip lifts into a small smile, but she quickly lets the mask drop again.
“That’s interesting. I can’t imagine you’d go to war against your own brother and his wife, though. So, why don’t you tell me why you’re really here? I’m guessing it has something to do with this little slut,” he says, grabbing hold of Teigan’s arm so he can pull her into his side, a sick smile spreading across his face.
Before I’m able to say anything, it’s Declan who speaks. “I’ve heard you have a reserve on this Lot. Can you give us more details?” His voice is cool and calm, though I’m guessing it’s all an act. If he feels even a fraction of the rage I do, it’s lucky we’ve not torn this entire place down with our bare hands.
“Sadly, the reserve is undisclosed. However, I can tell you that any bid made on this Lot will be subject to some stipulations,” he explains politely.
“What the fuck does that mean?” I snap, the fakeness becoming too much as I try to control myself.
“It means Teigan here has caused me quite a headache recently, and as such, she still needs to be punished. She has a high reserve that needs to be met before I can even considerselling her. And the person who does buy her needs to be aware that she is still contractually obliged to appear as my headline act, the week after the auction,” he explains, and Tee’s face falls. Her eyes clamp shut as all the air seems to deflate from her body, her shoulders sagging. It’s clear this isn’t something she wanted to hear.
“What does being a headline act entail?” Declan asks, though I’m not sure I want to know the fucking answer.
“It basically means she is the star of my show. I will sell tickets, and it’s usually a sell-out event, if I market it well—which shouldn’t be hard with her. The theme of the show is open for discussion, but her participation is mandatory,” he states firmly.
I take a step closer to The Sheriff, not even trying to hide the way I’m using my body to intimidate him. My voice comes out as a growl. “Why don’t you stop talking in riddles and say what you fucking mean?”
“Fine,” he says through gritted teeth, taking a step back away from me, as the guards discreetly step forward. “It’s a live sex show. Teigan will be fucked in front of an audience. Normally, I’m the person who makes all the specific decisions regarding the theme, but this time it will be open for discussion with her winning bidder.
“Under normal circumstances, I usually specify if I want to see all her holes being used, where he should finish, or if I want to see a certain punishment. Beforehand, I usually ask the audience if there’s anything they want to see, so I can make sure to give them what they want too. They might say they want to see a certain toy used, or have her in a certain position.
“Before the event, I specify things I want to see, how many people will take part, and who. I make it clear what I don’t want to see, and from there, it’s up to the performers. However, with Teigan, her owner will have some say over these decisions. Thefinal decision will ultimately be down to me, but as her owner, they will have rights.”
With each word that tumbles out of his mouth, my nausea grows, until I’m actually quite surprised I’ve not managed to cover his shiny loafers with my regurgitated whiskey.
“And what happens if her new owner doesn’t wish for her to take part in something like that?” Declan asks.
The Sheriff’s lips lift into a sneer. “That is not an option. It will be written into her auction contract. If she doesn’t take part in the event, I have the right to claim her back as my property, without returning the money. I will then make sure that the event goes ahead anyway. But as punishment for her failing to fulfil her duty, I will need to use someone else in her place. Someone will take the punishment meant for her, and then they will take part in the show she would have.” He pauses for a second, before turning to speak directly to Teigan. “Should I put Lilly in your place?” he asks, his lips tilting up into a smirk as Teigan’s eyes widen, her mouth dropping open.
Whoever Lilly is, she means something to Tee, and as she quickly shakes her head, it’s clear she wouldn’t want this girl taking her place. “Not Lilly. I will do it,” she says firmly, blinking quickly to try and stop the tears from welling in her eyes.
My heart stutters at hearing how quickly she agrees to take part in something that we both know will break her. Whoever Lilly is, she cares about her a lot—which means there’s another fucking name on my list of people I need to save.
“I have a question. How much would it take to buy her now? To skip all this auction bullshit, so I can take her home with me tonight?” I snap, and I can hear several groans in my ear that I ignore.
The Sheriff's eyes narrow on me, like he’s trying to work me out. Dec, clearly following the instructions of the people in our ears, adds onto my question. “We’re worried that if we waituntil the auction, we will be buying damaged goods. Although she’s beautiful, it’s clear she’s taken more than one punishment, including some very recently. If we buy her now, we know we’re getting what we see.”
The Sheriff nods his head, like he understands Declan’s logic. For a fraction of a second, my heart aches as I think he’s about to give in to our request. But then it’s over, and his face shuts down.
“Unfortunately, she must go to auction. I will make you a promise that she will not be touched over the next week. We will even give her more food and water in an effort to make her healthier for you. But that’s the best I can do.
“I should warn you though, she is owed a punishment, and if we do not do it tonight, she will need to be punished on the night of the auction before she leaves with the winner.”
