Page 89 of Bought By Three Men

“Not until you talk to me.” His grip on my neck tightened.

“Listen to what? The fact that you are only marrying me to get money?” I held back the tears. “Guess what? I only entered the marriage auction for money.”

Clap. Clap.

Ethan and I turned toward the clapping. Adam slowly clapped as he approached us. I seriously hated that guy. The part of his face not covered in his mask was turned upright into a wicked smile.

“You finally learned the truth, Ava.” He stopped clapping and crossed his arms. “You were a means to an end for him, and you think I’m the bad guy.”

“Ha. Coming from you, that’s comical.” Ethan released me. “You didn’t even buy her, Brian did, and now you’re stuck with her.”

“What?” Heat rushed to my cheeks. My chest sunk in.

“Don’t act all shocked. I have made it clear I don’t want you.” Adam shoved his hair from his face. “At least I didn’t pretend like Ethan did.”

I don’t care. I don’t care.The room spun, my heart slammed into my chest.

“Fuck you.” Ethan grabbed Adam by the collar and slammed him into the wall.

“What are you gonna do? Beat me? She isn’t innocent, either. You think she entered the auction to find true love?” Adam cackled.

“Maybe not, but she found it.” Ethan’s jaw twitched.

“Don’t do that,” I said. “Don’t act like what we have is anything more than a contract.”

My heart sank to my feet. Adam was right, I didn’t enter the auction for true love. I entered it to help my family. At the time, it felt like the right decision, even though I rarely made those. Then I started to fall for Ethan, and everything changed. After Brad, I swore never to let my heart get involved with another person. This was why, this pain killed.

“Exactly, this is all just a contract.” Adam winked at me.

Ethan swung at Adam. They exchanged blows in a dance-like manner. Neither one of them was paying attention to me anymore. I took the opportunity to take off. By the time they noticed I was gone, I would be far away.

No, I wasn’t planning on leaving them. Even though I wanted to, I couldn’t. The contract was unambiguous, I would be killed. Not to mention I couldn’t leave my family with these people. I had thought Ethan was a good man, he was only in it for the money. He set it up so I would have no choice but to marry him. My dumb ass fell for his tricks.

As I walked down the hall, deciding where to go, Tasha tapped her clipboard, yelling at one of her workers. She was talented but maybe a tad too bossy when it came to the staff. The worker was off to the side, and I could barely make out their silhouette.

“I will try it on, I’ve been a little busy,” Tristan replied.

He stepped out of the shadows. He was the worker Tasha was yelling at. Ha, I wasn’t the least bit surprised she had a way with talking to the men. She yelled at them, and they respected her more.

I dipped into the nearest room so he wouldn’t see me. The last thing I needed was him telling me how much he didn’t want me either. I already knew that, I didn’t need a reminder.

Once the door to the room was shut, I sunk down and let the tears flow. How had I been so foolish to think that Ethan and I had something after a week? With all I went through with Brad, I should have protected my heart more. Instead, I allowed him to fool me into thinking I was special.

“What are you doing?” My mother sat up in her bed.

Shit, I hadn’t realized this was her room. Probably because I had never gone to see her. It’s not like I didn’t want to, but this week was busy.

“Sorry, I…uh.” I used my shirt to wipe my tears. Mascara smeared my white t-shirt.

“Don’t apologize, just get off the floor and come over here,” my mother demanded.

I went and sat next to her. She was still in her pajamas even though it was the afternoon. Since Joseph was at school, she didn’t have to get up early. He was her reason, and as happy as I was, I was a tad jealous. Not that I should be, he was good for her.

“Do you like it here?” I asked.

“Of course. Joseph is a great kid, and he calls me grandma.” Her face lit up.

“Right, but what about the rest? Are you feeling better?” I swallowed. “I mean, before you were…um…”

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