Chapter 9

A knock has me setting my pop down and looking over at the door. It opens slightly before a feminine voice calls. "Are you decent?"

"Yeah. You can come in." I stand from my chair.

A man and woman step inside, looking like they just walked off of the runway in Milan. The man pulls a silver cart behind him and heads straight to the vanity, popping it open and pulling out more beauty tools.

"Hi, I'm Sophia and I'll be doing your makeup for tonight. This is Nico and he'll be in charge of hair," Sophia tells me. But I"m lost in her beauty, her dark, long, sleek hair pulled up in a high ponytail.

Nico is just as stunning with a strong jawline, expressive eyebrows, and captivating eyes that are bright blue.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Birdie and I'm nervous but excited to see what you two can do," I tell her with a smile.

She waves me over to the leather stool in front of the vanity. I take my seat, looking at myself in the mirror.

"Do you have any preferences for your hair?" Nico asks, running his fingers through my sandy locks.

I think about it for a second. "I don't have an exact vision, but I know I don't want it slicked tight. "Looking at Sophia in the mirror, I wince. "No offense, it looks stunning on you, but I always think I look bald in pictures when my hair is like that."

Sophia laughs. "No offense taken."

"Good. I just want something trendy, but elegant."

Nico finger combs my hair, looking at it like he's waiting for it to speak to him. "Okay. I like the idea of a half-up style, with some loose curls cascading down. We can add some volume at the crown for that extra glam factor. And those loose curls will add a touch of elegance to the look."

He looks at me and I move my head back and forth, contemplating what he's suggested.

"Go for it."

He's the expert and I assume they wouldn't have hired him for this event if he did shit work, so I'm going to trust his judgment.

Sophia takes over from there. "Makeup. I'm gonna do a dark smokey eye with a soft face. However, I want to use a little extra blush and highlight, since I know the lights on the stage are bright."

"Let's do it." I smile and the two of them get to work.

As they work their magic, I sit back in the chair, silently reveling in the luxury of their expertise. The gentle hum of the hot tool and the soft brushes against my skin create a soothing rhythm, lulling me into a state of relaxation I"ve never experienced before.

Throughout the process, neither Nico nor Sophia ask for any more input; they seem to understand my desires and preferences. Their silent communication and synchronized movements are amazing, allowing me to simply bask in being pampered.

As they put the finishing touches on, I open my eyes to look at myself in the mirror. A wave of awe washes over me at the reflection staring back—a version of myself I never knew was possible.

"What do you think?" Sophia asks.

I blink a few times at myself just to make sure I'm not seeing things.

"I love it. I don't think I've ever looked this good. You're true miracle workers." I laugh.

"Nahh. The foundation was all there. You're a pretty girl. We just enhanced things." Nico smiles.

"Okay," Sophia claps. "We are done then. Time to move on to the next. Good luck, Birdie."

They pack up and just as fast as they came in, they're gone.

Well, Sloane, it's time to get dressed.

I blow out a deep breath and cross the room to my bag, pulling out my outfit for tonight.

Stepping into the attached bathroom, the soft glow of the overhead lights cast a warm ambiance across the room. The anticipation hums beneath my skin as I set the royal blue lingerie on the counter.

Once I'm undressed, I slide the lace bralette over my arms, feeling the gentle caress of the fabric against my skin. The intricate crisscrossing pattern adorns my chest, adding a touch of allure. As I adjust the shoulder straps, securing them with a delicate bow on each side, I can"t help but admire the way the bralette accentuates my curves.

Next, I slip into the matching high-waisted panties, the snug fit hugging my silhouette, the strap on each side riding up slightly higher over my love handles, creating a shape that fills me with confidence.

Standing before the mirror, I take a moment to appreciate the sight before me—the bold color of the lingerie contrasting against my skin. With a satisfied smile, I turn away, ready to embrace the night ahead.

Natalie showsup to take me to the auction as I'm finishing my chips.

Tossing the bag in the trash, I get up. "Let me just wash my hands."

"Make it fast. The girl before you just sold, so we need to be ready when you're announced," she tells me.

I hurry to the bathroom and wash my hands, staring at myself as I dry them on the towel.

The first girl sold. I wonder if she was as nervous as me. How much did she go for?

"You got this, Sloane," I whisper to myself as I follow Natalie into the dark hall.

"Did you say something?" she asks, spinning to look at me.

"No. Sorry. Just a little nervous is all."

"You'll be fine. The weekend will come and go before you know it and your pockets will be deeper and your pussy sore." She laughs, leading me down the same hall we came in.

I take a deep breath, my hand trembling slightly as I grasp the smooth railing, leading me up the small set of stairs behind a black velvet curtain. The air around me is heavy with anticipation. Edward"s voice and the soft melody of music drifting from somewhere in the background are the only sounds in the place. My stomach churns with nerves, a knot forming as I ascend each step.

I wish my grandma was here. Her advice was always a source of comfort for me. But I can almost hear her disapproving voice echoing in my mind, her brow furrowing at the thought of what I"m about to do. Selling my "lady bits" for cash isn"t exactly the path she would have envisioned for me. But a girl has to do what a girl has to do.

It"s just one weekend, a blip in the grand scheme of things. And I"m no stranger to sex—I"ve fucked a few people before, though they were mediocre at best.

I stand behind the curtain, waiting to be revealed to potential buyers. I can"t help but hope that I'll at least be purchased by someone who knows how to give an orgasm.

Natalie leans in close and reminds me of what to do. "Just go out there," she whispers, her voice confident. "Hold your head high, smile, but look sexy. Strut your shit around that stage." Her words echo in my mind as she continues, "Remember to do a little twirl here or there, slowly, so everyone can see this sexy body you got going on." With a playful slap on my ass, she pushes me forward.

Taking a deep breath, I nod and make my way out onto the stage, feeling the eyes of the audience upon me. "Well, here goes fucking nothing," I mutter under my breath, summoning every ounce of confidence I can muster as I prepare to give the performance of a lifetime.