Chapter 21

"Are you sure about this?"Karen asks as we finish getting ready for the club in her room.

No. I'm not sure.

Fear clenches its teeth around my chest. How will I ever get through tonight?

What if I get hurt? What if I can't go through with it? Will they force me?

Oh my God. I need a drink. Need something to numb my thoughts.

"Weren't you the one telling me I had to do this?" My foot bounces, shifting to the edge of her bed.

"I was. But now that it's happening, I'm nervous for you."

She runs her fingers through her long pinup curls, walking over to me. Her black gown cuts low in the front, beading sequins running up the sides.

Mine is bloodred, thin straps, and a sweetheart neckline. It's tight around my curves and sweeps out, hitting the floor. The curled ends of my hair annoy me, tickling across my bare back. I fling them over my shoulder and huff a breath.

She lowers beside me and throws an arm around my back. "I hate that you have to do this."

"Yeah, well, like you said, I don't have a choice."

"It's too bad we couldn't throw Mason over a bridge."

I grumble. "I may need some shots before I do this tonight."

"We'll get some drinks once we get there. I'll have you buzzed enough not to run off the stage."

I slap a hand over my face, not even caring that I'll ruin the makeup Karen spent an hour doing.

She gently tugs my wrist back and peers at me through concerned eyes. "It'll be okay. It's just sex. Means nothing, unless you want it to."

"That's right. Just sex." I straighten my spine and prepare for the hell waiting for me.

She slips her fingers through mine and gives me a reassuring squeeze.

As we pick up our handbags and head out the door, I try not to think about the man I'm in love with and how this will break his heart.

And mine.

We arrive at the club with Adam in tow. I can't believe he's going to witness what I'll be doing. The whole thing is mortifying enough without adding that to the mix.

I told Karen not to tell him before we get there. I don't want him looking at me and judging me. It makes me feel dirty.

My family would be ashamed of me. My face heats up at the thought. But none of them understand how it feels to be forced into a marriage you don't want, especially with a man like Mason.

My father has controlled every aspect of my life. It's time I take that control back.

When I received the acceptance to the auction, I was sent a list of instructions, like where to report and what time. They provide the clothing, so I didn't need to worry about that.

We head to the bar, and Adam buys us a couple of shots each, which don't temper my thoughts whatsoever. An ill feeling settled in my gut as soon as we left the dorm, and nothing will erase it. And if I drink any more, I'm going to end up facedown on the floor.

Adam finishes his old fashioned before Karen starts dragging me in front of a room with an orgy going on. Six people, too many body parts to keep track of.

I can't even focus on anything besides what I'll be doing in twenty minutes. That's when I was told to report to a red door by the stage.

Karen glances at me, her face sympathetic. "It'll be okay. You'll see."

I nod with a flicker of a smile, knowing that's a lie.

None of this is okay.

I'm about to lose my virginity, and it scares the hell out of me.

DEVLIN

She's back at the club, and I swear this is gonna be the final time. After today, her days of being in this filthy place are over. Gonna tell her I'm the man behind the mask and that she's not allowed to step foot inside here again.

Standing by the bar, I watch Eriu and her friends drinking not too far from me. My God, this girl is asking for trouble.

From my periphery, I find Konstantin strolling by.

"You're here. Was hoping you would be."

"Why's that? Got another brother who wants to shoot me?"

He chuckles. "You and that sense of humor. I'm sure they've missed you as much as you've missed them. Now, how about a toast?"

"No drinking for me. I'm driving."

He grabs a bottle and two shot glasses from the bar, pouring one for me. "Get a cab. This is my finest vodka."

"I'm sure it's feckin' fabulous, but I can't be piss-drunk. Gotta watch Eriu."

"Ah, yes, your young lover. She's quite pretty. I can see the appeal."

I grind my teeth, my glare tight as I stare into his eyes with growing ire. "Don't call her pretty. In fact, don't even say her bloody name. You understand me, Marinov?"

He chuckles, and then his smile disappears. "Devlin, Devlin…" He tsks. "You are in my place of business and you dare insult me?"

I don't relent, continuing to cut him with a glare. "Not an insult, but a promise. Don't mess with her."

"If I wanted the young Quinn, she would've been mine by now." His lips spread. "Unlike you, I take what I want. I don't hesitate. Lucky for you, though, I don't want her." He slaps me across my back. "She's all yours, McHale, but you still won't do a thing about it." He pours himself another shot and tips the glass to his mouth.

"Don't worry about what I do. Just keep away from her."

"I have no intentions of hurting her." He starts to walk away, but as he does, he turns to me. "Oh, I did forget to mention one thing. I have a special surprise for you. I think you're gonna find it quite entertaining."

His amusement makes me wanna rip out his throat. "Don't feck with me, Marinov."

"Fucking you isn't on my agenda for this evening. You're not even my type." His head tips to the side, taunting with a grin. "But I know who is."

When I glance back at Eriu, she's not there anymore.

Something cold washes over me.

His sinister smile never wavers.

"Where did she go?" I snap.

"That would ruin the surprise, and what fun would that be?"

I growl deep in my chest. He's up to something, and I know I'm gonna hate it. I have to find her.

"Better have that drink, my friend. You're gonna need it."

"What the hell does that mean?!"

But he's already stalking away, leaving me with too many questions that I'm afraid of getting answers to.