Chapter 34 The Auction
Anna's POV
The car took a sharp turn, the sudden shift making my body lean slightly to the side before I steadied myself.
The road changed almost immediately, it became narrow, surrounded by thick forest on both sides.
Tall trees stretched endlessly, their branches forming a canopy that filtered the sunlight into scattered shadows across the road.
It felt like we were being swallowed whole, driven deeper into something hidden.
Of course, they had to be careful. This wasn’t just any location. I could feel it.
The deeper we went, the tighter the security became.
The car slowed as we approached the first checkpoint.
Armed men stepped forward, scanning the vehicle, their eyes sharp, movements precise. No unnecessary words were exchanged. Just signals. We were cleared.
Then another checkpoint. And another. Each one more intense than the last.
Different men, different systems, some used scanners, some simply watched, some looked like trained soldiers. Others looked like criminals with nothing to lose.
I exhaled slowly, unable to keep the question from slipping out.
“All of this…” I said, glancing slightly at the man seated beside me. “Is it because of me?”
One of the men chuckled under his breath.
I turned slightly toward him.
“Anna,” he said, amusement clear in his voice, “you must be mistaken if you think the purpose of this gathering concerns only you.”
I held his gaze for a second… then looked away.
Of course.
Hours passed. Or at least it felt like hours.
By the time we finally drove past the last security barrier, my senses were on edge.
Then I saw a white storey building stood ahead, isolated yet guarded, simple on the outside but surrounded by enough security to make it clear.
The car came to a stop.
The driver turned slightly. “Take her inside.” One of the men nodded and stepped out.
My door was opened. I stepped out without hesitation. No point delaying the inevitable.
I followed him toward the entrance.
Two men stood at the door, their expressions blank, their presence intimidating.
They searched me thoroughly. When they were satisfied, one of them handed me a small placard.
I looked at it, on it was written the number 23.
My fingers tightened slightly around it. I didn’t ask what it was for. I already had a feeling.
The moment I entered, I paused. The interior was nothing like I expected. It was well lit, arranged like an old-style living room.
People chatting casually. It almost felt… normal.
Then Lucas popped out of nowhere. Relief flickered across his face the moment he spotted me.
He moved quickly toward me, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward a quiet corner.
Before I could even say a word— His lips were on mine.
I froze. My eyes widened slightly in shock before instinct kicked in.
I swallowed and pulled back quickly. “What are you doing?” I whispered sharply. “What if someone sees us?”
Lucas didn’t look concerned. “I had to take that risk,” he said softly. “You look so hot in that wine gown.”
I forced a small smile, though my eyes instinctively scanned the room.
“I don’t see anyone,” I murmured. “Just securities… and people talking.”
Lucas shook his head slightly. “That’s just a cover,” he said. “The real deal is upstairs.”
My chest tightened.
“Xavier is already there.”
Just hearing his name made my heart skip.
A sharp, uncomfortable beat.
Lucas noticed immediately. “Hey,” he said gently, his tone softening. “Don’t worry. The plan is still in motion.”
I looked at him. He held my gaze firmly. “Everything is ready,” he continued. “You’ll finally be free today.”
Free? The word felt strange.
I smiled… but it didn’t quite reach my eyes.
He pulled me into a hug. This time, I didn’t push him away. But as his arms wrapped around me, I couldn’t help the thought creeping in—
Does he really love me… or is this something else? Because the more I looked at him… The less I understood him.
He pulled back slightly. “It’s time,” he said.
Then his expression shifted. “I can’t go upstairs with you. Xavier’s orders.”
Of course.
“There’s a man in the living room,” he added. “He’ll escort you.”
I nodded slowly. I wanted this over with.
Lucas took my hand again and led me back into the living room. He signaled one of the men, giving a quiet order.
The man nodded and gestured for me to follow.
I didn’t look back at Lucas.
I followed the man upstairs. Each step felt heavier than the last. At the top, I stopped.
Two huge men stood at the entrance.
Huge wasn’t even enough to describe them.
They were massive, broad shoulders, towering height. The kind of men that didn’t need weapons to be dangerous.
For a brief second, I wondered if they were even human. I had never seen men like that before.
They searched me again. More thoroughly this time. A scanner ran over my body again.
Then finally— The door opened and I stepped inside. And everything changed.
This was the real gathering, filled with Dons.
At least forty of them were seated
I also noticed the girls, several of them were dressed just like me.
My grip tightened slightly on the placard.
Number 23.
The moment I stepped in further, I felt it. Every eye turned to me.
My throat went dry. I forced myself to walk forward. I moved toward the other girls.
I was about to sit— When my eyes landed on Xavier seated in front, watching me.
The way his eyes moved over me… Slow and intentional. Like he was seeing me for the first time.
Like I was something to be studied… owned… understood.
My heart skipped.
There was something in his expression.
The same look Lucas had earlier when he kissed me— But darker.
Then suddenly— It changed, replaced with something unreadable.
He stood and walked to the stage.
A microphone was handed to him. “Gentlemen,” he began, his voice smooth, confident. “The moment you’ve all been waiting for is here.”
Soft laughter filled the room.
“I decided to handle today’s auction myself,” he continued, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Because I’m a Don… and I do whatever I please.”
More laughter filled the room. Then it began.
One by one— He called the girls forward. The process was fast.
I noticed something. Most of the Dons weren’t even bidding, they were just watching, like they were waiting. For something better.
Then— “Number 23.”
My body went still. It was my turn. I stepped forward, slowly.
I kept my eyes on Xavier. It was easier to look at him.
Because looking at the others— The way they stared— That was worse. Much worse.
Xavier reached for me and pulled me closer. Closer than he had with the others.
For a second, I wondered if he had forgotten there were people watching.