Auctioned To The Ruthless Mafia Boss

Jasmine's P.o.v

My eyes fluttered open and my gaze met with the familiar sight of our small, cluttered apartment. The peeling paint and worn furniture seemed to close in around me, a constant reminder of our struggles. I rubbed the sleep off my eyes and tossed off the thin blanket. I swung my legs over the side of the bed, and my feet dangled in the air.

The cold floorboards creaked beneath my weight as I stood up, stretching my tired muscles. Working two shifts a day ain't no joke! I shuffled to the kitchen, my eyes scanning the empty shelves. There was nothing to eat, no food to prepare for the day. I opened the fridge, and the hollow interior stared back at me like an empty promise.

Luckily, the bread I had brought home from my last shift would be doing justice to that as I remember bringing some.

With a sigh, I closed the fridge door and leaned against the counter. This is my life now, our life- a constant struggle to make ends meet, to put food on the table, and to keep a good roof over my head. Life was sure really good before my father's demise, but the sound of my mother's labored breathing at the hospital the last time is a harsh reminder of my now responsibility- a responsibility I would stop at nothing to carry.

My mother had been diagnosed with a terminal heart- disease for months and her condition keeps getting worse by the day. The doctor's words echoed in my head and then it dawned on me how little a time I have left to save my mother or risk her being dead. A situation I don't ever think I can accept – losing the only remaining family I have left.

As I head back to my room, I stumbled upon the magazine Rachel gave me last night and couldn't help, but reach for it. Rachel is my best friend and co-worker at the confectionary store where I work. I had told her about my plight one time and after everything, she introduced me to a magazine with an upcoming auction event.

Although the auction takes place every month ending and I had gone the last time, but changed my mind even before reaching the venue.

I swallowed the lump in my throat at the thought of what Rachel had told me. "There's no way I'm doing that" I said to myself. "It's disgusting. I'm not a commodity."

As I read through the magazine, I couldn't help but fix my eyes on the price before me. The figures danced on the page, taunting me with their simplicity.

$200,000

And that is even on an average. It is a really staggering amount, the exact amount I need for my mother's surgery. But it came with a steep price- my innocence.

I felt a wave of disgust wash over me. How could I even consider such thing? But thinking of my dying mother at the hospital, I knew I had no choice. Moreover, the medical bills just keeps piling up, and I had exhausted all other options. I had sold everything of value, taken out loans, and even begged for help from some few friends. I even had to work two shifts per day most days of the week.

But it wasn't enough.

With cold hands, I looked at the page once again, and I felt a sense of resignation all over me.

Unsure of what to do, I reach for my phone. I held it, dialed the agent's number from the magazine and paused.

I shed tears at the thought of my father, life was very easy and good prior to his demise and I and my mother never lacked anything. He died in a car crash according to my mother and everything just seemed to happen so fast, but I was very young to understand that.

I took a deep breath with my eyes closed and it took for the knock on the door to open them. I reach for it and wasn't surprise to see what I saw.

"Hello, Mr. Pedro." I let out an awkward smile, knowing what he is here for.

"You promised to pay up today, Jasmine. The day is almost over and I haven't received a single call or message from you." Mr. Pedro yelled at my face making me fidget a little.

I gained composure and finally managed to speak. "I know Mr. Pedro and I am really sorry. I just..."

"No more excuses. You either evacuate the apartment in seven days or pay up." He interrupted and screamed at my face before finally leaving.

I slammed the door and reach straight for my phone. Without any further hesitation, I called the agent's number showing my interest. My body went numb as I hung up the phone knowing I had made a decision that would change my life forever.

I had only few hours left to get to the venue or miss the chance forever. I read the address sent to me on where the auction will take place and in a matter of seconds, I began to prepare for it.

I stood in front of the mirror as I finished dressing up and couldn't help, but feel sorry for my poor self. As the night wore on, I summon the courage to leave my apartment and face what is ahead of me.

*************************

The flickering streetlights cast eerie shadows on the walls as I walk through the dimly lit alley that leads to my destination. It was as if they were warning me to turn back, but my desperation had driven me to this forsaken place, where the city's darkest secrets lurked.

I inhaled deeply, steeling myself as I step into the unknown, the worn heels of my shoes clicking on the wet pavement. The air reeked of decay and broken dreams, a stark reminder of the sacrifices I am about to make.

My eyes adjusted slowly to the dim light, revealing a non-descript door with a small sign that read: "The Red Diamond Club."

Rumors had circulated about this mysterious club, where the wealthy and powerful indulge in their most sinister desires. I had never imagined that I'd set foot in such a place, but life had a way of crushing dreams and leaving only desperation in its wake.

I pushed open the door and slipped into the shadows, leaving my innocence and old life behind.

As I stepped inside, a robust figure came to receive me. His eyes scanned me from head to toe and I could tell he's the agent I had spoken to earlier on. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, his presence exuding an aura of wealth.

"Welcome, Jasmine," he said, his voice dripped with satisfaction. "I've been expecting you. Please, come in."

He took me to a room and there were others girls like me who had come for the auction. "A gynecologist will be coming soon to check you and confirm your purity. Do yourself the favour of leaving now if you know you are not qualified."

Two girls left and we were taken into a confidential room, very neat and all shiny, typical of a clinic. After we had been checked by the doctor, we were told to return to the unit we left from and await the agent. Everyone got busy with their phone and those who weren't were busy chit chatting with each other. I brought out my phone and saw a message from Rachel already: "Stay safe, xoxo. Can't wait to see you soon".

I had informed her about my interest in the auction before coming and couldn't help but giggle. I swipe up my phone and the pic of me and my mother popped up.

"You are so beautiful. What's your name?" a girl with blond hair and hazel eyes said to me interrupting me and I believe she's here for the auction as well. I put my phone inside my purse.

"Oh, thank you. So are you. I'm Jasmine and you?" I responded with a smile.

She blushed at my reply. "I'm Stella. Nice to meet you, Jasmine."

We exchanged pleasantries. "You to Stella."

Stella left for the rest room and the agent appeared forth with some other men.

"OK, ladies. It's about time."

Each one of us was assigned to each man who will be taking us to our auction ground. The agent himself was my guardian and with every pace we took further away from the unit we had been in, the atmosphere reeked of sin.

I kept swallowing hard as I followed him deeper into the club. The air was thick with the scent of cigar smoke and expensive perfume. I felt a sense of unease as we navigated through the crowded room, the patrons' eyes lingering on me like predators sizing up their prey with majority of them focusing on my butt.

We stopped in front of a luxurious velvet curtain, which the agent pulled aside to reveal a private room. The space was dimly lit, with a single spotlight shining down a small, ornate box in the center of the room.

"This is the auction room," the man explained, his voice low and gravelly. "Here, you'll meet the bidders. Remember, Jasmine, you're in control. You set the price, and you choose the winner."

I feel my stomach churn as I gaze at the box, and my mind raced with the implications of what I am about to do. I had never imagined that my desperation would lead me down this path, but I have made up my mind.

Jasmine's P.o.v

We entered the room and approached the podium. The man handed me a small, delicate key. "The box contains a token," he explained. "The token represents your virtue. The bidders will offer their highest price for the privilege of claiming it. You'll choose the winner, and the transaction will be finalized."

My hands trembled as I took the key and I could feel the weight of my decision settling heavy on my shoulders. I knew there would be no turning back once I opened the box. My eyes locked onto the box and with a pounding heart, I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, but I knew I had to push through. The soft disco lights casted a warm glow on my skin and with a steady hand, I inserted the key into the small lock and turned it. The box creaked open revealing a delicate, crystal token nestled in a velvet bed.

The room fell silent and the only sound was that of the soft hum of the spotlight and disco lights. A sense of detachment erupted from within me and it was as if I was observing the scene from outside of my body. The bidders then began to stir, their eyes fixed on the crystal token.

A figure emerged from the behind the seats, his presence commanding attention. He was so tall, at least 6'8" feet with piercing blue eyes that could see right through the soul. His hair was dark and lustrous and his chiseled facial features were nothing, but pure perfection. His dark suit seemed acentuated his broad shoulders and powerful build and to say the word 'handsome' would be an understatement.

"Who is that?" I managed to whisper to the agent who had brought me here. He wouldn't disclose his name because that was part of the criteria- the agent's name will be anonymous.

"That, Jasmine is Mateo Morales," he replied, his voice low and respectful. "He is a businessman, with interests in various industries. He is also one of the most eligible bachelors in the city."

I tried to look away from Mateo, but each time I did, I could find him staring hard at me already.

After many attempts of trying to avoid his gaze, I find myself catching up with his gaze again. This time, my eyes locked onto his and my heart raced with a mix of fear and fascination. Despite all of that, he didn't make any attempt to break it, making him scary to look at. I swallowed the lump in my throat and readjusted my posture.

As the bidding began, the numbers escalated rapidly as the bidders vied for the token. I couldn't help, but feel disconnected. It felt so surreal!

Mateo waited until the last moment to make his move, his deep voice was low and confident as he bid an astronomical sum. The whole room fell silent, the other bidders withdrawing in defeat.

$500,000.

Mateo's icy blue eyes locked onto mine once again, and I could catch him letting out a wicked smile. It feels so weird and there's just something about that smile. Whatever it is, i couldn't care any less, him winning the bid means that my fate is sealed and I am about to embark on a journey that would change my life forever.

The man who had brought me in nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "It seems we have a winner," he said with a tone of satisfaction.

A trail of chill ran down my spine as Mateo's eyes scanned my body and I could see him raise his brow at the sight of my hips. He looked so filthy, but there was nothing I could do, not now that I was in his debt, bound to him by the terms of the auction.

I was about to leave for home when the agent stopped me and handed me a small, elegant box. "Please, accept this of our appreciation," he said. "It contains a gift from Mr. Mateo, a symbol of his appreciation for your company."

He vanished into thin air and I couldn't help but feel humiliated as the words of the agent reeled my mind, reminding me of the implications of what I had just done knowing that I had sold myself to a stranger, a man with power and influence beyond my wildest imagination.

Tears roll down my eyes as I open the box and a grasp escapes my lips. Inside the box lays a diamond necklace with its stones glinting like ice in the dim light. I wiped my tears and got a feel of the necklace.

"A token of our agreement," Mateo's voice whispered in my ear from behind me and his minty breath on my skin made me shiver. "A reminder of the debt you owe me, Jasmine."

"I can't take this. I don't want it." I covered the box and handed it to him knowing the deal I had made with him back in the auction room, but he refused to take it back.

"It is an insult to Mateo to give back what he already gave out." He said in his deep baritone voice.

I shrugged at his reply and still didn't say a word.

"Really, Jasmine?" he furrowed his brow in dissatisfaction.

I placed the box on the floor between us and headed out of the club, but was stopped by the bouncer at the club entrance as I tried to leave.

"I'm sorry ma'am. We can't let you out just yet." He said.

I felt quite taken aback by his words. "How do you mean?" I asked him, but was replied with a loud silence.

"Let her go, Stanley. She's with me." A familiar voice said from behind me. I rolled my eyes knowing it was him and I couldn't help but hiss mentally.

I turned to meet his gaze and was welcomed by a minty breath and piercing blue eyes, they were hypnotizing. He was so close that it felt uncomfortable and I found myself taking a few paces back.

He smirked at my action. "It's okay. I don't bite." He moved closer to me and with fierce intensity he said, "Jasmine, I will only spare you because you are an acquaintance. I'm pretty sure this won't repeat itself when you fully get to know me." He grasped my hand firmly and forced the box into my palm, refusing to let go. His facial expression darkened with suppressed anger.

"Stop, Mateo. You're hurting me." I pleaded.

"Fine, I'll take that as an apology. See you soon, Jasmine." He released his hand and left the club.

***********

My eyes brimmed with tears as I walked my way to the hospital after leaving the club, my face swollen with unshed sobs.

My heart pounded at the deal I had made with Mateo knowing it could be the biggest nightmare that is yet to happen to me, especially after the last encounter with him at the club.How can anyone go from being super sweet to a maniac in just a matter of minutes?

I quickly wipe my tears to avoid any suspicions from my mom. Her health and well-being is paramount to me at the moment and I would be laying her death bed if she ever found out what I had just done.

I made payment to the hospital's account and headed to my mother's ward.

"Jasmine?" my mum's voice cracked as she managed to call out my name.

"Be still, mother," I said to my mum as I patted her forehead. "Your surgery will be due for tomorrow. You must rest now."

"Tomorrow? Where did you get the money from, Jasmine?" my mum asked, but her health took a toll before she could even say any more words.

Jasmine's P.o.v

I heard my cell phone ring and I could tell it was probably Madam Silvia calling. Madam Silvia's my boss and she had told me to come and work three days straight due to the shortage of employees at the moment. She had done that several times and I would usually overlook it, but never again. She only paid me for my job and two days out of the three for the extra work and would end up telling me my reward is with God for the assistance I had been told to offer like we didn't have a deal in the first place. I was desperate, but that doesn't mean she should use that against me- my weakness.

"Sweetie, you have a call, " my mother said as I continued with my tea preparation in the kitchen, which wasn't far from the diner she'd been sitting at.

Yeah, just a minute mother.

It's been weeks since my mother's heart surgery and she has been recuperating just fine. Thanks to the money from the auction, I was able to pay the rent and get the apartment refurbished, and continue her medications. I took the tea to the diner and added some biscuits and fruit.

"Thank you, Jasmine." My mother smiled as she tasted the tea I had prepared. "You seem better than me at it now."

We laughed at her words, and once again, I could hear my phone ring. "Maybe, you should pick that up." My mom said.

"No, mother. That wouldn't be necessary." I looked at my meal instead, stirring the tea slowly.

"Why?" she asked and pause her meal and I opened up to her. "That's bad."

We continued with our meal and then my mum asked me. "You still haven't told me about how you got the surgery money, Jasmine."

Even though I almost choked on my tea at the thought of the question, I managed to speak. "It's from my savings for Uni, mother."

My mother studied me for a moment. "I know you, Jasmine. I didn't raise you to be a liar. So, don't you lie to me!"

Fine, I lied. I borrowed some money from a friend.

"And which friend is that, Jasmine?" My mother frowned. "I am pretty sure it's not Rachel because the last time you told me about her, you were owing her some money."

"Mother, I promise I'm not lying this time. You don't know her, but she's been my friend since college."

"Okay. But I do hope you are telling the truth, Jasmine. You don't want what happened with Alejandro to repeat itself." My mother's stern face warned as she continued her meal.

After a period of silence, I heard my phone beep. I headed for my phone and was surprised to see a message from an unknown number that said: "Meet me at 148, Main Street by 9 tonight. I am a core fan of punctuality and I hope you know what that means if you do otherwise."

That tone, it's definitely him- Mateo! My heart pounded and I began to sweat at the thought of the message.

"Are you OK?" My mum asked me with a perplexed expression.

"Yes, mum." I managed to convince her.

My hands trembled in fear throughout the dishwashing I almost broke a mug. Damn it!

I headed to my room afterward and my phone was buried in the palm of my cold hands. I checked my missed call log and could see that he only called once before sending the message.

"I am done for. I should have just let him have his way that night and all of these wouldn't be happening." I sob quietly at the weight of my own decision. "I shouldn't have signed the agreement that night. It was a mistake, a very big one."

I checked the time and it said 5:30 p.m. I brought out some potatoes and began to prepare. At exactly dusk, I had finished with the chores and bid my good bye to my mum with the hope that I will be back home by tomorrow.

"Where are you off too?" She asked.

"Uhm... well, it's my shift by dusk and I need to be on my way now." I lied to my mum. " I might be late though and just sleep over... just in case."

"Very well, then. Be safe, Jasmine." She smiled at me and I looked away instead. I couldn't look at her in the eyes knowing I had lied twice in just one day to my mother, something I have never done before. I wasn't brought up that way, but it's the only way to prevent her from knowing the truth behind her surgery.

The Main Street is pretty much in the urban area and far from the suburb where I live. It'd literally take hours to get there and less if the road was free from traffic. It is a very well-known street that belongs to the wealthiest clans in the country, and the only time you would find a commoner is if she works there.

I got to the address location later. On arrival at the particular address sent to me, I met a car awaiting me already. The man inside called my name and gestured for me to come in and I believe he was sent by Mateo himself.

After about a ten minutes drive, we arrived at a mansion and the man left as soon as he dropped me. He instructed me on what to do and I stared in awe as I catch a glimpse of the building in front of me. The mansion is so huge , it's unfathomable! The exteriors were painted gold and white and the lights outside of it illuminated the night. The gate flew open and as a black SUV drove out, I could see the man inside remove his shade.

"Jason?" My mouth stood agape. "No, there's no way that's Jason." I turn back to see if he had seen me, but the car vanished into thin air instead.

"How can I help you, young lady?" A man asked me from inside the mansion. His physique, typical of a bodyguard and his voice woke me back to reality.

"Uhm...yeah, I'm looking for Mr. Mateo. He asked me to come here." I said to him.

His reply got me pretty offended as he scanned me from head to toe. "I'm not a slut, you fool." I said within me and turn my gaze up to give him an ugly scowl.

"Are you Jasmine?" he asked me.

Yes.

He made a phone call and after several attempts to get through, he let me in instead. How odd?! He then directed me to the exact room where I'd be meeting Mateo, but didn't follow me. Instead, he returned to his duty.

I entered the mansion, and was mesmerized by the crystal chandeliers hanging down the ceiling and the interiors, very sleek and of very modern design. The high ceilings seemed to whisper tales of wealth and power.

As I walked through the mansion and on my way up to the room as directed, I found myself drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the surrounding gardens. I inhale deeply at the sight of it and even though the mansion was a beautiful sight to see, I couldn't help, but wonder why it is devoid of maids or at least one.

My thought got interrupted by a loud cry from one of the rooms upstairs and I didn't hesitate to rush down to the place where it came from. I opened wide the door, but unfortunately was greeted by a scene so morally disgusting that it nearly made me puke on sight. I turned back to leave, but a baritone voice interrupted and I stood frozen.

"9:01 p.m." He said. The lady under him moaned satisfyingly and I could hear him intensify his thrust inside her before finally halting. "You may leave now, Jessica."

Jessica left in no time and he appeared before me covered in towel. God, that body!

"What did I tell you about late coming, Jasmine?" He said, his eyes blazing fury and his voice dripped with venom as he spoke.

"I had been there earlier, but I didn't know..."

"Seize it!" he cut me off. " You wouldn't be late if you were there early enough."

"But it wasn't my fault I was. I could have if you were just been specific," I replied sharply.

My statement made his face go crimson red and in that momentt, I knew better than to say anymore words.