Bidding for love

Striding down the street , heading for an interview, I'm lost in thought about tonight's auction. My life has been a mess, family responsibilities, and debts seem to be my new normal. That's why, I agreed to Mr Maguire's sick plan of auctioning me off to the highest bidder But I made it clear that a date is all the highest bidder is getting. I don't care about the consequences, just the payout. I got pulled out of my trance as soon as a puddle of dirty water splashed on me. It swiftly greets my chin, trailing down my chest and finally stopping on my tight faded blue skirt.

"Seriously!" I groan irritatedly, trying to somehow dry off the liquid with my hand.

In utmost fury, my eyes darted to the stupid car that had ruined my outfit, my mood and possibly, my day. Like I'm not already having a bad day and the day has only just begun.

I glare at the vehicle as it makes its way to the front of a building and parks there. It's a shiny, black car, very fancy. I'm concerned with the fact that my outfit has been completely ruined and I've got a job interview this morning. I can't let this slide. Whoever's sitting behind the wheels owes me a freaking apology and I'm going to get it come what may.

With my fists balled, my teeth clenched in anger and frustration and my purse clutched under my armpit, I stomp over to where the car is, strands of my golden blonde hair falling to my face. I make my way to the front of the car, eagerly awaiting the driver to come out. I tap my foot on the ground seeing that whoever's in there is hesitant to come out and I get even more irritated.

I'm about to open my mouth to say something when a tall, muscular man steps out. His black suit is sleek, his jet-black hair styled perfectly, and his chiselled features radiate an aura of power. He glances at me, his eyes piercing but expressionless. I'm taken aback by his intensity, and it makes me feel uneasy he makes his way back into his car and drives off

I'm left standing there pissed but there is nothing I can do, I've never felt so uncomfortable. I inhale a deep breath, staring in their direction and then I remember I have somewhere to be. I cuss at myself as I hurry off to the edifice for my interview.

"We'll get back to you," the employer says to me in a monotonous voice, concluding the interview after only a few minutes.

But I can feel it in my guts that it's a no. I was tardy and I came in here looking like crap

The rest of the day is a blur: a failed interview, a stressful shift at the restaurant, making my way home. I start preparing for tonight. I put on a red skimpy halter neck dress Mr Maguire lent to me for the event, accentuating my curves and firm, round bust and apply makeup as per his instructions, feeling like a commodity

I get 30% of the highest bid and the rest goes to him. I can't complain because it's a fair deal.

Now, I'm standing in front of eleven affluent bastards, forced to put on a smile and pose like a runway model as they ogle and leer at me.

"Gentlemen, the highest bidder gets to take this enthralling beauty on a date. Who will it be? Let's begin! Going for Ten thousand dollars ," Mr Maguire booms and I glare at him.

That's a little too high for a start, I think.

"Ten thousand dollars ," one man says.

"Twenty thousand ," another counters.

"Thirty thousand ," I hear another thunder.

"Forty thousand !" Another man yells.

"Fifty thousand !"

Holy shit! Are these people out of their minds or what? They've got so much money to waste, just sitting there, drinking and calling amounts I've never seen in my life. I'm still wondering what's it with rich people throwing money away like that when I hear a deep voice say ever so calmly, "One hundred thousand dollars ."

All heads turn to look at the person and I gasp as my eyes land on him. He's the same man from earlier this morning, the cold devilishly handsome man.

We lock gazes, my mouth partly agape and his expression as cold as ever.

"Two hundred thousand dollars , " I meant to say," he deadpans and I gulp, my heart skipping a beat.

Who is this man?

The man's aloof voice resounds in my ear for a couple of seconds.

I still find it hard to believe that there are people like him who'll waste that much money, trying to win a bid. Rich people will always remain a big mystery to me. No matter how hard I try, I can't fathom how the minds of these people work. What is it that they're trying to prove?

The whole place is thrown into a deafening silence and seconds later, murmurings, mutterings and gasps engulf it. I stare in awe and bewilderment at the man who's on the verge of becoming the highest bidder tonight. He's sitting so confidently and relaxed in his chair, wearing a smug look that he doesn't seem to get tired of. Our eyes are still locked, his looks are burning holes through me. My legs threatened to fail me and I got self-conscious, my heart was racing fast, you need to get a hold of yourself Sarah, I whispered to myself All I wanted to do was walk up to him and ask him how he could bid such a ridiculous amount to get a date in return. I know I should be psyched that he's willing to pay that much to go on a date with me, that I'll be walking home with nothing less than $Fifty thousand dollars but I still find all of this unreal.

"Anyone up for Two hundred and Fifty ? Going for Two Hundred and fifty thousand dollars , anyone? No one?" Mr Maguire thunders cheekily, he's almost yelling at this point.

I bet his insides are squealing with elation, his potbelly's thumping and his mouth is watering at the easy money he's about to make. I've been mulling over how he managed to organize this and get these men to come here. But I figure I shouldn't stress over it. I've got way too many things to worry about.

And Mr Maguire has always been a greedy and cunning man. He owns a nightclub and a gambling den right here in the heart of Cole Spring City where I've lived all my life. He's a loan shark too, a heavy one. He used to be friends with my late father many years ago. I ended up taking loans from Mr Maguire to fend for my family.

Now, I've got huge debts to settle with him including his excessive rates of interest that keep adding up whenever I default and many more piling up as I struggle to make ends meet. So when he'd proposed this idea of an auction, I thought it was crazy. I still do but if it can somehow lessen the burden on me, I'll gladly take it. And it's not like I'll be doing anything other than going on a date. If anything, it's a win-win for both of us, well, Mr Maguire for the most.

"Going for Two hundred thousand dollars !" Mr Maguire screams, pulling me out of my deep thoughts, happiness blaring in his voice as his eyes dance over the faces of all the men present.

I roll my eyes and shake my head a little before shifting my gaze to the dashing man in a black suit, my soon-to-be date. Our eyes meet yet again and I realize he's been staring at me, his icy glare burning my skin the whole time. I feel a strange pang in my chest yet again and I quickly look away.

"Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars !" A voice yells and everyone turns to the direction it came from.

I rake my eyes all over the person. Another wasteful rich son of a bitch, oh how much I hate rich people appears tall, with masses of dark brown hair and a five o'clock shadow that graces his chin, giving him a bold look. He's good-looking but not as good-looking as Mr Grim, I don't know his name so Mr Grim will do for now. He's decked in a grey suit and his hair is slightly in a dishevelled mess but in a way that makes him more attractive.

A loud gratifying smirk forms on his lips, having raised the bar higher. He must be feeling so smug and pleased with himself. I guess we have ourselves the highest bidder tonight, or not. We all turn to look at Mr Grim, eager to see if he'll give up or raise the bar even higher. And he doesn't disappoint.

"Three hundred thousand dollars ," he responds way calmer this time, it's scary to me. He moves his head to face the man who'd dared to bid higher than him and I observe as the two of them share a deadly glare. They seem to know each other and judging by how they're glaring at each other, anyone can perceive their rivalry.

"Three hundred and fifty thousand dollars !" The second dude counters, his smirk slowly fading off and his eyes never leaving his opponent.

"Four hundred thousand dollars ," Mr Grim responds in a chilled manner. Everything about him is so calm to the point of making me feel uneasy.

"Four hundred and fifty thousand dollars !" The other dude strikes again and now, his smirk has completely washed off, replaced by a distraught expression.

It's almost as if the auction's just for the two of them as everyone else goes dead silent, engrossed in the drama playing out before them and awestruck by their ridiculous display of wealth. We keep shifting glances between the two men, wondering which one of them leaves here with me tonight.

"Five hundred thousand dollars ," Mr Grim opposes and adjusts his tie, shooting his opponent a look as if to say, "I'd like to see you beat that."

But of course, the other guy is just as relentless and I'm getting a feeling this isn't about the auction anymore. There's bad blood between them and now they're trying to best each other under the guise of this event.

The guy hesitates before yelling in what I presume to be frustration, "Six hundred thousand dollars !"

Mr Grim doesn't say anything. I gaze at him, my eyes pleading with him to bid higher and shut this guy up for good but nothing. He just sits there, utterly speechless. I don't have a problem walking out of here with either of them but for some reason, I want Mr Grim.

"Going for Six hundred thousand dollars ! Anyone up for Six hundred and fifty thousand dollars ?" Mr Maguire quizzes and on getting no response, Mr Grim's rival gets up on his feet and walks over to me, smiling victoriously.

Mr. Grim narrowed his eyes, his gaze piercing through me like a cold blade. "I will pay One million dollars ," he said flatly, his voice with no hint of emotion. His eyes never left mine, making me feel like a prized possession he was about to claim. "Now, let go of her, she's mine."

The pang in my chest resurfaces and this time, it's even harder and intense. My heart throbs erratically, my chest constricting. The feeling is overwhelming and foreign. And it took just those words ripping out of Mr Grim's lips to get these emotions swirling through my body.

Mr Grim's rival is still holding me in a firm grasp. His arm becomes even tighter around my waist and I can feel his nails piercing through my dress. I flinch and wriggle my body against his, trying to break free of his grip.

"Let her go," Mr Grim says again, the spite in his voice getting louder and more noticeable. He's shooting daggers at the guy, looking at him like he wants to have his head on a silver platter.

What the hell is going on? Who are these men and why are they dragging me into whatever conflict they're having?

"And why should I?" He spits, his expression and attitude very sour. He clenches his teeth and digs his nails into my waist.

I yelp and Mr Grim takes note of it. I've been too quiet and it's enough now. I'm about to give this asswipe a piece of my mind and maybe kick him just where Mother Nature splits him. In one swift motion, he grabs my arm and tears me away from his opponent's grasp, pulling me close to his chest.

I land on his chest and place my hand on his torso for support. I would've lost my balance had he not wrapped his arm around my back and steadied me.

"Like I said, she's mine," he says in a gruff voice as if he was counting each word and talking to a 5-year-old. His arm slithers down my back, caressing me softly and I stiffen. "And you don't look like you can go higher than $1,000,000," he sniggers.

Mr Maguire chuckles and peers at the dude, awaiting his response. But he doesn't say a word, he stares at Mr Grim in anger and he can't beat the Million dollar bid.

"Going for A million dollars! And we have our highest bidder for tonight!" Mr Maguire announces, now the happiest person in the room. "Congratulations, Mr John Stones!" He beams at my date.

So that's his name...

Mr Stones doesn't respond to that. He gestures at his bodyguard who hands him his checkbook. Right in front of us, he writes Mr Maguire a million dollar check. I see the greedy man's eyes widening while he salivates. I don't know why I find everything about him irritating.

By this time tomorrow, I'll be walking away with more money than I have ever worked for my whole life. Maybe this auction isn't such a bad thing.

"This isn't over," Mr Stones' rival threatens in a malicious tone.

Mr Stones grabs me by the hand and I stare at him but he doesn't return the gaze. He leads me out of the place, ignoring his opponent's existence. I follow quietly, examining his amazing facial features. Even when he's angry and cold and always wearing a grim expression, he's still handsome, devilishly good-looking.

"You can stop staring now," he tells me the minute we get to his car.

"What?" I stutter awkwardly and clear my throat. "I wasn't staring. I swear I wasn't."

He frees my hand and his bodyguard opens up the back door for him. "Get in the car," he orders, no hint of friendliness whatsoever in his tone.

"Where are we going?" I ask, glancing at my watch. There are things I need to take care of tonight at home and I have to not stay out too late.

"Don't ask questions. Just get in," he says again, now harsher than before.

"Excuse me?" My countenance changes. "I'm not going anywhere with you until you tell me where we're going, Mr Stones," I tell him sternly. If he thinks he can do whatever he pleases with me and treats me like those other women without scruples, then he's mistaken.

"I'm not going to repeat myself."

"And neither am I." I stand firm, crossing my arms and scowling at him. He glares at me with an unreadable expression. I wonder what's going on in that head of his.

We engage in a staring contest for what feels like a minute before he speaks. "Listen here, I just splurged a million dollars on you."

"And so?" The words evade my mouth before I even realize it.

"By implication, I own you. You're not even worth half the money yet I..." He pauses, sucks in a deep breath and exhales sharply.

I'm thinking of a million things to say to him, vile things to say to him when he signals at his bodyguard who instantly picks me up from the ground and drops me in the backseat.

"Hey! This is kidnapping!" I scream as Mr Stones joins me in the backseat. "Let me go! I demand you let me go right this instant!"

Getting into his car the smell of expensive cologne hit the back of my nose, the scent was addicting, and a subtle hint of cigar smoke lingered in the air, teasing my senses.

He nestles beside me and his bodyguard shuts the door. He turns to me and I increase the tone of voice. I scream at him to let me go and swing at him. He blocks it and I swing at him again. He merely evades this time, a scratch appears on the side of his face. Seeing him injured, I kept my mouth shut, my hands beginning to tremble. Who knows what this man might do to me?

Mr Stones hisses. "Did that make you feel better?"

"What?" I furrow my brows.

"Did hitting me make you feel better?"

"Yes!" I replied cheekily, my heart was pounding fast but I couldn't afford to show it. I can't be afraid of him, I said to myself. I'm no weakling. "I'm not scared of you."

"I can see that."

"Let me go or else."

"Or else?"

"I'll hit you again," I warn him, tightening my fists and raising them at him.

He looks at me wryly and chuckles sinisterly. "If it makes you feel better, do it."

He's daring me! Alright!

I swing at him, and he grabs my hands and pushes me to lie in the backseat. He hovers above me and presses his body on mine.

And in a husky voice, he says, "Know your place ."

Mr Stones' eyes bore into mine, his gaze cold holding no emotion. I feel a shiver run down my spine as he leans in closer, his face inches from mine. "Know your place," he whispers, his breath cold against my skin.

I gather all of my strength and try to shove the bastard off me. He doesn't flinch, he's too strong for me. He withdraws his body from mine and moves to the other end, now staring quietly out the window. I sat up straight and fixed my dress which had been pushed up to my upper thigh, my lace thong almost coming into view.

Shit! I sure hope he didn't see anything.

"Damian, stop the car," Mr Stones says abruptly and his driver immediately mouths a "Yes boss" before pulling over. "Get out," he utters in an extremely low voice, colder than he had been moments ago.

"Excuse me?" Confusion spreads all over my face and all my attention is fixated on him.

"Get out," he repeats without even glancing at me.

How on earth can a person be so cold and so unbelievable!

I don't move an inch and I don't give him a reply either. All I do is stare at him. I've been doing too much of that tonight. "I'm not going anywhere." I cross my arms and lean into the seat.

Mr Stones turns his head to face me rather quickly and glares at me for what seems like an eternity. "Don't make me have my bodyguard throw you out," he finally says.

"You wouldn't dare," I tell him, being the impertinently bold person that I am.

"Get out while I'm asking nicely."

"I won't. I've changed my mind. We're going on that date. Damian, please start the car." The driver doesn't move a muscle and I let out a loud humph.

I'm not going to give Mr Stones the satisfaction that he's seeking. He had the nerve to boss me around and say nasty things to me earlier. Now, I'm going to show him what I'm made of. I'm going to do the exact opposite of whatever he says and find him. He wants to go on that date so bad, then we'll go. I can be pretty feisty if I want to be and unfortunately for Mr Stones, he's pushing me to the wall.

And as much as I want to irritate him like he's doing to me, I mustn't forget that I owe him this date. He played his part. Now, it's my turn to fulfil my end of the bargain.

"We're here," he says, his voice full of enmity

The car door opens, and his bodyguard helps me out, his grip firm on my arm. I stumble, my legs trembling as I look around at the unfamiliar surroundings.

Where are we?" I ask him as I step out of the car after him even though I know he might not give me an answer.

"My place," is all he says. I'm surprised he even answers.

Is he really serious right now?

"What have I gotten myself into?" my mind is racing with worst-case scenarios. "A million dollars is a lot of money, but is it worth risking my freedom...or my life?" I glance up at the building, its sleek facade seeming to loom over me like a prison. "What kind of person pays a million dollars for a night with a stranger? What if I was a killer did he even think of that And what does he plan to do with me?" My thoughts are a jumbled mix of fear and a dash of anger at myself for getting into this situation. "I should have just walked away...but no, I had to be stubborn and think I could handle it." Now, it's too late. I'm trapped, and I have no idea what I've gotten myself into.

"Show me the way," I say, strutting into the mansion like a runway model.

Mr Stones eyes me unreadably and walks behind me. Minutes later, we're sitting in his large dining room, just the two of us with more than enough food to feed an entire army on the table.

"Are we expecting other people?"

He ignores my question and starts eating. I humph and also begin digging in. I stuff my stomach with way too much food, I'm on the verge of bloating. I haven't eaten this much in a long while. It's only after I take the last slice of steak, that I notice Mr Stones has been intently watching me eat the whole time.

"Why did you have yourself auctioned?" He asks out of the blue.

"I needed the money. What about you? Why were you there?"

"I was bored," he says and sips his red wine. He shoves his plate away from him, indicating that he's done eating and he barely touched his meal.

"Bored?"

His phone rings and he hesitantly picks it up. "Yes?" He answers and listens to what the caller has to say. I notice his mood going from bad to worse. "That old woman!" He fumes and adds after a minute, "I don't care what you have to do. Buy her, woo her, threaten her, trick her, all I want is my hands on that property, you hear me? Get her to sign the damn thing!" He hangs up and chugs his phone away.

"Is all well? Are you having trouble with a contract or something?" I inquire.

"It's none of your business."

I bite my tongue, realizing I've overstepped, the room suddenly felt really cold his piercing gaze wasn't also helping, I quickly look away my heart was palpitating wildly, I don't want to provoke him any further, The room seemed deathly quiet only the sound of our breaths filling the atmosphere.

"You should leave once you've finished your meal". He finally spoke after an eternity of silence.

Mr Stones stares at me blankly and doesn't say a word. When I'm done eating, I pack so many leftovers that I know my family will love. He asks his driver to drop me off without even uttering another word to me. What a jerk!

I get home, elated but exhausted. I open the door to my living room. "I'm home!" Horrified by the sight before me, I drop the food and scream at the top of my lungs.