CHAPTER 4 Auction Night

　　Damon’s POV

　　-Auction night-

　　I get ready for the most disgusting activity the human species can imagine of creating. It’s like a cruel circus for people, created by other people who simply have more power.

　　My parents had enough money to help me study at the best universities in the country and I ended up helping my father’s business expand. I did everything as I was supposed to do it! I am now a 27-year-old man who has made a career in the field of business and marketing and yet I have to accept all that shit again!

　　Every now and then there is an auction. Each time someone else organise it. It's impossible and dangerous for just one to do that all the time.

　　There is a high risk we are going to get caught, by people, we don't want to.

　　At the auctions, we usually bid on items, gems, jewels, rare stones, paintings worth millions and so it goes. Do I agree with those auctions? No. But they happened before me and they will continue happening after me.

　　Of course, nothing is legal. But we have a cover. Senior executives from the police, the Mafia, people involved with politics...even FBI members take part in those types of "meetings"

　　My family owns almost all the Banks in New York and California. We control the money so we control the country. That's at least what my father wants to believe. I have my own opinion on the matter but I have to admit he is not completely wrong. We do have power.

　　We decided to keep a low profile. No one knows we move the strings behind everything. And they don't need to.

　　The problem is this auction is hosted by a man who is not even going to present. A man who doesn't give a fuck about others and I am afraid of what I am going to see tonight. Sometimes animals are involved in those auctions or worse, even humans.

　　Michael: You ready son?

　　Damon: Ready for what we will see?? I don't dare to imagine.

　　Michael: Will you bid tonight?

　　Damon: Of course not! I have no interest in those kinds of toys.

　　Michael: Keep your eyes open though. There is going to be an extra attraction today.

　　Damon: Meaning??

　　Michael: No idea.?

　　My father fixes his tie and I give him a side gaze. Of course, he doesn’t know and that’s what scares me.

　　Sarah’s POV

　　Chief: THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!

　　I am curled up in a ball, like a scared kitten, scared of the cold, scared of the unknown, scared to even show my fear. The chief gets in the room and starts screaming at me as I am standing there completely helpless and almost totally naked.

　　Sarah: Please...how can you do that?

　　Chief: You little stubborn-

　　He grabs me by the hair yanking me up to face him. I swallow my tears, unable to comprehend what is going on. Why is this even happening to me? What did I do to deserve it?

　　He looks up and down my body. A smirk appears on his face to replace his rage and he licks his lips.

　　Chief: Nice...nice. You have a beautiful body. I believe your price is about to raise.

　　Sarah: My price?

　　Chief: Haven't you got the meaning yet?

　　He grabs me from the neck and brings me closer to him. I look at his eyes glimmering and I can even smell his breath... alcohol? He has been drinking, which means he might be out of control.

　　He leans to whisper in my ear and a wave of fear runs down my spine.

　　Chief: You are going to be sold, dear.

　　I bite my lower lip and shut my eyes closed

　　Sarah: I am not an object.

　　I spit the words with any courage I have left.

　　The man pulls back just enough to face me.

　　Chief: What did you say?! YOU ARE WHATEVER I WANT YOU TO BE! DO YOU HEAR ME?!

　　He shouts in my face grabbing me by the throat...he could choke me any moment. And a part of me is hoping he will. That he will choke me to death so all this is gonna be over. So I don't bother to stop him.

　　Chief: I could hurt you, but I will need you undamaged.

　　He snarls in my face before releasing me.

　　Chief: Enjoy your last moments of freedom.

　　He once more leaves the room slamming the door behind him.

　　I hear cheering and clapping.

　　How many people are in there?!

　　And then someone is talking on a mic.

　　I can't make out what they are saying... not the exact words. I can’t wrap my head around such a crime but I am sure those are people of influence.

　　My door slams open and I cover myself with my hands yet again.

　　Chief: It's time.

　　He comes in and drags me from my arm. He forces me to walk on my own until we reach a stage... and he throws me there as if I am a sack of meat.

　　I am on my knees...there is darkness. I can feel the cold of the stage floor in my bones and I can’t move. I freeze trying to understand. Understand where I am, why am I here, how I ended up here! The room is huge...like a theatre. How many people are here? Who is watching?

　　And then I hear the voice of the presenter. Is he next to me?

　　I can't see and everything seems unreal. I almost feel like I am trapped in a bad dream.

　　Sarah: It's a nightmare…

　　I mumble under my breath trying to believe my own words.

　　Presenter: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! PLEASE PAY ATTENTION! THE ATTRACTION OF THE DAY! A YOUNG FLOWER!

　　A PURE GEM! A GIRL NOT YET BECOME A WOMAN! SHE HAS THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL! THE LOOK OF A GODDESS!

　　AND THE PURITY OF A CHILD! PLEASE LET'S WELCOME OUR SPECIAL GUEST!

　　Lights turn on one after another. They all land at the place where I am. Blinding lights. I blink several times trying to see but it’s no use.

　　Sarah: I can't see.

　　I can't see them but they can see me, I hear clapping and applause. This is all so bizarre.

　　I put my arms in front of my chest trying to hide any part of my body I can. I feel exposed and I know am but I mean exposed in a different way, not just naked but also helpless. These people are about to bid for my luck…my life and I have zero control over it!

　　Presenter: Isn't she a sight?!

　　The presenter turns to look at me but I can't see him even if I try. Yet by the tone of his voice, I can tell he is smiling.

　　Presenter: ALRIGHT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! LET THE BIDDING BEGIN!

　　At those words something flashes in me...there is no way! No! It can't end like this for me! I have to repeat it to myself...there is a way out! There is hope. There has to be hope!

　　I shut my eyes closed and start mumbling a prayer. I don’t know if there is a God up there watching me but if there is, now it’s the right time to prove to me why I must have faith!

　　Let my prayers be heard!