BARGAIN

Eleanor's POV

I didn’t go down without a fight. I kicked and screamed, struggling against the chains restraining my wrists as Vincent’s dogs dragged me down the shadowy hallway. The iron cuffs bruised my skin, the chains twisting with each step.

But that didn’t matter. They had taken everything from me. They would not break my spirit. Whatever lay ahead, they would pay for their actions, they would surely pay.

******

The dark and shabby underground chamber was filled with the scent of cigars and pricey cologne. Heavily furnished, with expensive curtains and caged chandeliers casting sinister shadows over the faces of influential men gathered to bid.

I had heard rumors of such place before, a place where humans are being sold. Where women were treated as mere objects, like pieces of trash.

Where predators in tailored suits drink expensive whiskey while bargaining on human lives. At the heart of it all stood Vincent Moreau, that bastard, the man who destroyed me.

He remained beside me, calm and collected, as though he was not auctioning off a human being like he hadn’t allowed his men to disgrace me before putting me onto this platform.

"This one," Vincent declared, his tone smooth and steady. "A rare gem. Once the cherished wife of Damian Blackwood." A murmur spread through the crowd.

Some men leaned in, curiosity shown on their faces. Others smirked, casually sipping their drinks, waiting for a more enticing offer from him.

Vincent grinned. "She’s been… well-conditioned. But," he turned to me, holding my chin with his fingers, "she’s got fire in her. Unbroken. That makes her invaluable." I jerked my face away, glaring at him. "Burn in hell."

Laughter rippled through the audience. Vincent merely smiled. "Now, let the bidding commence."

And then I saw him. In the dim corner of the room, partially filled in darkness. He radiated power. I sensed it from the way others shifted uneasily when his piercing blue gaze swept over them. His face was unreadable, yet there was a strong aura about him.

Then our eyes locked into each other. Recognition flickered across his features. His gaze swept over the scars on my arms, the nearly healed wounds.

And at that moment, I understood. He had witnessed suffering like mine before. Because he had survived the same torment.

*****

"Five million," a voice called out. "Seven," another quickly replied.

Vincent leaned back, reveling in the spectacle. "Gentlemen, let's not dilly-dally. Who among you is eager to possess something truly priceless as this?"

"Ten million." The room fell silent and void of noise.

That voice belonged to the man in the shadows. All eyes turned toward him, and for the first time, Vincent’s confident smile showed.

I watched, my heart racing unsteadily.

"Mr. Kieran Lancaster," Vincent responded cautiously, "you’ve caught me off guard." That name rang a bell.

Kieran Lancaster the dangerous billionaire who had built a big empire from scratch. Ruthless, feared, untouchable.

A phantom in the world of business. And now, the man who had just bought me. Vincent’s smirk faded, tension creeping into his demeanor. "Going once, going twice"

"No one will challenge me?" Kieran's tone was steady, yet an undercurrent of authority flowed through, he was indeed powerful and really feared.

Silence.

The air was filled with anticipation. "Sold," Vincent finally announced, but his amusement had vanished. Something had changed. And Vincent was clearly not pleased.

The instant they unshackled me, I lashed out. I moved and kicked one of Vincent’s guards, sending him staggering backward. Another seized me, but I elbowed him hard in the ribs and in the mouth, forcing him to gasp for breath.

I bolted and twisted. Or at least I tried to fight those bastards, those people who don't have human feelings.

Before I could reach the exit, a powerful arm wrapped around my waist, dragging me back.

I screamed, kicking and thrashing, my nails digging into flesh.

"Let me go!"

"You belong to me now." The voice was deep and scary.

Not Vincent. The buyer. Kieran Lancaster. I fought fiercely. "I am not yours! I am not an object!"

"Then behave like it," he said, tightening his grip. "And I may allow you to live." Before I could reply, he carried me on his shoulder as if I weighed nothing.

I shouted curses, kicking wildly as he carried me past Vincent and the grinning vultures who had observed the auction.

I refused to stop fighting. Not now. Not ever.

****

The car ride was filled with tension. I sat in the backseat, my wrists tied again, my body paining from the struggle. Kieran Lancaster faced me across the seat, just observing me like it was an experiment to be tested. I wanted to break the silence and demand explanations, but I wouldn’t show weakness.

So I glared instead. He smirked. "You have quite a temper." I chose silence. "You’ll need to calm down if you want to survive."

A sharp laugh escaped me. "Why would I care about survival, huh?" His expression stayed unreadable, unmoved. "You should."

"Why?" I shot back. "You paid ten million for me. What are you after? A slave? A plaything? Go ahead and try. I dare you, bastard."

His eyes darkened. "You think I need to purchase women?"

I clenched my jaw. Then, leaning forward, elbows on his knees, his calm voice concealed a dangerous edge.

"I don't desire your body, Eleanor Sinclair." My stomach twisted. He knew my real name.

Not the broken woman Vincent had attempted to market. I masked my surprise with indifference. "Then what do you want?"

He shook his head slightly. "I want a wife." Silence fell. I stared at him, expecting a punch line.

When none materialized, I laughed deliberately. "You’re delusional, dreaming." His lips curled into a faint smile. "Maybe." I narrowed my eyes. "Why me?"

His gaze pierced mine, unfazed. "Because I understand your desires." He replied slightly. "Revenge."

Chills ran down my body and soul. Kieran’s voice was smooth yet firm and strong. "You want to destroy Damian Blackwood. You yearn to destroy Vincent Moreau." His fingers drummed on the armrest. "And I can provide you with the means to do it."

I fought to maintain my blank expression, but my heart raced. He knew. Somehow, he knew.

Kieran assessed me before delivering the final blow.

"Play the role of my wife for one year, and I’ll help you take them both down." Air caught in my throat. My fists clenched so hard.

Many days of clawing my way back from hell. Days driven solely by revenge. And now, a man I hardly knew was offering me the one thing I had yearned for.

An opportunity to end them. But at what price? I met Kieran Lancaster’s cold, calculating gaze.

And for the first time since being thrust into this nightmare, I wasn't sure if I had escaped one monster…Only to walk directly into the arms of another….