Chapter 2

Lauren pov, 

I stood by the hotel mirror as I admired my reflection, my arms were crossed over my chest–I was too exposed, as a married woman. The little black dress clung to my skin in ways I haven't dealt with for years. I quickly reached for a cardigan, which was fitted on the bed, with hopes of taming the outfit into something safer.

“I thought you were going to pick your call earlier–” I muttered.

I knew I trusted my friend, but I couldn't help the battle of scenarios going on in my head.

“I thought we both agreed on no calls, and by the way that's just a friend calling–”

“A friend—” I smiled as all the crazy thoughts in my head disappeared, at least I could actually say, my husband was not the only Ezra in the world.

And just when I thought I could get away with the cover up, Vivian slapped my hands away. “Absolutely not.”

“Vivian–” I groaned.

“Definitely not happening under my watch.” Her voice was final, her lipstick popped, red as blood as she adjusted the strap on my dress.

“If we are both going out tonight– I don't need that watered down version of you who hided behind sweaters and excuses–come on girl look at you”

I couldn’t help but smile a bit, but I had a lot of doubts in my head.

“I told you I don't want to do this.” I forged my tone, sharper than I meant it, but my nerves were eating me away.

Her brows arched as she stared back at my reflection, before bursting into a quick laugh. “The fact that you allowed me to zip you into this dress. Deep down, I know, you want this more than me myself.”

I turned back to the mirror, my heartbeat now unsteady. I guess it wasn't just about wanting it. Maybe it was about not wanting to sit alone in this room again, drowning in guilt and silence. 

To be honest, my husband's absence had left a hole I can't seem to fill, even when I clung to my vows.

“It's just one night,” I whispered, and guess what? I had already given myself the what can go wrong speech.

—--

The street of Athens hummed with life as we both stepped out of the cab. I had on that black gown from earlier, my hair curled down grazing my waist– along with the Louboutin heels Vivian had shoved into my hands. The music spilled from the nearby shops, as laughter rose over the humming of bicycles, cars and small talk. Vivian held my hand as she led me, our heels clicking against the cobblestones, every step was confident, with purpose. I trailed behind, my nerves knotting tighter with each turn we took.

“Finally…” I whispered, letting out a sigh of relief. Vivian had stopped at the end of a nondescript wooden door at the end of the narrow alley.

“This looks sketchy, Vivian…” I frowned, already thinking of ways to head back if suits go sideways.

“That's the point,” she said with a crazy grin, before knocking twice, then once more. Just then a man in black suit opened the door, as his eyes flickered over us before stepping aside.

I won't lie– in that moment I felt my heart jolt into my throat.

I hesitated, but Vivian grabbed my hands and pulled me along with her.

The air inside was thick with expensive perfumes, it was something dark– spicy, filled with desire. The golden lights poured out from the chandeliers, It glittered over the velvet polished marble floors. It had this mischievous castle-like setting–I was wowed.

The room pulsed with low music, laughter and the sound of occasional gasp which muffled behind an handfan. 

I thought it was all nice till I saw them –I had no idea if they were couples– they were pressed together in the corner, as their hands explored themselves shamelessly as the people watched and clapped.

“Vivian, what the hell is this place?” I asked as my cheeks flamed up.

“Underground,” she muttered with a wink. “Exclusives. exactly what you need.”

“Thus is insane, Vivian, I can't be here.” I said, clutching the drink a waiter had just pressed into my hand.

I shook my head trying to reset, my body urge, when Vivian’s hands rested on my shoulders.

“Come on now, calm down..” she whispered. “ We are just watching,” she reminded me. “No one's asking you to do anything. Unless….” She paused, leaning closer as her eyes sparkled. “You want to.”

I quickly sipped my drink, fast, allowing the burn against my throat to distract me. I wanted to protest, to walk back out of that door–but something inside me tightened at the sight of the couples touching freely by my side– I sat there wishing I could trade places.

“Stop it… you are married.” I cautioned myself.

Just then, the music stopped, as an announcement echoed through the room, pulling me out of my thoughts. A lady dressed in a crimson dress stepped onto the raised platform, with a wicked smile.

“Ladies and gentlemen, “ she purred.

“Tonight ,as always, we host our auction. Subs and doms, bidders and the brave–let the games begin.”

I felt the knot in my stomach drop. I turned sharply to Vivian. “What the fuck are they auctioning?”

“Like I said earlier, calm down. It's harmless. People volunteer, while others bid. It's just a game.”

I shook my head violently. “ Absolutely not. I am not volunteering.”

“No one said you are mandated to do so. But…” she paused, sliding a card across the table towards me. “Why not sign up? Just for fun. No one will pick you. You'll see. I guess we would both laugh about it tomorrow.”

I stared at the blank line on the card, my heart hammering against my chest. “This is ridiculous–I am married, remember.”

“Oh.. cut me that crap, do you want me to go over my lectures once again..”

“No..but my name, what if someone recognises me?”

She rolled her eyes and leaned in “Come on now… in Greece, oh please, alright then, don't put your name, use a fake one. Everyone does it–it's part of the game. Trust me, Lauren. No one here cares who you really are. They just want their fantasy to be fulfilled.”

My throat tightened as I held the pen. A fake name. That made it less real…right? And safer. More like it wasn’t really me that signed up–I convinced myself.

My fingers shook as I scribbled the first name that came to my mind, a strange name that gave me the access to what I wanted to feel. I shoved the card back at Vivian as I could feel the numbness of my fingers.

“Here, you go. Happy?” I muttered.

“More than happy–I'm ecstatic.” She smirked.

—

The auction began. And one by one, the names were called out, laughter and applause filled the room as the bids flew. Some went for an outrageous sum, while the others were barely a token. I sat stiff in my chair, praying the name I had chosen would pass unnoticed.

And then it came.

“Ophelia Sinclair.”

I had no idea I was the one, till I got tapped by Vivian, who reminded me that my fake name was being called.

My blood ran cold as the host's smile curved. “Do I hear a bid?”

I shook my head, before rising half way from my seat. This was already happening–I wished I was dreaming. The numbers flew, higher and higher, echoing like hard rock against my chest. I clutched the edge of the table, my hands trembled.

Finally, the bid ended as the host lifted her hand. “Sold!–to the highest bidder of the night.”

The crowd applauded, but I could barely hear it. My gaze lifted, as I was drawn to something magnetic and inevitable.

Across the room, stood the man I was bidded to. The moment he stepped forward, I could feel the bolts of shock streaming down my body. He was tall, broad–shoulderd, but his face was hidden in the shadow like an half mask. His eyes locked unto mine–steady and dark as it burned with hunger.

I quickly turned trying to distract myself, as I sipped back on my drink– I choked, coughing out loud. I felt Vivian’s warm hand rest on my back, as she stroked me to calm down.

“Ooh.. look who got a dick for the night..” Vivian whispered into my ear, but before I could react, I heard him behind me.

“Are you alright–” the voice was thick, but the moment I turned I swore in that moment, I had forgotten I was married, my panties were all mushy and soaked just from his voice.