The Marriage Auction: Book One(23)
Memphis rubbed Jade’s arm from shoulder to elbow which she allowed this time. “It’s okay. If you weren’t comfortable, you did the right thing.”
“No, I messed up. When she asked me to remove my dress, I just stared out into the audience, and my entire body got so hot. I started to cry, and I couldn’t control it. I couldn’t stop my body from shaking like a scared little chick stuck in a rainstorm. It was humiliating. That’s when a couple of them started yelling for me to take it off or leave the stage.” She sucked in her bottom lip as though she was desperately trying to prevent another breakdown. “Madam Alana had them escorted out by security but…”
“The damage was already done. I understand. Then what happened?” I asked gently, not wanting to spook her.
Her head lifted, and her almond-shaped dark eyes were glassy, like perfectly polished obsidian. Her small nose was red and running. The olive tone of her skin seemed ghostlike as she crumbled.
“I just ran. I ran away,” she choked out between heaving sobs. “I…I…needed this. Needed to find a husband. One I chose! One of my choosing.” She fisted her hands, her knuckles turning white with the effort. “Before…” Her voice broke, and she dipped her head again, wiping at her nose with the back of her hand. “I’m never going to get to choose,” she whispered cryptically.
I understood that fear even if I didn’t know exactly what she meant. Jade was like me. Tight-lipped and kept her personal life private. We knew exactly why Memphis, Dakota, and Savannah were in this, but Jade and I had taken the speak-no-evil and tell-no-lies approach.
“Maybe you can get in the back of the line and try at the end?” I suggested just as Dakota came clomping down the backsteps of the stage.
Dakota’s dress was balled up in her hands, and she wore nothing but the eggplant-colored lingerie and, shockingly, her own cowboy boots. If I hadn’t been tending to Jade, I’d have laughed my ass off at the sight of those cowboy boots, especially given they were so far out of place. Dakota was someone I’d come to admire in the very short amount of time we’d all been together. She gave zero fucks. Made it very clear the only reason she was in this was to save her land. I appreciated her grit and follow-through. She’d made a decision about her life and had stuck to it.
It's exactly what I was trying my best to do, too. Provided I got chosen, I’d be a million steps closer to that goal. Technically, three million steps closer.
Dakota frowned as she saw Jade, but she lifted a finger as though suggesting she’d be back in a moment. She raced her way back to the front of the line, her sister waiting patiently at the top. I had no clue what was happening. It seemed shit was hitting the fan, and all I wanted to do was get this over and done with. Start the clock on my three years and move on with my life.
“Don’t worry, Jade. I’ll stay with you.” Memphis looped an arm around her shoulder, tugging her against his chest where she clung on to him.
She heaved and sobbed even harder. “No, you have to go…” she croaked, but didn’t stop crying into his massive chest.
“Nah, there will be other opportunities. It’s okay. I’ve got you,” he murmured sweetly.
“Let’s welcome…Ms. Savannah McAllister…” I heard Madam Alana’s voice through the sound system.
Shit. Shit. Shit. I needed to go. I was right after Savannah.
“I…I’m sorry.” I gulped. I wanted to stay, but I had to go. Everything I had was hanging by a thread. This was my last-ditch effort at vastly turning things around for myself and those I loved.
“Go! Go! I’ve got her,” Memphis pushed.
I looked back at the stairs to the stage entrance.
My entire life was about to change.
Had to change.
As much as I wanted to be there for a sister going through a hard time, I too had it rough, and it wasn’t just about me. I had obligations and other people who counted on my success.
“I’m sorry, Jade. It will be okay. I’ll call you,” I offered lamely, turned around, and rushed to the stairs, stopping at the top where I waited patiently.
“Next up we have the incredibly spectacular Faith Marino,” Madam Alana announced through the sound system. I gave myself one full breath in and let it out before smoothing down the velvet of my dress. I put my shoulders back, stood tall, and gracefully entered the stage, a practiced smile plastered across my face.
“Faith Marino is twenty-four and stands at five foot seven. She is a dab hand at card games, knows how to cook authentic Italian food, and loves walks on the beach and cuddling in bed on Sunday afternoons.”
The first few facts were true. The beach and cuddling Madam Alana had flat-out made up. I’d never entered those items about myself, but I stood with my hands on my hips and shifted slightly from side to side, making sure I gave my most alluring poses possible.
“Give them a little twirl, darling,” Madam Alana suggested.
I did as she asked and walked to the front of the stage, a sexy sway to my hips that I’d practiced in the mirror a hundred times before attending. I hit the mark I’d been told would be on the floor and stared out into the audience as though I was about to set eyes on my one true Prince Charming.
A warmth spread across my chest, burrowing straight through to my heart, wrapping me in the feeling of peace and serenity.