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.
Of safety.
I gasped as the sensation continued, making my heart pound with an intense rhythm I usually felt before something good or bad was about to happen.
Madam Alana made some comment, but I didn’t hear it, my attention focused on a single spot in the dark audience. There was a man out there ready to make me his wife. I could feel him almost as completely as I could feel the air caressing my skin.
A buzz of sound seemed to rumble through the figures in the audience. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the big screen light up with people interested in bidding on me. More than I could have ever expected.
My mind was soaring with the possibilities of actually making this happen. Which was also when Madam Alana told me to remove my dress.
Without a single hesitation, I reached behind me and unzipped the stiff bodice. It slid down my hips and legs and pooled at my feet.
I heard a growling sound come from the audience and then a booming, cultured, accented voice called out, “Twenty million dollars.”
Episode 13
Faith’s Auction
JOEL
I could not believe I’d allowed the twins to talk me into this. The Marriage Auction. The entire concept sounded absurd and yet, there I sat, watching the men I trusted most in the world bid on women they’d never met and planned to marry. The only reason I’d agreed to come to this circus was because I was already in Vegas for a meeting with my resort team.
Deciding to open one of my resorts in Sin City had been a risky endeavor from the beginning. My resorts were known for their Mediterranean-style luxury and most specifically oceanfront beach views as far as the eye could see. Which is why I had resorts along every coastline in Europe, as well as several in Africa, South America, and the Caribbean islands. But it was my late wife’s dream to open one in America. Most specifically, Las Vegas.