n grata
rep among my friends. He was really persona non grata
for a few years. But it stopped when he was about fifteen
or sixteen.” She shrugs.
Holy fuck. Another piece of the jigsaw falls into place.
“So, what am I bid for the gorgeous Jill?”
“Four thousand dollars,” a deep voice calls from the
left side. Jill squeals in delight.
I stop paying attention to the auction. So Christian was
in that kind of trouble at school, fighting. I wonder why. I
stare at him. Lily is watching us closely.
“And now, allow me to introduce the beautiful Ana.”
Oh shit, that’s me. I glance nervously at Mia, and she
shoos me center stage. Fortunately, I don’t fall over, but
stand embarrassed as hell on display for everyone. When I
look at Christian, he’s smirking at me. The bastard.
“Beautiful Ana plays six musical instruments, speaks
fluent Mandarin, and is keen on yoga . . . well, gentlemen
—” Before he can even finish his sentence Christian
interrupts him, glaring at the MC through his mask.
“Ten thousand dollars.” I hear Lily’s gasp of disbelief
behind me.
Oh fuck.
“Fifteen.”
What? We all turn as one to a tall, impeccably dressed
man standing to the left of the stage. I blink at Fifty. Shit,
what will he make of this? But he’s scratching his chin and
giving the stranger an ironic smile. It’s obvious Christian
knows him. The stranger nods politely at Christian.
“Well, gentlemen! We ha一ve high rollers in the house
this evening.” The MC’s excitement emanates through his
harlequin mask as he turns to beam at Christian. This is a
great show, but it’s at my expense. I want to wail.
“Twenty,” counters Christian quietly.
The babble of the crowd has died. Everyone is staring
at me, Christian, and Mr. Mysterious by the stage.
“Twenty-five,” the stranger says.
Could this be any more embarrassing?
Christian stares at him impassively, but he’s amused.
All eyes are on Christian. What’s he going to do? My
heart is in my mouth. I feel sick.
“One hundred thousand dollars,” he says his voice
ringing c
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