The Auction Block

by Courtney Lynn Rose

  "Go get some sleep, baby. I'll try and hurry."

  "Okay," I whisper, leaning back and heaving myself off the couch.

  I stop at the bottom of the stairs and glance back at her. She's grinning as she runs her index finger over her bottom lip. I shake my head and walk up the stairs quietly.

  What did I do to deserve a woman that beautiful?

  †††

  ~Lily~

  We’re almost done setting this shit up, and I'm itching to get upstairs with Blake. I've been on and off the phone with Hyde, and everyone's been working non-stop. Hyde made good on Rhett's list and then some. The new weapons arrived early this morning. Vlad called and got approval to replace all the windows in the apartment with bulletproof glass as well.

  "We'll need to take them to a hotel for the day tomorrow. That way I can get the windows replaced without putting them in harm's way. The apartment will be vulnerable for a while," Vlad says, sitting next to me in the kitchen.

  "I'll let them know. Have Sammi use my credit card to book us rooms somewhere."

  "How many rooms?"

  "Two suites. I'll stay with Blake. Dresden and Shannon with us. Rhett can go with Carmen and James," I say, sipping my coffee.

  "What about the housekeeper?"

  "Put Hayato and Sammi with her, they can go with Rhett."

  "Yes, ma'am."

  Draining my cup, I stand and make my way to Blake's bedroom. It's dark, the curtains drawn. He's sitting in bed, his legs stretched out— reading a book. He doesn't move and I take a moment to gaze at him.

  His face is relaxed for the first time since yesterday. I hate that he doesn't smile anymore. I clear my throat. His head snaps up and a small, almost unnoticeable grin flits onto his face and disappears.

  "What are you thinking?" I pull my shoulder holsters off and sit them on the nightstand.

  "That I'm a lucky man." He shuts his book and lays it next to his legs.

  "Oh, yeah? What has this luck got you?"

  "You."

  I smile sadly. "I wouldn't call that good luck, Blake."

  "I would. Come here," he commands softly, opening his arms.

  I crawl across the bed and lay my head on his chest. He wraps his arms around me, lightly trailing his fingers up and down my back. My eyes close, enjoying the normalcy of Blake's embrace. I've spent a lifetime alone and angry, but with him . . . it all disappears.

  Images of the last few months flash behind my lids. Shannon, Jax, the auction, the beatings . . . for the first time I feel one emotion, filling me, choking me . . . fear. I tighten my arms around him, pressing my face into his chest, tears burning my eyes.

  "Hey, what's the matter, baby?" He squeezes me.

  I shake my head.

  "Lily, talk to me." He puts his hands on my shoulders and pushes me back, gazing into my eyes as the tears spill over, silently taking part of my energy with them.

  "I love you."

  "I know you do."

  "I should tell you more often."

  "Lily, I know admitting your feelings for me is one of the hardest things you've ever done."

  I climb up, throwing my leg over him, pressing my forehead to his. I run my nose down his, closing my eyes. He wraps his hands around my ass and sighs.

  "I don't know if I can protect you like this . . . "

  "Oh, hon," he whispers, grabbing my head and locking his lips on mine.

  Fire courses through me at the feel of his mouth on mine. I put my hands on either side of his head and deepen the kiss, claiming him as mine. Grinding my pelvis into him, my sex pulses with the need to feel him inside me. He moans, low and guttural.

  I break the kiss. Grabbing his shirt, I rip it open, sending buttons in every direction. Leaning down, planting kisses across his chest, the hair tickles my face, making me grin against his tan skin, his hand tightening in my hair. I move to his collarbone, up his neck, back to his mouth.

  "I'll die before I let anyone get to you." I pant, kissing him again, gently biting his bottom lip.

  "God, I love you," he breathes.

  I vault up, standing next to the bed, stripping out of my clothes in record time. Blake wastes no time ridding himself of his as well. Without thinking twice about it, I grab the headboard and lower myself onto his waiting erection, crying out as he fills me.

  His hands grip my hips as I move hard with one goal in mind. Blake growls, sitting up, kissing my neck, biting my collarbone. I throw my head back in ecstasy, the slow burn in my stomach increasing quickly— gasoline poured on a fire.

  My body arches and bows trying to control the impending orgasm, failing miserably. Blake's hands tighten on my hips, pushing me down onto him, harder still.

  "Fuck, Lily, let go!"

  "No," I hiss through gritted teeth.

  "Yes," he snarls, twisting so he's on top of me.

  He pulls my leg up and pounds into me so hard I see stars.

  "Damn it, Blake!" I cry out as my orgasm rips through me, a mix of pleasure and brutal pain.

  Blake stills, biting my neck as he comes inside me. He leans back on his knees, pulling me into his arms. I kiss his neck, his shoulder, as we both shake with the aftershocks of our impromptu fucking session.

  "You're beautiful and amazing . . . and I love you so much, Lily."

  "I love you, too."

  He lowers us onto the bed, and I drift before my head fully sinks into the pillow.

  †††

  I wish someone would beat me to death already. It's only been three days and they've got me up for sale, again.

  "Now, for your bidding pleasure is this tough piece of meat. As you can tell, she likes the rough treatment. Do your worst and she'll beg for more. The bidding starts at $150,000 US dollars," the auctioneer says.

  I zone out. After almost nine years going through this, I've stopped giving a shit how much I cost. I close my eyes and try to think about something nice, but nothing comes to mind. Just endless memories of whips, canes, and blood.

  "Sold!" the auctioneer says, his voice echoing off the walls.

  The metal door opens, and I lift my lids, turning to face the handler waiting for me. I walk, sluggishly to the door, stepping into the hallway to wait while they retrieve my new owner. Moments later, I glance up, staring into the face of a fat, white man flanked by two guards. The guards draw my attention more than my owner does.

  The one on the right is staring at me, his gaze hard, lips pressed in a firm line. He's dark skinned, the color of chocolate, with a gold earring with thick dreadlocks that almost reach his waist. His suit is nicely pressed and I can see the butt of a gun sticking out of a holster on his hip.

  My new owner walks past me, and the guard, keeping his eyes on mine stops next to me, and gestures for me to follow.

  "After you," he says his voice deep and calm

  Well, here we go again.

  30

  ~Lily~

  The room is in total darkness when I open my eyes, shaking my head to dispel the remainder of the dream. Blake's sleeping soundly next to me, his arm draped across my stomach. Gently, I slide from his embrace and sit up on the side of the bed. Running my hands over my face, inhaling deeply, I glance at the clock and blanch— 2:00 AM.

  Fuck, we spent the whole day in bed.

  I sigh and stand, pulling my pants on. I need coffee and a way to take my mind off everything. If not for this case, I'd be holed up in my apartment with my keyboard and guitar. I walk into the closet, grabbing a sports bra and sliding it on. Glancing at Blake, my heart sputters and thuds in my chest.

  Quietly, I make my way to the living room. Standing at the bottom of the stairs, I gaze around the room, finally settling on the piano. My eyes dart to it every few seconds as I pour a tumbler of Tequila. Teresa has me hooked on this shit. At home, I feel better, calmer when I play music. There hasn’t been much time for anything like that here since it’s either work or just being in Blake’s presence, which I’m not complaining about by any means. I stroll
to the piano and sit down. Lightly, I run my fingers over the keys, taking a long sip from my glass.

  I set it next to me on the bench, and take a deep breath. My fingers glide over the keys as I start to play Independence Day by Martina McBride. The words flow from my lips in perfect pitch . . . and I'm lost.

  I close my eyes, singing the lyrics as my hands fly over the keys, never missing a beat. My insides relax, a blanket of warmth falling over me. My thoughts wander and my body unconsciously falls into the music. As I end the song, I leave my hands on the keys, an odd pulling sensation at my back.

  I don't bother turning around. I know Blake's there, along with probably half the other people in the house. Instead, I begin playing God Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts. It's almost perfect.

  As I sing the second verse, the realization of my feelings for Blake sweeps through me. I've never been sure about God or divine intervention— but looking at Blake, I wonder if it's possible that my past led me here. If I weren't an Interpol agent, I never would've met him; and if I wasn't so fucked up, I wouldn't know how to push through all the pain and hurt . . . but all that makes these feelings stronger.

  My voice cracks as I finish the song, and tears escape my eyes. My fingers rest on the keys as strong but gentle hands glide over my shoulders. I sigh, wiping the moisture from my face.

  "You sing beautifully," Blake says in a hushed tone.

  "Thank you," I mumble.

  His lips press against my neck, my blood boiling from his touch. "What's bothering you, baby?"

  He wraps his arms around my shoulders and I lean my lips onto his forearm.

  "Tomorrow we're all going to stay at a hotel for 24 hours. Vlad's having the windows replaced with bulletproof glass."

  His chest rises and falls against my back with his deep breath and I pray he isn't going to argue.

  "Okay," he whispers, kissing my hair.

  "You're not going to fight me on this?"

  "No, baby," he chuckles. "Not tonight."

  Pulling his arms from around me, I stand, and walk around the piano bench. I glance up . . . everyone is awake.

  Well, this is awkward . . .

  I shake my head and bust into a fit of laughter. Amusement shines in Blake's eyes as he reaches out for my hand. I take it, and pick up my glass with the other. Walking into the kitchen, I drain what's left, and slide it onto the counter. Blake drops my hand and goes to the fridge, pulling out a bottle of water.

  "Alright, we have to leave here by 8:00 AM. Shows over, everyone go back to bed," I say playfully.

  Several people laugh and I glance up in time to see Shannon reach out and touch the side of Dresden's face. She smiles a wide cheesy grin, her eyes locked on his. As she turns to go, he glances back, meeting my gaze. I lift my eyebrows at him. He looks like a little kid who's been caught stealing cookies. I shake my head, a smile spreading across his face as he shrugs his shoulders and leaves the room.

  Wow . . . Dresden and Shannon . . .

  Turning back to Blake, I sit at the island, resting my elbows on the counter. I tangle my fingers in my hair, staring down at the granite patterns. The house is back to its strained quietness. Since returning to the apartment, things have spiraled quietly into chaos. I've been trying my best to keep shit together.

  Blake grabs my hands and turns me toward him. His eyes are sad and full of longing. I reach up and press my hand against his cheek as he pulls me off the stool and into his arms, pressing my back against the edge of the counter. Footsteps echo through the kitchen as Blake's lips hover over mine.

  "Lily, sorry to interrupt," Dresden says.

  "What's up?"

  His eyes widen a second before the shattering glass reverberates throughout the room. Dresden tackles both Blake and I, knocking us to the ground. He moans and rolls onto his back, blood soaking his shoulder.

  "Sniper!" I scream, grabbing Blake and forcing him onto the floor. "Stay down," I growl, sprinting along the wall, to his bedroom. As I pass the window, the glass breaks and a shit storm of bullets fly into the room.

  I drop to my stomach and crawl to the closet, grabbing my duffel bag. I turn and make my way to the bed, pulling my guns out from under it. The hail of bullets stops and I jump to my feet and dash back to the kitchen.

  Dresden is propped against the fridge and Blake is gone. Both windows are busted out and bullets clink against the walls with deafening force. Blood soaks his arm, down to his elbow and his face has lost its coloring.

  "Where's everyone?"

  "Vlad grabbed Blake. Put everyone in your office just before the bullets started again," he says half drowned out by the attack.

  "Come on, we need to get you in there," I say, slipping my arm under his good one. I haul him into a standing position and wait for the bullets to slow in their succession.

  They have to reload sometime.

  A few seconds later, the assault stops, and I pull Dresden toward my office, almost buckling under his weight. He's lost a good amount of blood.

  "Come on Dres, I need you to focus. You're going to be fine."

  I lean against the wall, and turn the doorknob, falling into the office. "Don't shoot!"

  Vlad grabs Dresden and sits him down as I pull out my switchblade and cut open his shirt. Dropping my duffel bag on the ground, I pull out a towel and stuff it in Dresden's mouth.

  "Bite down," I snap.

  His eyes widen as he does. I hold my knife horizontally between my teeth as I reach into my bag and pull out a lighter.

  "Shit!" I say pulling the blade from my mouth.

  "What?" Vlad asks, glancing at me in a frantic manner.

  "I'll be right back," I hiss, standing up.

  I grab my shoulder holsters and strap them on. I also wrap one of my knife holders around my bicep and adjust the tightness. Shannon is curled in Blake's arms, his eyes on me.

  I step over and squat, grabbing his head in my hands. "Are you okay?"

  "Yes, are you?" His eyes search my body looking for wounds.

  "Yes baby, the blood is Dresden's," I say. Shannon whimpers at his name. "Shannon, you can go to him, just don't touch his shoulder."

  She pushes out of Blake's arms and slides to Dresden's good side, grabbing his hand in hers.

  "Mein Schatz," Dresden whispers, looking into her eyes. Tears stream down her face as she lifts his hand to her lips.

  I pull my gaze back to Blake's face. He stares at me— fear and something else dancing behind his eyes. I press my lips to his, hard, hot, and needy. "Fuck, Blake, are you sure you're okay?"

  He grabs my head as well, kissing me back. "I'm fine. What the fuck’s happening?"

  I let go of him, and he sits back. The house is quiet, making me uneasy. "Assassination attempt."

  I stand and move toward the door, pulling my guns out.

  "Where the fuck are you going?" Blake hisses, getting to his knees.

  I put my finger over my lips. "I need to get something to clean Dresden's bullet wound." My eyes dart around the room . . . "Where the fuck is Boa?"

  "Shit! She's probably in her office," Jameson says moving to my side.

  "What are you doing?" I ask in irritation.

  "Going with you."

  "No you're not, you're staying here," I say, pointing to his seat.

  "Lily, you're not going out there alone."

  "Stand down, Mamba, that's an order."

  Without argument, he takes a defensive position in front of the Masons. Vlad is blocking Shannon and Dresden— all weapons drawn. Hayato and Rhett hone in on the door. Slowly, I crack it open and peek into the hall. The light click of boots comes from the main room. Sammi's door is across from mine.

  I close the door again. "No matter what you hear, do not come out."

  "Lily, wait," Hayato says, strutting forward.

  He holds out a clear ear-piece. I take it, placing it into my left ear. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a silver watch and clasps it on my wrist.

  "You got the
other half?" I ask, adjusting the ear-piece.

  "Yes," he says waving a walkie-talkie in front of me.

  I nod, opening the door again. Sliding into the hallway, my eyes sweep up and down the corridor. I take a step forward just as someone steps into my line of sight. I raise the gun in my left hand and fire one shot, darting into Sammi's office.

  “Boa," I whisper harshly into the room.

  "Over here, Lily, behind the desk."

  "What the fuck are you doing?" I hiss, running over and kneeling down next to her.

  "Had to back up our files and wipe the computers."

  "I'm yelling at you later for this. Let's go."

  We move to the door, staying low. I peek down the hall and make out at least two people standing in the great room. I hold up two fingers, jutting my chin in their directions. She nods and pulls her gun from its hip holster.

  I move into the middle of the hallway and raise my guns. Firing toward the great room, Sammi darts behind me, opening the office door. As our attackers return fire, she grabs my arm and hauls me into the room, slamming the door shut.

  "Sammi, stay here. Vlad with me," I say, reloading.

  "How many are there?" Vlad asks.

  "No idea. I shot one on the way to Sammi's office. Not sure if I hit any coming back over."

  "What's the plan?"

  "You and I need to get to the kitchen. I need to get something to clean Dresden up before we can move him."

  "Why don't we just go kill them, that way we don't have to move him?"

  My eyes meet Vlad's murderous gaze. It's not a bad idea. We've done sweeps before. We know the layout of Blake's apartment well enough. I run my hands through my hair and glance at Blake.

  "Blake," I say, turning toward him.

  "What?" he snaps.

  He isn't happy about the thought of us going into a fight, and I don't blame him. I'd prefer if Dresden could shoot, but Vlad and I are deadly enough. The Taurus has skilled killers, but something tells me they didn't send their best in this time.