“I came here for what I want. I didn’t get it last time, so I’m hoping I will this time,” he says, staring straight into my eyes. The serious look on his face sends chills through me. No, this isn’t flirting or joking anymore. Every fiber in my body says that this guy is trouble and I need to stay away. Luckily, the cocktail hour quickly comes to a close and Lizbeth disperses everyone to their own rooms.
Somewhat familiar with the process, I join Caroline in her room. Lizbeth is supposed to come around and tell us what’s going to happen next. I’m particularly intrigued because I’m not sure what exactly I’m doing here. There’s no way that I’m going to participate in another auction. And if Aiden is going to spend the night with another girl, we’re pretty much through. I know we haven’t talked about it and maybe that’s a bit unfair, but that’s just not where I think our relationship or whatever it is that we have here should be.
Caroline, on the other hand, can’t wait for the auction.
“So, tell me about it again,” she says excitedly. I go over what happened last time, and her eyes light up at the thought.
“I still can’t believe that I didn't go through with it last time. Man, I was such a coward,” she says, shaking her head.
“No, you weren’t. This is a crazy thing to do.”
“I know, but you did it.”
I don’t like the way she says you, but I let it slide.
“So, you’re definitely not doing it this time?” Caroline asks.
“No.” I shake my head. “I’m here to see Aiden. And if he doesn’t want to see me…I don't know. But I’m definitely not spending the night with another guy.”
“You’re so sweet,” Caroline says. I roll my eyes.
“I mean, I realize that I may be taking this relationship way more seriously than he is, but I haven’t had the chance to talk to him about it.”
“So, what are you going to do? Just stay in the room?”
“Yeah, I guess so.” I nod.
There’s a knock at the door. It’s Lizbeth.
“Will you two please join me in the main cabin in five minutes?” she asks. Again, she’s wearing a different dress than the one she’d greeted us in.
“Can you tell Aiden that I’m not going to be doing the auction again?” I whisper to her. She stares at me without saying a word for a moment.
“Please join us in the main cabin,” she finally says.
I look over at Caroline. What the hell is going on? Will she or won’t she give him the message? I look down at my phone. Agh, if only I had reception here. But I don’t. And that means I have no way of talking to Aiden unless Lizbeth or one of the other staff members helps me.
Caroline grabs my hand and ushers me to the main cabin. Fine, I’m only going because I need to talk to Aiden. But there’s no way I’m doing the auction. Once we walk through the double doors, I see a familiar sight. There are women everywhere - on couches, at tables, and all along the bar. I’ve seen some of these women at the cocktail party, but many are also new. All are dressed in high heels and gorgeous dresses. Glancing around the room, I’m the only one wearing jeans and boots, and I feel severely underdressed.
Lizbeth clinks her glass to get everyone’s attention. The room quickly grows silent.
“Ladies. Thank you all for joining us today. It has really been a pleasure to serve you all.”
That word, serve, doesn’t throw me as much as it did the first time. Lizbeth’s job is to set the mood for the auction and for the general feel of the party. And she is excelling in this position.
Just like last time, she dispels the rumors about the masquerade ball and introduces the auction. I look around the room, taking in girls’ faces as Lizbeth tells them that they are the ones going up on the auction block.
“Mr. Black’s auction is nothing like any other auction you might have ever been to, or may have heard of. What makes it particularly special is that, if you choose to participate, you will be the item that’s auctioned off.”
Lizbeth goes on to explain the basics of the auction, but my mind focuses on one thing. This isn’t just some auction. It’s Mr. Black’s auction. Wait, did I hear that correctly? And what exactly does that mean? Is it Mr. Black’s auction because he is the owner of the yacht and the host of the party? Or is it his auction because he plans on participating in the auction just like he did last time? I mean, that’s his right of course. But that’s not something that I’m down for at all.
The topic of price comes up again, and again Lizbeth mentions that it’s not unusual for women to go for $80,000 to $90,000.
“But you got way more,” Caroline whispers. I nod.
“I hope I do, too!”
I flash a fake smile. I don’t really care how much Caroline will go for. All I care about now is whether Aiden will be spending the night with someone else.
After further going into the job of the auctioneer and how the auction will actually take place, Lizbeth hands out the contracts and pens.
“If you are committed to participating, please sign these contracts and hand them back to me,” she says.
When she comes around to our table, I pull her aside.
“Can I please talk to Aiden? It’s very important,” I say.
“Mr. Black told me to tell you that he would like you to participate in the auction,” Lizbeth says. “If that helps you make up your mind.”
I stare at her, dumbfounded. What the hell is she talking about?
“I don’t understand,” I mumble, shaking my head. “No, I can’t.”
She picks up Caroline’s signed contract and smiles at her approvingly. Then she turns her attention to me.
“I would like you to please reconsider,” Lizbeth says. “Mr. Black urged me to convince you to participate in the auction.”
“C’mon, what are you waiting for?” Caroline nudges me. “Sign the damn thing.”
“But what if someone else bids on me?”
I look up at Lizbeth and search her face for the answer. But nothing comes.
“Of course, he’s going to bid on you,” Caroline says. “He wants you to participate, doesn’t he? Just sign it.”
“Is that true?” I ask Lizbeth. “He said that he would bid on me if I participate?”
“I really can’t divulge that information,” she says after a moment.
My mind goes back and forth a million times about the decision. On one hand, it seems likely that he will bid on me and we will spend another amazing night together. On the other hand, what if he doesn’t? What if this is just his way of getting rid of me? No, that can’t be right. I know Aiden. He wouldn’t do that. So, why wouldn’t he just tell me if he will bid on me then? And why would he want to waste all his money bidding on me in the first place? I mean, at this point, I’m a sure thing. We have something more than a one-night stand. At least, I thought so.
Lizbeth comes around the room with a big stack of signed contracts in her hand.
“Well, what will it be, Ellie?” she asks. I stare at her. I still haven’t made up my mind.
“You have to sign it!” Caroline hisses in my ear. “He wants you in the auction. And you want him. So, just do it already.”
Chapter 3 - Ellie
When I suddenly regret my decision…
Back in my room, I suddenly regret the fact that I was bullied into signing the contract. I should’ve demanded to see Aiden. Or at least, told Lizbeth that I would go home if I didn’t. But, of course, I didn’t want to do that because I want to see him. And I also want to know why he wants to bid on me again. I mean, is the money really burning such a hole in his pocket that he would bid on me again even though he doesn’t have to?
“Oh my God.” Caroline bursts into my room. “I’m so excited. How long do you think we have to wait here?”
“I don’t know.” I shrug. “They have to set up everything and that took some time before.”
“Eeek!” She reapplies her lipstick for what seems like the millionth time tonig
ht.
“How are you not more excited about this?”
I stare at her, dumbfounded. Is she really asking me this question? “I just don’t understand what Aiden wants me to do. I mean, does he really want me to participate in the auction? For what purpose? I mean, why does he want to spend money on me? I thought that we were beyond that.”
“You’re insane, girl.” Caroline rolls her eyes.
“No, I’m not. I mean, I thought that we were further along in our relationship now. I don't really want him to pay for my company. I’m not a hooker.”
“I see your point. But what if it’s just a game to him? I mean, what if he wants all of these guys to bid on you and then he outbids them.”
“But what if it’s not? What if someone else bids on me and wins? I’m not sleeping with anyone else tonight.”
“Really?”
“Yes!” I say adamantly. “I don't think he would want me to either. But I definitely don’t want to. The only reason I came here was because he asked me. But I never thought that I would participate in another auction.”
Caroline shrugs. She doesn’t know what else to say. And I don't know either. My mind keeps going in loops without really helping me decide on any one thing. A knock on the door breaks my concentration.
“Hello, girls,” Lizbeth says in a sultry voice. “Tonight’s auction will be a little different. We would like you to change into this and then meet us in the main room.”
She hands us each a box and leaves before we get the chance to open it.
“Wait, Lizbeth.” I run after her. “The thing is that I’m not going to participate in this. I mean, I’m here to see Aiden. He invited me.”
“Yes, he invited you. He wants you to participate in the auction.”
“What?”
“That’s all I know. He asked that you are there on stage tonight.”
“And if I decline?”
“Then we arrange for a helicopter to take you home,” Lizbeth says slowly. “But just know that Mr. Black will be greatly disappointed.”
I want to ask her more questions. Why is she being so cryptic? What is all this mystery about? I mean, why the hell does he want me to do the auction again? But she turns on her heels and walks away. I follow, but she raises her hand in the air and waves me off.
When I get back to the room, Caroline has already opened the boxes and scattered the contents on the bed. Black lingerie - lace panties and bra. Four-inch black heels. The two pieces are identical except for the size of the heels.
“Is this what you wore last time?” Caroline asks.
I shake my head no. “I wore my normal clothes last time,” I say.
It takes her a moment to decide before she starts to strip off her dress and change into the lingerie. I stare at her.
“Aren’t you going to change?”
“No.” I shake my head.
“Oh, c’mon, you have to.”
I hold the bra and panties up to the light. They are definitely made from quality, expensive material. The problem is that this is lingerie. Something about this whole thing seems off. Does Aiden really want me to participate in this? And what if I don't want to. No, I have to talk to him.
“Don’t I look hot?” Caroline asks, twirling her perfect body in front of me. She’s at least three inches taller than I am, and that’s being conservative. So, the way her body fills out this outfit is accentuating in every way.
“Yes, you do.”
“C’mon, just put it on. Don’t think about it so much, okay? I want to see you in this.”
I take a deep breath. There’s no way that this is going to look good at all. I’m pretty certain of that as I change. But when I look into the mirror, I’m pleasantly surprised that I actually look amazing. The panties aren’t too tight, and the bra is a perfect fit. It elevates my breasts and pushes them up and together unlike any other bra I’ve owned.
And the heels. Well, let’s just say that they are the most comfortable heels I’ve ever worn and that’s the biggest compliment I can give them.
“Okay, let’s go.” Caroline grabs my hand.
“No, I’m not going.”
“You look amazing, Ellie. Like jaw-dropping amazing. Aiden wants to see you like this. He wants to bid on you. That’s why he invited you here in the first place. He wants other men to want you and then he wants to take you home. Don’t you see that?”
That is definitely a possibility, of course.
“And what if he doesn’t?”
“Don’t even think like that,” Caroline says, pushing me out of the door. “But if, for some reason he doesn’t, then I’m sure you can just back out. I mean these people aren’t monsters. This is just a game, right?”
Chapter 4 - Ellie
When I decide to go through with it…
Just like last time, Lizbeth meets us in the hallway right before we enter and shuttles us out to another room. This is the waiting area with refreshments in the far corner. I pour myself a glass of water to quench my thirst. There are fifteen girls in the room - more than there were last time. Every single one is dressed in a bra and panties and black heels. We’re all wearing black. I’m one of the shortest, and the only one without a blowout. Everyone is sitting around chatting. There’s a definite aura of excitement about the whole thing.
“Have you ever done this before?” Caroline turns to the girls at the nearby table.
They all shake their heads no. I look over the girls’ faces more carefully and, suddenly, it hits me. They’re all new. Not a single one is a repeat from last time. Except me.
“Has anyone else done this before?” Caroline asks a bit louder. All the girls in the room shake their heads.
“Oh my God, you’re the only repeat, Ellie,” she whispers to me. “You must’ve made an impression.”
The stage is right in front of us. Lizbeth stands behind the podium in the front of the spotlight. Just like last time, she’s the auctioneer. Just like last time, I peek out into the room to get a glimpse of the men. But much to my surprise, there’s no one there.
“There were men there last time,” I say to Caroline. “They were filling all the seats.”
She comes up and looks for herself. Then she points to the mirror dividing the room.
“They must be behind that mirrored partition. It must be some sort of two-way mirror.”
I nod in agreement. The mirrored partition gives me some pause. Why is everything so different from last time? I was really expecting this to be the same and now I find myself all thrown off.
Lizbeth introduces herself and goes over the rules. She addresses the audience as if they are right there, so they must be. She tells them that they have to be quiet and press the button when they want to make a bid. She motions to her ear, implying that she can hear them through a hearing device. Lizbeth then says that she will call out the price three times and if no one goes any higher, the girl will go to the highest bidder. They are then expected to make out a check, money order, or wire transfer to the account of the girl’s choice before they’re allowed to take her to their cabin.
I pray silently that I’m not called first. As much as I want to get this over with, I just can’t bear to go first. A few minutes later, it starts. Lizbeth calls out the first name. Caroline. My eyes grow wide and I turn to face my friend. What are the chances? I expect to see a terrified look on her face, but instead that familiar excited twinkle is in her eyes. She practically leaps out of her seat and prances to the stage in her four-inch heels.
She inhales deeply before stepping onstage. The spotlight focuses on her and she basks in it. All eyes are on her, just like they are meant to be forever. Lizbeth introduces her by name and states her height. She then starts the bidding at ten thousand dollars.
Unlike last time, I can’t see the paddles. There’s no one else in the room, but Lizbeth announces the bids as they come in. Caroline smiles when the bidding reaches fifty thousand, but tries to contain her excitement. By the time th
e bidding reaches one hundred thousand, she can’t contain her smile much longer. But the bids continue to climb even higher. There’s a slight pause at one hundred and twenty and Lizbeth says that price twice before someone else bids one hundred and thirty. It stays there for three counts.
“Sold for one hundred and thirty thousand,” Lizbeth announces. Caroline gives a little curtsy as a thank you and leaves the stage.
“Oh my God, Ellie! One hundred and thirty thousand! What kind of money is that? For one night?”
I give her a warm hug of congratulations.
“I mean, it’s nowhere close to what Mr. Black paid, of course,” she says. “But still.”
“That was a fluke,” I say, shrugging it off. “It’s awesome to get thirty grand over one hundred thousand. I mean, it is one night.”
I try to make her feel better, but I know exactly how competitive Caroline is when it comes to looks, money, and men. And I also know that the fact that Aiden paid more for me will gnaw at her.
“So, what do you think he looks like?” Caroline asks.
“I have no idea,” I say. “Last time, we could see their faces. Plus, we didn’t all have to wear the same thing. I guess they’re changing things up.”
Caroline’s eyes sparkle at the prospect. “That’s exciting!”
The auction starts again. One girl goes for ninety thousand and another goes for one hundred and fifty. Caroline stares daggers at her, probably wondering what she has on her.
“Listen, you never know when a particular guy has a particular type. Or maybe he just wants to spend more money than the others to show them up. It doesn’t mean that she’s better, or hotter, or anything like that.”
A familiar meek little man with glasses and a briefcase comes over to our table.
“How would you like your money, ma’am?” he asks, sitting down next to us. Caroline stares at him.
“You can get it as a check, money order, or cash,” he clarifies. “Or we can wire it to a numbered account of your choice.”
Auctioned to Him 3: Back to the Yacht Page 12
