“No. You can’t go to his party. I’ve heard about these parties.”
Isa asked me to come over after her latest escapade. She hasn’t told me if she did anything, but she’s been in good spirits, so I’m guessing she didn’t. I don’t think she could get out of something at the party, though.
“How? When you came to us, you acted like you just had suspicions, but now you seem to know everything.”
“I-I knew when I came to you, okay? I didn’t want to say how much I knew because I was afraid your boss would think I was involved. But you’ve seen how Grace is with me.”
“You should go now.”
“What? I’m trying to be honest with you, and you’re kicking me out?”
“Is this you being honest? Completely honest?”
“Yes. It is. I shouldn’t have hid that I knew about it, but I did. Now I’m telling you what I should’ve told you then.”
“I can handle that you knew if that’s all you’ve kept from me. That’s it, right?”
“Yes. I swear.”
That just sealed my fate in Hell. Fucking sealed it. But a guy’s gotta do what he’s gotta do. And I like breathing.
“I love you, Mas-Jake. Jake. I love you, Jake. I’ve never said those words to anyone in a romantic way before. They mean something to me.”
“They mean everything to me when you say them, Isa.” I won’t say that I’ve never said them before, because I have. I’ve never meant them before, though. “I love you so much it hurts. Always know that.”
“Why are you saying it like that? Like we’re doomed? This is why I’m worried.”
We are doomed. “I’m sorry. I just keep thinking that you’re going to realize I’m not the guy you want.”
“Well, I gave you my heart and body. I don’t know what else I can do to show you.”
“Nothing. You’re perfect, Isa. So damn perfect. I just know I don’t deserve you.”
“Well, you’ve got me. So don’t screw this up. As for the party, I have to go. This may be my chance to find out who’s giving Kurt his orders.”
“Did he tell you about the party?”
“No. Just that Ellie and I are invited to it.”
“I don’t know much about Ellie, but she seems like she could handle it.”
“And you think I can’t?”
“I don’t want you to have to.”
“Just tell me what you know.”
This I can do for her. And if what I tell her helps bring it all down, then that’s what has to happen. “Kurt’s boss opens up his home every month for a special party. The men who attend all have bank accounts large enough to bid. In the seven figures, if necessary.”
“Bid?”
“Yes. The men wait in the guesthouse at the mansion. The girls all hang out in the Great Room downstairs in the main house. In only lingerie and heels. The men start bidding on who they want. They have ten minutes to bid for each girl, and the highest bidder wins. The man goes up a back staircase to a designated room, and the girl meets him there. He gets that girl for the night. The entire night. ”
“Wow.”
“Now you know why I don’t want you there. You can’t just knock someone out for a few hours and escape.”
“I have to do it.”
“I know,” I say, running my hands over my face. “I don’t have to like it, though.”
“Will you spend the night before with me?”
“Yes, Isa. Of course I will.”
She climbs on my lap and starts kissing my neck. “Stay with me this weekend, too. All weekend.”
“All weekend, huh? You’re not going to get sick of me?”
“Never.”
I’ve already got that reserved place in Hell, so of course I stay. I kiss her and show her my love. I make love to her and say the words we both need me to tell her. I watch movies with her and hold onto her as we eat. The end is coming, and my life is about to be over, even if I’m still breathing after this week.
Chapter 9
Isa
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about the party tonight. Reina and Ainsley have been trying to figure out a way to get Ellie and me out of the mansion we’re going to, but they’ve been unsuccessful so far. I’m surprised when the knock at my door turns out to be Maggie Griffin.
“Maggie, hi.”
“Hi, Isa. May I come in?”
“Of course.”
“I wanted to see how you’re doing. I haven’t been doing too much mentoring on this mission. I’m sorry about that.”
“You’re busy. I understand.”
“Not too busy for you. I need you to know that you can call me, and I’ll do everything I can to help you. Always.”
“I do know that.”
“Yet you haven’t called.”
“Alex just got married, and Olivia’s having the baby soon.”
“Which are both happy events that I don’t have much to do with.” I raise an eyebrow at her. “Okay, I’m very involved with my children and grandchildren, but you’re part of my family, too. So tell me all about Mason Wells.”
“You’re my family too, and I should me more involved with everyone. I promise to call more. As for Mase, he’s wonderful. I still can’t believe he wants to be with me.”
“Why wouldn’t he? You’re beautiful inside and out as well as being smarter than him. You’re quite the catch, and it’s time you started realizing that. I know your parents are difficult, and we’ve been guilty of keeping you closer than the other girls as well. But you’re one of the strongest, and best we’ve got. Never forget that.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s the truth, Isa. There’s no need to thank me for pointing out the truth.”
“I-I…never mind.”
“Tell me. You can tell me anything.”
I realize that I need to tell her. I want to tell someone, and she’s the one who recruited me. “I sometimes—lots of times, actually—feel like I’m less than the others.”
“In what way?”
“I’m quieter. And I don’t go out. Or dress up. I don’t like attention.”
“Do you know how many famous people are introverts?”
“I know Einstein was. But I’m like him.”
“Yes, you are. You’re brilliant. There’s no doubt about that. But I’m talking about Julia Roberts, Emma Watson, Diane Sawyer, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Audrey Hepburn. Women who have had a big impact on the world. Just like you. You may be quiet, and like to blend in, but you are also brave and your light shines even when you try to hide it. Your friends love and admire you for more than your brain, and so do I.”
I’m crying and she reaches out to hold me. “I needed that more than you know. Thank you for believing in me.”
“I always have, and I always will. You can be sure of that.”
We talk for another half hour, but then it’s time for Ellie and me to get ready for tonight. We’re doing it here, though, since Kurt and his minions should be too busy setting everything up to worry about where we are beforehand. Maggie and I head up to Stella’s apartment. Helen and Ellie are already there, but they tell us they’ve just arrived. Stella takes us up to her dressing room to show us the lingerie she bought for us.
Ellie’s going to be wearing a corset—of course—and a teeny tiny pair of boy shorts that show most of her ass. She’ll also be in thigh high shiny books. They’re definitely going for the dominatrix look as Stella brings out a studded collar and bracelets for her to add to the rest of her all black outfit. They do her hair in big curls, and she’s made up to look like a Barbie doll come to life. A sexed-up Barbie, but no less of a doll.
Then it’s my turn. I see what Stella got me, but I shake my head. “No. I don’t want to look innocent tonight. I’m quiet, but I’m strong.”
She smiles and her eyes light up. “I know you are, Isa. And I was hoping you’d say that so I got a second outfit for you.”
The lingerie she pulls out is hot pink wi
th black accents, and definitely not innocent. It’s a lace and satin push up bra with all kinds of black and pink straps crossing above and below it. The bottoms are a thong with a sheer black skirt over the top which covers almost nothing. There are matching black stockings with lace at the top, and she got me hot pink heels that I could kill someone with if I had to. When I put it all on, everyone just stares for a minute. Ellie is the first to recover.
“Damn girl. You’re definitely getting the highest bid, and your hair and make-up aren’t even done yet.”
I smile and thank her. Stella does my hair in curls as well, but puts some up on top of my head. The make-up is thicker than I’ve ever worn it, but it fits with the look. Stella sprays us both all over with glitter spray, and then Ellie and I slip coats on. We get into our separate cars, and head to the party. I hope we’re really ready for whatever it will bring.
My first impression when I’m allowed past the guard gate at the mansion is that this ring is making more money that we thought. Because this place is huge. Like Bruce Wayne big. I leave my car with the private valet and walk to the door, Ellie a few steps ahead of me.
Kurt told us the clients would already be here by the time we arrive. He also told us that no electronics are allowed inside of the house. Most of the men who attend the parties are paranoid about blackmail threats, so while there are cameras filming all of us downstairs, there are none anywhere else. They allow the men to have their security teams sweep the house when they arrive. In return, the men have nothing with them but the clothes on their back. Kurt has his phone, but he has to leave the house once the last of us is “won.” Secrecy is paramount, which is a little frightening if you’re one of the women. The men could do anything, and no one would hear you scream as the bedrooms have ben soundproofed.
Kurt takes my coat and whistles at me. “Trying for a high bid I see. I knew you were a good pick.”
I roll my eyes and follow him into the Great Room. Ellie, Max, Grace, and six other girls I’ve seen around school, but never talked to, are in the room already. Kurt doesn’t introduce us, he just says they’re his go to girls. Ellie and Max give me small smiles, while everyone else glares at me. I wanted attention tonight, and I’m getting it.
It’s pretty boring at first. We just walk or lounge around, trying to look sexy but not obvious. About fifteen minutes in, things start to happen. Kurt calls out a name and a room number. One of the “go to girls” goes up the staircase. It continues on until I’m the only one left. Kurt’s watching his phone anxiously for a few minutes, and then he smiles. “You just got the highest bid ever, Isabelle. Go to room ten and have some fun.”
I walk up the stairs on legs that are a little shaky. I have to take several deep breaths before walking inside. The man stands in the shadows until I close the door. Once it’s shut, he steps out and relief floods my body.
“Ryan,” I say, running into Ryan Griffin’s outstretched arms.
“Hey, Isa. Put this on.”
He takes off his suit jacket and puts it on me. “Thank you. For the coat…and this.”
“Of course. My mom had me register with this exclusive club a couple of weeks ago. It took some time to get approved. In fact, the approval just came through today, along with the party invitation. I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to help you.”
“But you did. I’ll pay you back, you know.”
“Nah. Ainsley and Scott are going to get our money back. But if they couldn’t, it’d be okay. You’re family, and I always take care of my family. Even the badass secret agent ones.”
“Our? Did someone else have to chip in?”
“Oh. No. I meant Nate and Aiden’s money.”
“They’re here? Thank God. They got Ellie and Max?”
“Yeah. Aiden bought Ellie, and Nate bought your friend, Max.”
“Someone should’ve bought Grace. She thinks she wants this, but she’s just really messed up.”
“We couldn’t get anyone else approved so quickly, or we would’ve bought them all. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. You did what you could.”
“There’s something else, though. Kurt’s boss met with Nate, Aiden, and me before the bidding to welcome us and go over everything.”
“So you know who it is? Thank God. I am so ready for this to be over.”
“Isa. You should sit down.”
“It’s that bad?”
“Yeah, honey. It is.”
“What? Who?” I ask, my stomach sinking.
“It’s Mason Wells. He’s behind all of this.”
“No,” I tell him, backing up towards the door. “No.”
“Aiden said you’ve been with him for the past several weeks.”
I nod. “No. Please God no. It’s a mistake. Maybe it just looks like him.”
“I wish it was a mistake. I really do. But he told us his name. He said it was all in the name of full disclosure between everyone.”
I fall to my knees and Ryan comes over to pull me into his arms. “I’m going to throw up.”
He picks me up and carries me to the bathroom, holding my hair as I do just that. Once there’s nothing left in my stomach, he grabs a washcloth and helps me clean up. Then he picks me back up and sets me on the sink, handing me a toothbrush and toothpaste.
“I probably shouldn’t tell you that he looked like he wanted to kill me when I won.”
“If he loved me, he wouldn’t have sold me to you.”
“I can’t argue with that.”
“We can’t do anything until tomorrow, so I would really just like to sleep.”
“Of course. I’ll take the floor.”
“Ryan, that bed is big enough for ten people. And you’re like my brother. A brother who’s madly in love with his wife and would never cheat on her. You can take a side.”
“Thanks. I wouldn’t, you know. Cheat on Chloe, I mean. This was just for show. She knows I’m here.”
“I was never worried.”
We take our sides, and I try to sleep. I can’t, though. All I can think about is how Mase or Jake or whoever the hell he is, told me he wasn’t keeping anything from me. But also how it felt like a goodbye almost every time I was with him. And I was just with him yesterday.
He came over and stayed with me like he promised he would. He also asked me a few weeks ago if all the Griffins were involved in the Foundation. I lied to him then, and I’m glad for that now. He would never have let Ryan in if he’d known. What else did he lie to me about?
Love. That’s what else. There’s no way he could have let me go out those two other times or had me here up for bid if he loved me. Yes, he tried to tell me not to come here tonight, but he could’ve stopped it on his end. He didn’t. He let me be bought by the highest bidder.
I make sure to be quiet as I cry all night. Quiet is what I do best, after all. Look what happened when I tried to put myself out there for once. My heart just got shattered into a million pieces. I should’ve let someone else have this mission, and just stayed quiet. Too late for that now, though. Because I’m going to take down Mason Wells, and take him down hard.
* * *
Mason
I’m going insane. Like seriously insane. Isa—my Isa—is up in one of those bedrooms with Ryan fucking Griffin. He’s got a beautiful wife and a little daughter, but it’s not enough. It never is for powerful men like him. Which is why we’re making so much money here. I don’t care about the money right now. I want to run up to that room, and pull her out of his arms, but my boss would kill me. I know that without a doubt. So I’m just sitting here in the guest house drinking enough to get buzzed, but not stupid drunk, and thinking of what that bastard is doing to the woman I love.
The woman I betrayed. I can’t hide much longer. She’s getting too close. If she took Kurt in, he’d break under even the hint of torture. He knows our boss is bad, but he doesn’t know just how scared he should be. I know, and that’s why I haven’t told Isa the things I should have.
The things she needs to know. I could give her enough to bring down everything, but I’m a coward. I’m too scared for my own life to do the right thing.
So instead of helping her, I’ve let her be bought and sold over the last few weeks. And then I’ve gone over afterwards to make love to her. Or fuck her, depending on what she’s said she needs. Who does that? Oh yeah, me.
I wouldn’t have told Luke if I’d known that he was connected to the famous “Society.” I was having a casual lunch conversation with him and his friends Nikki and Michelle at that training day. I thought it would be fun to shock them. Turned out the joke was on me. Especially when Isa walked into the room. I should have kept things professional. I planned to keep them that way.
But then she asked me to kiss her. And I had to. Everything in me was calling out for her lips. That one kiss condemned me, and when she gave me everything else, I knew it was over. I wasn’t kidding about that reserved spot in Hell being saved for me. I’m just not sure when I’ll be using it. I only know that it’s probably going to be soon.
I watch the sun come up, and I start getting the alerts that the “guests” are leaving. Within the hour, the girls are all gathered in the Great Room again. I sit up straight when I see Isa crying. What the fuck did that bastard do to her? I’m going to kill him. I swear he’s a dead man.
A few minutes after I watch her leave the house, I get a text from her asking me to come over. I immediately tell her yes. I go into the bathroom and splash water on my face, and then change my clothes. The girls think the “boss” lives in the main house, but this is where I really live. I don’t need fancy because I’m not doing this for the money.
I know Kurt, and probably Grace, are still on the grounds so I force myself to walk slowly to my car. I should debrief with him, but it can wait. He can wait. Fuck, all of them can wait. Isa needs me, and she’s all that matters. Even if thoughts like that are what’s going to get me killed.
Chapter 10
Isa
The bastard who I gave everything I have to is on his way over to my place. My first kiss, my first lover, my first love. He took it all, and gave me lies in return. I want to curl into a little ball and cry, but I won’t give him that, too. I’m going to destroy him, and only then will I let myself feel the hurt.
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