Chapter Twenty-One
Candace
Helen and I have just boarded the Bel Montov, one of the many yachts the D’Agostinos own.This is where tonight's Decadent Auction will take place.I have half an hour before it starts.
Breathe…
I can do this.
I will do this.
Sure, I imagined being nervous, but what I feel now is something else entirely.
The word betrayal comes to mind when I think of Dominic.I haven't forgotten what he said to me, nor the seriousness in his eyes as he vowed to find a way to win me back.A pang of guilt hits my heart the second I remember.Guilt has weighed heavily on me since I walked away from his door.
Forcing the memory away, I whisper silent prayers to whoever will listen.Whoever knows how much I want answers and justice for my parents' deaths.Whoever knows this is the only reason I’d consider selling my soul to the dark side after everything that happened to me.
“Wow, this is so nice,” Helen beams, cutting into my prayer.She looks around with an appreciative smile.“They really went all out this year.”
As we take the steps to the upper deck, we marvel at the crystal chandeliers that greet us.
“Yes, it’s really beautiful,” I agree.
My heels sink into plush cream carpet when we reach the hall that's been set up for the ladies taking part in the auction.Ahead is a long buffet table with finger foods, wine, and a bartender making cocktails.To our left is a bigger hall where the auction will take place.Soft jazz music plays in the background, creating the perfect ambiance.
Everything is beautiful. I just wish I were here under different circumstances.
The D’Agostinos always have yacht parties, but I’ve never attended any, or been on a yacht this size.Or, this elegant.
All the boats I’ve been on were for fun, as in for fishing or just cruising around on the open sea to explore the waters.
This though is the way the other half live.I purposely stayed away over the years because of the sorts of people who attend.I guess it goes back to that saying about a person’s roots.They’ll always go back to them in some kind of way.
I haven’t considered myself as poor for many years thanks to the D’Agostinos.I have enough money and it’s been that way for a long time.I just don’t blend well with the rich or those from high society.It’s almost like they look at me and can tell I’m new or rather that Giacomo D’Agostino took pity on me.In other words, I was his charity case.I know that wasn’t how it was, but that didn’t stop people from thinking it.Everybody knew who the D’Agostinos were, even when they had nothing, and people always knew the Riccis as a servant family.
We make our way over to the buffet where several of the participating women have gathered with their guests.Like me, they're wearing a little gold bracelet around their left wrist.As we approach, I get a few dirty looks cast my way.A few of the girls even start whispering.I'm sure that's of course because I’m number thirty-one and used my connections to jump ahead to the single digits.Normally, I would accept my fault, because I am in the wrong , but tonight I don't care.
Tonight all I care about is securing my bidder.I signed the final contract last night before I went to bed.They do the contracts in two parts, so you can change your mind about participating right up until you sign that final agreement.After that, the deal is sealed on your end.It means you agree to be some rich bastard’s dark, wild fantasy.
“Let’s grab some wine,” Helen suggests, noticing the attention we're getting.She picks up two glasses of red wine and hands one to me.
“Thanks.”
“No worries. I suggest you get a few in to take the edge off.You look nervous. Looks like the bitches are out tonight with extra claws.” She shoots daggers at a redhead staring me down from across the room.The woman looks away and continues talking to her friend.
"My God, look at the stir I've caused." I wince with a nervous smile.
“Fuck them, they wish they were you.”
I laugh. I can't imagine anyone wishing they were me.“God, thanks. And thanks again for doing this for me, and for coming with me.”
“Of course, as if I was going to miss this.Besides, Adam is going to be away for the whole weekend.I had to get my thrill from something." She chuckles.
I like it when she talks about Adam.It's funny watching her try to tamp down how serious they are about each other.
"He just told me to make sure I'm not the one on stage." She grins.
"Nope, it's me."