Show & Sell

For some reason, I want to look my best tonight. Maybe it’s because I’ve been waiting for this moment to happen for years. Maybe there’s something about those masked men that makes me feel strangely excited…

Whatever the case, I need the bath to unwind and to try to relax my nerves.

It’s gonna be okay. You can do this, Aurora. It’s not a big deal. Everyone has sex.

I take a long, soapy bath, and I’m sure to use my imported shampoo. I’m going to be in top form tonight. Whether I’m being paid or not, it’s still a night to celebrate…I’m losing my virginity after all.

Once done, I sit on the side of the tub and oil myself up. I spray perfume in all the right places, and then I sit naked on my vanity stool and apply my makeup. I dry my long hair, curl it, and savor my last moments as a virgin.

Everything I do is with a trembling hand, because I’m so nervous. I wish that I had a mother to talk to about this night. I wish I had anyone to talk to.

As it is, my life is pretty sequestered to the business and to Anders. I have so much on my plate with him that it’s hard to even think about making friends.

Checking the time, I realize the limo will be here soon.

I pull the Chanel dress from the bag and lay it down on the bed. Then I step into the itty-bitty lingerie that Patrick picked out. I put on my favorite heels, slip the dress over my head, and wait with nervous anticipation.

I dare not leave my room, lest Anders is out there. I don’t need his verbal abuse right now; I have enough on my mind. Nervously, I look outside, waiting for the car to arrive.

Right on time, the limousine shows up. I take a deep breath, grab my purse, and leave the apartment.

Storming past Anders, not wanting to engage in another conflict, I hear him say sarcastically, “Good luck.”

“Maybe you could stay clean for once,” I say, slamming the door before he can respond.

I feel worried about him despite my anger. But no time for that now. I have three guys to contend with.

I take the elevator down and walk past Henry.

“My date’s arrived,” I say to him. “I’ll be home late.”

He smiles at me, and I know he’s wondering what kind what kind of man I’m meeting.

I don’t go on many dates, and he knows it. Henry has become part of the family. He knew my parents, and I know he feels a special protectiveness over me.

Little does he know that I’m losing my virginity tonight…Chapter 10Finn

Two versions of my own face stare back at me.

Why did we have to be born triplets? Nothing about us screams family besides our matching looks. Until my father died, I never had to see my brothers, and now, we’re back together, entrenched in a competition for a woman.

It’s something I vowed never to do again, but here I am.

But fuck. She’s worth it.

Being here at The Winery helps, but I have to make awkward conversation with my so-called family.

I’ve nothing to say to my brothers. We have nothing in common anymore. So sitting here is uncomfortable, to say the least.

The lounge is steeped in dark, seductive colors. It’s one of my favorite haunts for its exclusivity and privacy. The place screams money, and that’s what I like—to be among my own people.

“What’s taking her so long?” Declan asks, impatiently checking his Rolex.

“The limo just picked her up,” I say, checking my phone for an update. “She lives on Park Avenue. Not far from here.”

“She lives on Park?” he asks. “If she can afford that kind of apartment, then why is she selling her virginity?”

He’s right. Most of the virgins at the auction were likely desperate for money. Aurora’s so not that...so why was she there?

“I don’t know,” Jasper says, taking a long drink of his whiskey. “And I don’t care.”

Classic Jasper.

He’s the wild one of the bunch. He’s always been the one to live life on the edge. And he doesn’t let us forget that for a second with his lazy attitude.

He thinks he’s too cool for everything, but I can verify that he’s not.

“If you don’t care, then why are you here?” I ask him pointedly.

“You’ve seen her,” he says. “She’s stunning.”

One thing’s true about the Grayson brothers—we all have fine taste. We wouldn’t be here otherwise. A virgin this gorgeous is worth being in the same vicinity as the brothers I hate.

“Too bad she’ll have to choose only one of us in the end,” Declan says. “And it’s going to be me.”

“Whatever, man,” Jasper blows him off.

I ignore them both and look out the window. The sky is bleak to match my attitude. I want Aurora, yes, but she better be worth all this goddamn trouble.