Putting the pieces back on, the decadence hasn’t changed. It’s stunning. Seeing the brush and lip gloss on the stand, I brush my hair out the way the lady showed me yesterday, waiting for that shine. Once I am satisfied I did it right, I apply the lip gloss and sigh. I can’t help but compare myself to the other girls. I find myself lacking. I am nothing special. I have plain blonde hair and blue eyes. Cliche’s right? The only attribute I have that stands out is my lips. I find them bigger than most. My boobs are not even impressive. “Knock, knock.” I look up and see Lilith walk in. She stops at the door for a moment, and I find myself looking down, unsure if I look up to par. “You are exquisite, my dear.” my eyes well. I find anytime I receive compliments from a woman I am always on the verge of tears, having been deprived of a mom.
“Thank you.” I say simply and awkward.
“I wanted to come and check on you and see if you needed anything?”
“No. I am ok. Nervous.” I tell her, knowing I can be honest.
“You shouldn’t be. I have it on good authority, you will more than pleased.” she says with a smirk. I squint for a moment, trying to figure out what she means. Cryptic much. “I also wanted to bring you this.” she hands me a rose and my eyes dart up to hers in askance. “A prize should have something to help you stand out.” she once again reaches out and touches my face before composing herself. I want so badly to pry and find out what is behind the melancholy whenever she sees me, but I need to save all my bravery for this auction. “It’s time for the auction, sweetie. Into the suite you go.” she opens the door and follows me into the room where the other girls are already lined up. They all look beautiful and exotic with their dark skin and keen features. I feel like the ugly duckling.
One by one I watch as they each walk out but don’t come back in. I am second to last in line and the only thing stopping me from running out the door is my little sister. I have a chance to give her a significant life. “Eden Vastiya.” my name is called over the intercom and I wobble my way to the stage. Walking out from behind the curtain, I am not sure what to do. Am I supposed to pose? Should I lie across the couch? I turn and look at it, and it appeals more than standing here. Sitting on it, I lift my legs half on half off and tuck the rose close to my chest. I try to make myself desirable but fear I am failing when I hear the speaker. “Miss Vastiya’s pre-bid is twenty million. Do I hear twenty-five million?” my chest pounds as disbelief takes over. Twenty million. It has to be a mistake. Right?
“Twenty-five million is the new bid.” the announcer says. “Thirty million. Am I seeing thirty-five?” I shake my head in complete incredulity. I don’t know how long I sit on the stage shaking with from adrenaline, fear and curiosity. Who would want me so badly they would pay a fortune? What kind of man will he be? Who in the world has money to throw away on one night like that? I am so lost in my head I don’t realize there has been silence in which I hear the last bid is for forty million. SOLD! Please exit the stage, young lady. I try to move, but my legs refuse to work. My entire body is quivering. This is it. Maybe he will have mercy on me and take me in a room right here, take my virginity and walk away.
“Congratulations, sweet girl.” Lilith says hugging me. I knew you would be my biggest prize of the night. I want to spend more time with you right now, but your bidder is anxious. He paid extra to not wait the twenty-four hours. Here is your check for thirty-six million dollars. This is your new life.” she hugs me and hears her cry. Pulling back, I can’t stop myself from asking.
“Will you please tell me, Lilith, why you get so sad when you see me?” Her face betrays nothing, but her voice is shaky.
“One day we will talk. I promise. For now, go.” With one last glance and more money than I could fathom, I head into the hallway toward what I don’t know, but everything in me says it is going to change me more than money ever could.
6
Viktor
Knowing I won her is like winning the lottery. My mother always said nothing could keep me from something I wanted, and she is right. In war, or in lust and what I am pretty sure is love at first sight.