Page 33 of Cruel Proposal
"It takes between six and twelve minutes to complete the sale. You're going to go for a high price, but they're going to want to get out of here with you fast, so you're likely looking at six minutes."
"Six minutes to get out."
She nods, curling the last piece of hair. "Don't trust anyone. There might be someone who says they can help you before you go on stage. Don't believe them. They're only going to make you as a troublemaker and make sure you're never left alone."
"How do I know that's not you?"
Her gaze drifts around like she's making sure nobody is watching us. As she steps in front of me, she rolls up her sleeve, and on her forearm, in white ink, so small you'd miss it if she wasn't showing you, is the Lynde family mark.
She rolls the sleeve back up. "Don't trust anyone."
Aiden knows I'm here.
For the first time in weeks, I have hope.
My family knows I'm here, and they're going to do everything they can to get me out. If they have her telling me how to escape, they're going to have someone waiting outside to take me away. Probably Skyla. She's the best one at blending into a crowd. Although, it could be Gia. Most people wouldn't think twice about her being around.
I suck in a sharp breath, going through the rest of the motions. I get my makeup done and put on a short dress that shows more than it hides.
As girl after girl is called away I need to remind myself I just have to get through this and get to the room.
Then I have to do everything I can to escape, but I'm going to take it one step at a time. I'm not going to get too far ahead ofmyself only to lead to failure. Cool and collected, just like Aiden taught me.
And when I finally get a moment alone, I'm going to fight for my life.
"And now, our final girl of the night," the speakers boom as a door opens, and a man comes toward me with a gag.
Here goes nothing.
Hopefully, I make it out alive, but if not, I'm going to die trying.
Chapter Eleven
NOAH
The manon stage leers at Summer, his beady gaze raking over her, lingering like he wishes he had enough money to bid for himself.
I should go up there and rip his eyes out of his head. He'd deserve it for looking at what's mine.
What the fuck?
Not mine. Not mine in the slightest. Her pussy might be good, but she is for sale.
"We'll start the bidding at twenty-five thousand," the announcer says. "Do I hear twenty-five thousand?"
Beside me, Robert nods.
I'm going to kill him.
I don't have a choice now. I don't know what he wants with her, but whatever it is, it can't be good. Especially not when he keeps urging me to move the family to Chicago. There'd be no reason to bring her along with us.
Which means he's likely going to use her and kill her.
Something about that doesn't sit right with me.
Summer's skin shines beneath the glow of the hazy red lights filling the room.
I don't know what they put on her skin to make her shimmer like that, but she looks almost ethereal.
