The murmurs of the crowd increased.
The auctioneer raised his hand. “Decorum, people. If you want this exquisite piece you just have to place a bid.”
The lights dimmed, but instead of shielding me, they illuminated the crowd.
Rows of plush seats stretched out in front of me and faces came into focus. Men and women in sleek masks leaned forward in anticipation, their gazes heavy on my bare body.
My skin prickled, and my stomach knotted tighter with every second.
I wanted to look anywhere but at them, yet my eyes kept scanning. Some wore tuxedos, others wore cocktail dresses, but all of them looked powerful.
The air felt hot, thick with money and lust, and I could hear the faint buzz of whispers mixed with low chuckles.
And then my gaze landed on him.
My chest stopped moving for
