Dangerous Love

CHAPTER 4 (The Selection)

We entered a dim lighted room, the girls behind me buzzed like bees, unrelentingly whispering and poking at my back.

"Where are you from?"

"Who endorsed you here? As far as I know, the boss we called Black Widow don't just hired girls in random."

"What's your name?"

I didn't bother to answer their questions and obviously ignoring them. I don't have to make friends when they were looking at me as a competition. I'm not born yesterday, I know how things work here. It's not even the first time that I'd been sold in a s*x den and my last encounter with those bad guys is still fresh.

"Girls, stop talking, more walking. You're not getting paid to gossip. Shut you're mouth and let your other mouth do the talking." The gay man chided, satirically.

I heard their loud scoff of disagreement but didn't have the guts to talk back.

I rubbed my both hands on my arms and went on my silence, I was thinking very thoughtfully about my escape plan or just counting my possible options. I have to get away here without making a commotion or cause trouble that will land again to my friend, Nigel. Besides, this place smells suspicious anomaly. I couldn't point that out yet but my gut feel says, there's something going on here.

"Hey! Move your butt now," someone nudged on my back.

I glanced back and to my front. The girl after me already walking. I followed her, not caring for their loud murmuring about me.

I rolled my eyes and sashayed confidently. I was blocked by the gay man. Eyeing me disdainfully and screwed his prosthetic face. I think he had issue with me.

"Here, wear this." He gave me a silk fabric.

"What's this––"

"Put it in your eyes! Duh!" He snapped rolling his eyes and flicked his finger to his forehead, tilting backward "God, why do I have to suffer talking to low-lying creature with low IQ." He added, scornfully.

I held my tongue, Huh, maybe you're talking to yourself!

I gritted my teeth and clenched my fist, crumpling the black velvet silk in my hand.

"What are you standing there? Go now!" He yelled. "My God! I'm having another line again,"

"Huh, you don't have to worry about your lines, worry about your face, Ugly Moron!" I whispered to myself.

I stormed my way to the cue line. I found the other two girls whose already blindfolded. I stood right beside the girl after me lining up as third. I held up the silk, putting it to my eyes, knocking off my sight.

I sensed my surrounding. My steady breathing and the whispering of two other girls. They were talking about the selection and both giving opinion about the bidders.

They just meet earlier but they seemed to have a click bond already. Well, it is inanely common quality of girls. They easily make pack or make friends. It's just don't work for me. I know, I may look and sound snobbish and obnoxious also frigid. I just don't like to show myself to others. I have a lot of issues and trust issue is one of them.

"Hey, you're newbie too right?" That came from my right side.

I didn't reply. She might be talking to others or I just don't care at all.

"They said earlier, the Royals are here. Well, not all of them obviously since the Black Diamond King already gave away his throne, pulling out his membership due to the reason that he's already married. I also heard from the girls back in the retreat room that they will actually held an election for his position. I wonder if another bachelor will be introduce or just choose from the old-timer."

"I bet they will choose the oldie, looking how gorgeous and rich they are, those who will pay just to have that position for ego. I don't care who they will choose as long as they pay extremely high. Even we will not be chosen tonight, the consolation is still commendable." The other girl said, butting in. I bet the other girls behind me earlier already came.

"They said a politician was sighted here, I wonder who is he."

"It's Vice-mayor Ritchie Galbadon. The big fat pervert."

"Eeww! I don't want to be pick by that DOM! I'd rather f**k a street beggar than that pig."

"Yuck! I wish he will not bid for tonight, I hate to think that he will ride me, ugh, I can't imagine!"

"You wish, as if he came here just to watch. He will pick one of us and I can't wait to see who," the bitchy girl contemptuously smirked.

"Why do I feel I don't want to be picked? I wish I'm somewhere else but here," the other girl nervously said.

They stopped talking, Thank God, when the loud sound of handclaps and crowd cheering. I guessed this was it.

We will be sell out as premiere piece of morsel. A prime prize for their bloated, discontented ego. If my guess is right, they will bid for us as if a subject of prize they unconsciously bet for the higher price. A kinda of thing making us seem so very precious but for me it's disgusting, injustice, discriminatory endearment for they only sees us as an object of their obsessive whim and addiction to brag their wealth and power. This is the arena for men, a place of pleasure and a joint venture to have connection and us, girls here are hired just to be their comfort and temporary bliss. A night of gamble and pleasure for these rich, brat, sexist, dominating bastard.

Just wait til I find enough evidence, I will bust this club out to the society.

I clenched my fist, thinking how low they look at us. I tried to control myself not to cry for injustice and for the sorry lives of the girls here. Why do the system of the society is so f**k up?

"Down to number three, she's the usual brunette with very promising and luscious curves. She's eighteen, five feet and eight inches. She has a nice tattoo on her wrist,"

I yanked away my hand when someone touched it, showing my small tats on my wrist.

"Oh...such a rebel don't you think?"

What the–– is he talking about me the whole time?

"100 grand,"

"100 grand for Mr. Wagner." The host spoke.

"200!"

"200, is there someone to bid higher?"

"250!"

"500!"

Everyone gasped, made me guess that someone bid higher than the usual.

"500, for Mr. Castillo. Anyone who wants to beat that?"

"550!"

"Raise by Mr. Galbadon, is there more..nobody?"

I heard the sharp intake of breath from the girls beside me. Someone smirking, some were sympathetic for me. I tried not to be affected. I always make a swift move and beguile my assailant. This is just nothing.

"550, we are closing the bid to––"

"900!"

Again, another loud gasp from the crowd was heard.

Who is this high bidder? Is he really trying to buy me for 900 grand?

"990!"

Everyone crowed once again, cheering and laughing. The girls beside me went on silence. They couldn't believe that I was being sold for high price. Well, I don't care who will win. I just want to get out of here.

"1 Million."

"1 million! Is there anyone who want to raise––"

"1.5 million!"

"1 billion!"

I heard a loud commotion. Everyone were cheering, clapping and roistering an ear-wrecking sound.

Suddenly, the blood thudded in my ear. What the hell!

"Alright, higher bid? Anybody? No one? We got a winner." A sound of gavel pummeling surprised me and sent an uncomfortable chill to my spine. I was sold for one billion dollars!

"Congratulations to Mr. Castillo. You can claim your prize right away. Now for the next candidate.."

I was drowned by the clamoring beat of my heart that I didn't notice that I was actually shaking, I grabbed on something, someone snatched my hands and pulled me, dragging me out of the room.

‡Will Castillo ‡

A triumphant, broad smile cracked on my face. I won! I beat that big braggart pig. I can still see the face of that man. Huh! It was epic!

I smirked as I made my way to my chosen room. My favorite, the golden room. The grandest room of this club. Another perks if you're a full time member of this club. You can choose the room you like and the girls how many you like. It's just that, I'm in the mood for some fun and action. I'll stay in that suite as long as I want. s*x is just another bonus and I'm looking forward to claim my new squeeze.

I reached the room and met the usher's worried face.

"Mr. Castillo, there's a slight problem." He mopped his sweaty forehead.

"What's the matter? And where's my key?"

"Ahm here sir," he gulped giving me the key card.

"Why you look so nervous?" I asked.

"Sir, the girl..she was gone.."

"WHAT!?"

"We searched everywhere, we couldn't find her...I'm so sorry," he pathetically apologized.

"Don't stand and say your stupid sorry! Find her! I didn't pay a billion dollar bucks for nothing!"

He scurried away almost stumbling down.

I paced back and forth while massaging my neck. f**k! If this a f*****g joke, it's not funny.

I angrily hissed, slamming my fist on the wall. "This is really a f*****g bad time!"

I decided to walk out then I remembered what my rival contender said.

"Maybe you will have this round but I will still have the last laugh."

Something sparked in my memory. "Galbadon,"

‡Quinn ‡

Someone grabbed me in both arms and manhandling me. I tried to counter him and attack him but he carried me and threw me to his shoulder like a sack.

"Put me down you son of a ––" someone gagged me with foul odor hanky. Suddenly, my energy was draining and my force to resist goes in vain. I felt the thundering panic on my chest. Someone snickering beside me as we entered a small room. How could I know? The one lifting me on his shoulder bumped me on the wall. An elevator. I recoiled as it goes up. My stomach churned and I tried not to throw up. I screamed but my voice was muted by this stinky, wet fabric on my mouth.

I tried to analyze this on my nagging brain. Don't sleep Quinn! Don't you dare sleep!

I felt my body started to numb. I sensed he drugged me with anaesthetic component. Rohypnol? Date r**e drug!

I panicked. Damn, I'm not prepare for this! If only I have my purse! My lipstick...my..

Damn it! Stay up! Don't let this drug beat you! Quinn!

My vision was still black, still blindfolded. I couldn't feel my limbs, one more minute then my mind will be hazy. I felt a soft mattress on my back.

"That's it, just lay still while I do you." Someone whispered on my ear. He also sniffed my neck and his hand travelled on my body.

I bit the handkerchief on my mouth and tears fell down on my cheeks. Help me! Somebody help me!

"Mr. Vice, please don't do this. I will not take a matter of minutes before the security found out she's missing. Please, whatever you're thinking, don't do it. I'll going to loose my job!" The gay man pleaded, agonizingly.

"Shut up and help me with this,.,stupid coat..take it off me!"

"Please Mr. Vice! The council will surely––"

"I don't care about the council! Those young fools can't do anything to stop me! I'm the vice-mayor of this city! They're just a small prick who wants to play like a king! I own this place! I own this city!"

"But.."

My head was swirling. I couldn't make any sense with my surrounding anymore. My breath was short, I was getting lightheaded. I tried to send message to my brain, tried to move a muscle but It didn't budge even an inch. I was becoming lethargic.

I felt the mattress sank down, a hand was undoing the zipper of my skirt. I was already whimpering. My tears ran down on my cheek dampening the blindfold and the mattress. Mom! Help me please!

"Ahhh!!"

"What the––"

I heard a loud noise of men fighting, grunting and the striking thuds of knuckles to face. I felt a strong hand trying to get me off the bed. His arm wrapped around me. The next thing I heard, he was panting so hard. I felt his sharp intake of breath fanning my face. I tried to imagine what he looks like. He untied the handkerchief gagging me. My muffled cries finally audible to my own ears. Then I felt I was floating. He probably lifted me, carrying me.

"What do you want to do with him Mr. Castillo?"

Castillo? The one who bought me for one billion dollar?

"Seize him, detain him and let the council decide. I want that pig out of my face." He commanded. He must be talking to the security. His voice was strong, manly and angry.

"As you wish sir."

Then the sound from the men disappeared. I was crying. For the first time in my life, I never felt so vulnerable. I could tell that my body was terribly shaking.

"Don't worry, you're safe now." He spoke softly, like a silk. His consoling tone and strong arms seemed to have an effect to calm me down. My sob subsiding and I could hear myself hiccupped. He tugged me up. He navigated precisely and secured me in his arms. I felt going up again. Another elevator.

"He hushed me with a gentle squeeze. "It's fine now, stop crying." I felt his heart beat from his chest. He was carrying me like a princess. I never like those fairytale sick romance but now, I feel like a damsel in distress, saved by her knight in shining armor. I felt the soft mattress again against my back. I panicked.

I held him tight. I held on him as if he have my life in his mercy.

"You're okay now. Please, stop crying."

I felt the silk fabric loosen and slowly fell off my eyes, I blinked slowly, fluttering my eyes with the blinding lights and the long time adaptation to the darkness. I tried to focus on the registration of his face. He was blurry and seemed like a dream.

In the middle of my hiccups I managed to say. "Thank you,"

‡Will Castillo ‡

I was shocked. surprised, amazed, stunned. I couldn't find the right word to describe this kind of feeling. I should be annoyed or get mad but when I saw how vulnerable she is, I couldn't feel anything but worry.

Worry?! Are you serious? When did you worry for someone else?

Then when I heard her cry, my heart suddenly felt constricted. Her whole body was shaking, I have to steady her first because if I didn't, she might slip off me. She was drugged. I could tell from her limpness and her struggle to breath. I have to calm her down before she pass out on me.

I carried her to my room. I laid her down to the bed, she suddenly became tense and panicked.

She grabbed me and squeezed my shoulder, making me fall almost off balance. She was traumatized for that attempted r**e and I could sense in her closed fists clutching my shoulder and arm, her palpable fear.

"You're okay now. Please, stop crying." I said staring at her face. She still had her blindfold which hid half of her face.

I gingerly pulled the silky fabric off her face. Her eyes had difficulty to adjust to the light due to long period of time being blindfolded. I checked her face in closer look.

Damn, she's f*****g beautiful. No wonder, every men in this club will try to sleep with her if they have a chance. Which reminded me the unconscionable act of Galbadon.

That pigheaded old fart! He try to steal my prize. How could he think he can get away from this?

Her convulsive hiccups made me look at her again, trying to comfort her. Damn, she's still beautiful even when she's crying.

"Thank you," she uttered then she slowly lost her consciousness, finally passed out.

Good thing I held her in my arm. I gently laid her back to bed and pulled my arm off her neck then propped my elbow up on each side. I sighed as I was looking down on her, still not getting enough of her beauty. She was indeed gorgeous. Tall, with fair skin, lovely face and curves that too irresistible to any men. Everyone will be tempted to jump on her. Taste her, f**k her. Even by just staring, I can't say if I can hold my growing desire any longer. I want to take her now.

As I was hovering on top of her, I noticed that she was somewhat familiar. I checked on her looks very closely. I held her face, turning it left and right, checking her every angles. Then my eyes went down on her bosom. f**k, I smiled. Looks like I got lucky tonight.

Chick with a butt rack. I tried not to whistle. Then it went down below to her half opened skirt. I didn't know what got into me when I zipped it back. Weird.

I sighed, taking my prop elbows off the bed, sitting straight at first before I took my coat off, laid it on top of her then I laid next to her, sideways. I propped my one elbow up again and rested my head on my hand then I ran my hand on her natural curls. I smiled again, looking almost dumb. I placed my other hand atop of my coat resting it on her flat belly. Then I remembered something from the host. Something that he said made me ring a bell. I searched her right hand and found what I was looking for. The rose tattoo.

It confirmed my guess and my initial thoughts about her. Then I found myself smiling like a silly boy who found his treasure box under his bed. The one that he didn't expect to find.

"It's a small world, don't you think?" I said to myself and couldn't help but triumphantly smirking. "Finally, I found you Crystal."

‡Quinn ‡

I was awaken by a soft, harmonious melody playing. I slowly opened my eyes, sensing where I was. Then my memory of where I was last night came to me. I suddenly became alert and bolted upright. I roamed my eyes, the view that I saw was some kind of dramatically posh. All of the things had a million price tag on it. Not literally, but all of them were plated, etched, decorated and made of gold.

The bedside table, the bed side lamp made in gold, the giant oval mirror with etched circa of gold. The side table, the ceiling decorated in gold, the wall even the Big Ben look alike clock with gold pendulum swinging back and forth. The phonograph sat in the far end corner, the rim of the baby piano near the fire place with wrought iron grills gilded in, well gold.

Indeed, I was ridiculously surrounded with gold. The four poster-oh so big bed with flimsy, gold hemmed satin curtain hanging in every corner of the bed. The bed cover was also in rich bloody ruby red, Persian fabric with lines of gold, again.

Then I noticed something on my lap. A coat. A black, tailored cut Armani suit for men. I lifted it and inspected it. I even sniffed. Whoa, so manly, so intoxicating, so romantic and so....familiar.

Why do it smell so familiar?

I decided to rise from the overly draped bed, using a foot stool then I noticed my pumps were nowhere to find. Someone took that off while I'm sleeping. I tiptoed trying to explore this huge room made for a king. Not just a king but proud and pompous king. I feel like I'm in Aladdin's story complete with magic carpet and abundant gold treasures.

I slipped into a room, sneaked a peek in every corner. Then I saw a pair satin slippers, I wore it then searched for anyone. I could be in a wrong place and time. Then there was a washstand, I looked at myself in the mirror and saw my horrible look. Not just I got an ugly trace of my tears, my make up was all over my face. So I washed it. I cleaned my face then saw a set of toothbrush, I brushed my teeth as well. I took the pins out from my disheveled hair letting it fall down on my back. I tried to brush it with my hand.

When I was done with morning routine, I tried to analyze why am I here.

Wait, what happened last night? I should remember. The last thing I remember was the auction, the bidding and...

I gasped, someone tried to r**e me!

I was drugged, someone dragged me to a room then, then...ugh! Stupid temporary memory lost!

I checked myself, I still had my dress on and seemed not roughly undid. But why do I feel something is amiss?

I couldn't remember what happened after. Probably the side effect of the drug. Having anterograde amnesia is the last thing I want to happen to me. So I paced, as if it will help me retrieve my memory. How do I get here?

"So, you're awake."

A voice from behind startled me. I swayed on my back. I found a guy, wearing white shirt, with grey and black waistcoat and black tailored cut pantsuit. He was there leaning on the wall at the far end corner, a hand on his pocket while the other hand holding a wine glass.

I squinted my eyes, trying to dive into my memory. Who is this guy?

He smirked, he probably noticed my screwed face. "Glad you're safe. I thought I would never see you again." He sipped on his wine.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Why do he seems to act as if we had a tilting familiarity.

He laughed. I didn't know where I got this feeling but when he laughed, I was kinda insulted.

"So, you already forgotten me. How clever." He finally walked over to where I stood.

On my impulse, I backed away, stepping one at a time. "D-don't get near me, I'll...hurt you if you––" my back hit the wall.

He smiled devilishly and placed his free hand on the wall, blocking me. I tried to curve away from him but he grabbed my waist and pushed me back to the wall. His glass slipped from his hand spilling its content on the carpeted floor. I looked down then met his face. Those blue-black eyes, whose glistening with mischief and desire? Those naughty, one-sided smile gifted with two cute dimples...

Wait a minute–Oh my freaking God! It's him again!

"Don't you recognize me, huh? Crystal?" He slurred as he looked down on my shocked face.

Damn it! Why do I always meet this guy? This is the same guy that I met back in Vegas and the same guy that I tumbled with the other day, wayward drunk and stoned. Now this? What on earth?!

"Y--you?! Again?" It was all that I managed to say.

"Yes, me. Again." He said, mockingly.

I pushed him outright. "Are you following me? What the hell! How did you––why...why are you here? Who are you?" I muttered in confusion.

"Really? That's what you'll going to say to me? How about sorry, sorry for what you did to me in Vegas and thank me. If I wasn't for me maybe you are...forget it." He grabbed my hand.

I shoved it away. He glared at me then he grabbed my waist. I stomped on his foot.

"Ah! f**k!" He loudly cursed, bending a bit so I knocked him by my knee cap hitting him on his torso then I pushed him away getting out of his advantage reach and ran.

He momentarily grunted, wincing and cursed loudly but managed to stand upright and ran after me.

I ran not looking back, I searched for the doors, windows, balcony. Anything just to get out of this place. I found the door, tried it just to see a room full of clothes. The wardrobe.

I tried another and surprise! The bathroom.

"Damn! Where is the freaking door?!" I cursed and found the balcony. I tried the knob. It was locked. Damn it!

I looked something hard, hard enough to break the glass of the French door. Or something sharp. Damn it!

I ran to the drawers searching for any hard weapon. I turned to the fireplace and found a stoker. This will do it!

"Hey! What are you––"

I swung the stoker towards him but he dodged it quickly in one swift move. "What the f**k! Hey!"

I tried to hit him but he was so f*****g slippery. He evaded my brandishing attack.

"Don't move you asshole! Ugh!" I said in frustration and swung back and forward just to hit him.

"Why are you so mad? Hey stop! Stop that!" He ducked and turned as I was striking him. God! This is freaking overplayed sick comedy!

"Stop!" He managed to catch the stoker and held still. "I gotcha––"

I stomped on his foot again and ran giving away the stoker. "Damn you!" He said angrily and jumped on me.

He caught me behind. I thrashed and tried to get him off me. "Let me go!" I yelled, fighting back against his force.

He gave a dead grip on my waist and lifted me from the floor, dragging me back to the bedroom. I yanked my arm try to hit his head with my elbow, anticipated that, he squeezed me so tight that I almost fainted. I was catching a labored breath as he hurled me down to the mattress. I fought back, scratching and kicking. I hit his face with my palm. He winced but his angry eyes were determined, he grappled my arms and we tumbled flat on the bed.

That was the moment I panicked. Not again!

I kicked him but he put his weight on my inner legs making me weak and flinched. f**k that hurts!

I tried to free my hands but his gripped got even tighter and placed it on top of my head. When I thought there was no hope, I cried. "Please let go of me.."

He panted harshly, hovering on top of me. I closed my eyes. I was so wearing weak. He was far more stronger than me. I cried my frustration and anxiousness.

He sighed as his weight ladened me. The mattress sank because of our weight. I was getting nervous, my heart palpitating, my breath was uneven. I cried because of being powerless.

I felt his head sank on my hair, and breathed a sigh making my neck became sensitive to his nearness, to his hotness and deep down there, I felt his hardness nearing my thigh.

"I'm sorry, I'm not going to hurt you. Just, don't do that again, okay?" He whispered in calm voice.

I opened my eyes, meeting his downcast gaze. His face was serious but I recognized that voice. The voice that calmed me last night.

"I'm not going to take you, not this way. If you just...if you just stop fighting me, I'll let you go."

I steadied my eyes on his face. He lowered it just to lean his forehead on mine. His breath fanning my face. His lips was so near, it made me paralyze. His breath smells cinnamon with hint of mint and the heavy scene of scotch.

He kissed my forehead and lingered then he pulled away, getting out of the bed. He gave me one last glance and looked away.

My chest was heaving. I looked at myself to learn that my top was askew, showing off my boobs. The hint of my pink n****e already poking out. I shielded it automatically with my hands and blushed.

I didn't know why but I flushed. Hey Quinn, he already see you half naked so why blush?

He turned away looking for something, he snatched the coat which fell from the floor then he swiftly turned and put it on me.

I was surprised by his act. He stood straight then turned his heel.

‡Will Castillo ‡

I managed to walk evenly while calming my raging testosterone. I had to turn away before I loose myself. I turned to the anteroom pacing restlessly, driving my wild thoughts away. I drew a harsh throaty sigh much like a loud grunt.

Damn, she's ravishing!

I closed my eyes, trying to block the memory of her and her nakedness. Her prim act to hide herself was a little amusing and made me smile. Then when she flushed, God, am I this so damn lucky?

I'm loosing it. I want to f**k her now!

This was the first time that someone makes my blood rush. My self-control is in peril. Damn! I want her! I want her!

A rush of turmoil churn in my groin. My c**k stirred beneath my pants, my breath was heaving so fast. I was sweating so cold. f**k, I'm having a wet dream. How come? By just simple display of her naked breast?

"Oh God!" I uttered in shock facing the wall.

Think straight Will! Think straight! Don't let your lust take over you!

I grunted as I rubbed my b***r, massaging it. It has to go away.

It didn't. It intensified my jerking up spasm. I gave off a loud groan. I have to take a shower. Cold shower to numb me. To make it go away. To forget how she woke up my morning woods.

‡Quinn ‡

I slowly sat up, wiping my tears. I don't understand why I got so emotional. I sighed loudly. Maybe, because it brings back bad memories. It was not my first time to encounter this kind of s*x assault. Most of which I managed to escape. But one of them, tattooed in my memory. A stigma that made me this, distrustful.

The time when I was still a child. The time when I decided to become stronger, to develop a high-end security program, to protect my love ones.

I blinked the brimming tears and decided to get up. Damn that bastard! For reminding me that haunting memories.

I looked around the place. No wonder, he probably own this room. He's one of the member of this exclusive bachelor club. I sighed again as I was walking, wearing his coat. My top however, was torn badly. The other strap was ripped making it one sided. I need his coat to cover me. I poked my head in the small room where he went. I didn't see him so I rambled and checked at every corners of the room. When I thought he already left, I sat in the sitting chair sighing my tiresome. Suddenly my stomach grumbled.

I haven't eaten anything last night. I wonder if he has a pantry in here. I was about to stand when I caught a short glimpse of his naked back. I was stunned and looked away. He was making his way to the wardrobe. I was relief but why do my heart beating so fast? Weird, as if this was the first time that I saw a naked man. He was half naked, with bath towel. For Goodness's sake!

I tried to suppress the sudden jolt of my heart and sharp intake of my breath. I looked for a distraction. God! Why do I feel this way?

I turned towards the inner part of the sitting room. Like the bedroom, it was delicately decorated in gold. I ran my hand to the interior wall. Then inspected the antique that been displayed around. I read the small script in the lower part. It took five minutes before I heard him approaching.

"Let's have breakfast, I know you're hungry." He announced while doing his tie. He was dressed, white shirt, black pantsuit but no shoes. He caught me checking on him. I landed on his smiling face.

"We can talk after, if you want we can..." He trailed off while stepping closer.

I stepped back almost fall off balance but he was agile to hold me still.

My breath caught in my throat, I chided myself for being so weak. Indeed, he turn me so weak when he's touching me making me think he's sucking on my energy force. I bravely matched his gaze. His dark dripping wet hair looks so sexy on him. His lips parted trying to say something but he didn't speak anything. He just stood there staring at me. I stared back at him waiting for his next move.

His hands were firm, gripping my arm and waist then slowly loosened as he made a distant pulling away himself. "Breakfast is serve, let's go." He said while walking away from me.

I was left there stunned and bewildered. Confused by his act of gentleness and relatively kindness. Also, I don't get why I am so nervous when he's near me. He has something to do with it. I feel like he cast a spell or a potion making me so captivated by his handsomeness. Damn him! I admit, it's working.

I scolded myself for being careless leaving my guard down and let this bastard manipulate my inner hormones. I shook that off then tried to focus.

"I'm waiting," he said as I found him leaning his hip against the wall, folded arms.

I gave him a dubious look sensing his ulterior motive. He's up to something, I just know it.

"Come, let's eat." He held out his hand waiting for me to take it.

I gave up, I can't read him. My feet voluntarily moved towards him as if it has a mind of it's own or maybe my stomach has it way to control me. I gave him one last glance before I took it. He firmly held my hand and led me to the next room. We walked to another room connected to the bedroom. I wonder how many anteroom this room has?

A table was set for two, French style with a lot of ridiculous set of cutleries. Candle lit, red roses sat on a beautiful China vase placed in the center. There was two staff standing, attending to our every need.

He motioned me to the rich burgundy velvet chair, pulling it for me. I gave a fluster yet flattered look.

He smiled which made me more melt. Damn, if he's swooning me off my feet, he's doing a great job. I lowered my head shielding my red cheek and silly smile. So I sat and muttered in low voice. "Thank you."

"Welcome," He whispered back and sniffed my hair. It made my ear tickle and the back of neck became aware of him behind me.

Damn! That was impromptu but it delivered unwanted chill on my spine. He's a seducer, I knew it from the start yet I couldn't help but to fall on his trick. Hey! Get back on him! He have no right to make you look like a weak, compliant, willing victim!

I got to get immune to his charm. s**t! I feel my toes curling and a knot forming inside my core.

He circled and sat across me, in swift graceful move. He's a Gatsby dude, remember? Sleek looks, clever mind, suave tongue, devious smile. Lady killer. Better be guarded.

The staff started to serve the food. I just waited trying to busy myself with the spectacle above the table, not meeting his eyes.

When the server was done, he shooed them away. "We will be in the next room sir, just call us if you need our help." The guy in black butler outfit spoke, devoid in emotion.

"I can do the task myself, don't worry. You can go now." He ordered while not taking off his eyes on me.

"If you wish sir." So they left, leaving the room to us. Alone. With this pretty face, charming bastard.

I started to eat. Picking my spoon for the appetizer. He eyed me and observed me like an eagle preying on a sparrow.

I tried to ignore him, eating in silence. He did the same, still gazing over me.

When it itching every inches of me due to his silly act, I exclaimed. "For God's sake! Will you stop staring at me like that?"

"What? Is that a crime?" He just shrugged that off nonchalantly.

I clenched my jaw. "Well, it's distracting, I can't even taste my food."

"It's not my problem if you're too distracted on me. I'm too good to be true." He smirked mischievously.

"Huh, is that how big your ego? Well, to tell you frankly, you're not my type. Too selfish, brat and clean ass. You look like a dumb clown."

"Really?" He put his elbow on the table and rested his cheek on his palm. "So why are you blushing?"

"I'm not...blushing?" I defensed then I grabbed the platter's cover which was silver and shiny. The one that reflects your face like a mirror.

He laughed. "Trick you, but you know what? I like you." Then he continued his eating.

I didn't know what got into his head saying that kind of silly admiration but it made me blush again. Damn him!

Good thing he wasn't looking. I hid it by ostentatiously wiping a table napkin on my lips.

"Why are you following me?" I asked.

"I didn't. It's just coincidence."

"C'mon, don't give me a crap."

He looked back at me. "I said it, I didn't even know you're here or how you get in here. And to tell you honestly, I like how it turned out. I happen to see you again. Would that be what they called destiny?"

"Destiny my ass!"

"Watch your word. We're eating." He chided primly. Then spooned his baked baby scallop.

I sighed. He's playing mind game. I'll give him what he want. "You're a member here, am I right?"

He just nodded.

"So, how do I get in here? I mean, what happened last night?"

He gave a quick glance and smirked while taking his time chewing.

My patience was thinning fueled by his delaying tactics. I gave him a glare still waiting for him.

"What?" He asked ignoring my dagger look.

"I'm asking you a question, can you just be polite to answer it?" I curtly said.

"I'm eating," He said, then took another spoonful of the delicious scallop.

"Just tell me what happened last night then I'll you leave you with your eating peacefully." I was restraining my anger.

"Does it really important to you, to know what happened?"

"No, actually no! Why would I ask if that's not important?!" I was on the brink yelling. Damn, he has the talent to make anyone angry in just one irritating insinuation.

"I wouldn't ask if I were you," He said flatly then took a sip on his glass of water.

I breathed a sigh, trying to control my temper. "Why would you even say that? As if something bad happened––"

"Yes, you just escaped a s*x assault last night. My top contender tried to r**e you. Good thing I came and..." He gave a tentative look then he continued. "It's fine, I've taken care of it." He sighed. "He will never get his hand on you again I promise you that."

I opened my mouth and closed it. "Why? How can you..."

"I bought you for good. For one billion dollars." He gave a piercing look. "You're mine now."

I tried to laugh which sounds so ridiculous. "You're kidding, as if they will sell me just for one billion dollars."

"I'm not kidding."

I stopped, dropped the spoon and stared at him.

"I bought you. So that means, you're mine and you will be my girl."

I gaped then laughed so hard. He gave me a serious look with furrowed brows.

"Is that how lonely you are that's why you bought girls to make you feel loved? You're pathetic!" Then I spat.

No one own this girl!

"No, I bought you because I want to scorn and mock Galbadon. I just took my pride humiliating him in front of many people. I just want to screw the man, do you think you're too worth for that price? Well, come to think of it, you're pretty and..." He slurred then looked at my boobs. "You look refine, I can use you."

I gave a harsh sigh. "You bought me for s*x? For pleasure?"

"Hmmm, maybe I could consider that. s*x is added perks I want to claim in right time."

I gritted my teeth, clenched my fist and I wanted to scratch the smile on his face.

I want to throw the steak knife towards him.

"And I will take my time, cherishing, savoring, drinking every inches of you. Like this wine." He lifted the champagne on his mouth.

"I will make sure we will have a great time." He added, lacing a sinister smile. Exuding his s****l manliness.

"You're such a pervert. Is that how you get your girls? Buying them?"

"No, It's just you."

"Why did you do that? You can just let that guy take me, or I don't know, or other men of this club? Why did you buy me out? I don't understand. You don't seem the type of guy who will throw money just for your damn whim."

"I told you earlier." He sipped on his wineglass. "I like you."

It stopped my mental ability to understand him. God, he's good. He's so damn good liar.

But I'm not buying it.

"Really? I want to cry. Is this the part that I will jump for joy and scream like a dumb ninny?" I said sarcastically. "Not gonna happen. Do you thing I'm that dumb? You're just playing, I know your type. You're just bored, spoiled, rich brat."

"I don't care of what you think, I don't care if you won't accept it. But it can't erase the fact that I bought you. Like it or not, you're still mine. Unless, you have one billion dollars to pay me back." He said firmly, with vindication.

I pursed my lips maintaining my nonchalant demeanor. But the truth is, I'm dying to kill him now. "So, can I have the name of my master?"

He smiled. Oh that freaking irritating smile. "Richard Nixon."

"Oh, can we just cut this lying game? What is your f*****g name?"

"It's my real name. After the U.S. president."

"And I'm Marilyn Monroe." I said sardonically.

"You said we should stop lying to each other."

"I'm not going to tell you."

"That's fine. Look, can we stop this and let's eat first? Shall we?"

I wanted to argue but my stomach grumbled again.

He was on his steak now, cutting it in small portion and threw in his mouth. "Even you're stomach agreeing with me."

I shot him a dark look but dropped it. I'm too hungry to fight against his silly mind game. I took my fork and my steak knife then I continued to eat.