Page 33 of The Auction Block

It's not what I expected. On the left wall he's got a very large and detailed world map with red, blue, and orange pins stuck in various locations. Next to the map are two freestanding cork boards, each one littered with pictures of girls— all ages and races, scraps with different information scrawled on them.

Missing persons' boards.

I glance over, meeting his deep eyes. I'm rooted in place, unable to look away.

"Nina, listen to me. You’re none of those things . . . no, just because you have scars doesn't mean . . . listen to me, Nina. You're beautiful. Do you understand me? Scars or not. You need to heal, both inside and out. This isn't going to be a one-day thing."

My hands shake and I tear my eyes away from his.

"Nina, don't be afraid to call me when you need to talk, hon, that's why I'm here."

I stare at the cork boards, scanning the faces of all the missing girls. He'll never find most of them. It's noble he's trying, but the sad truth is most of these girls will die and their bodies will never be recovered. Their families will never know. They'll never have peace.

"Many of these girls have been missing for years," he says.

He steps next to me, too close. I shift to the left, putting more distance between us. He shakes his head slightly.

"You realize you'll never find most of them."

"That doesn't mean I'll stop trying. No one should be given up on, regardless of the odds."

I nod, glancing to his face. He's staring at me, eyes darkening with a slight glint in them. “What?"

His eyebrows shoot up. "You don't like being looked at do you?"

"I'm not used to it. In my world, when men stare at you . . . they aren't usually thinking nice things."

"Well, you shouldn't assume you know what I'm thinking."

"What are you thinking?" I turn toward him fully, slipping my fingers into my pockets.

"I was wondering why you're so . . . closed off."

I grin, remembering one of our earlier conversations. "Unhappy circumstances."

"Fair enough," he says, chuckling.

"Are you planning on leaving the apartment today?"

"Yes. Jax is sending Dresden, Vlad, and Rhett with me, I believe."

"Good. Follow orders and don't piss anyone off."

He laughs. "Yes, ma'am."

I grin, despite myself. "Have a good day, Mr. Mason." I turn and walk toward the door.

"Lily!"

I turn back around, placing one hand on the door frame.

"I'm looking forward to Saturday." He winks and that strange surge of nerves runs through me again.

I wish I could say the same.

Tonight's the night.Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, fear courses through my body waiting for my dress to arrive. Shaking, I pull a bathrobe from the hook on the door, slipping my arms in and tying it around my waist. I go into the bedroom, and sit on the edge of the bed, placing my head in my hands.

I don't want to do this. I can't do this.