Mattie
I recognized the drug he had given me. It made me feel the same way I felt at the wedding. It was like I was on autopilot, agreeing to everything he said no matter what my own mind screamed. He hadn't returned since the day he assaulted me. Vivian had been in several times, cleaning me, feeding me, and explaining how this was all my fault for messing up her plans. She didn't want to do this, but it was for Violet. She kept telling me to stop fighting - to just let go.
I don't know if it was the drugs or exhaustion, but at some point, I did as she said. I stopped fighting and let go.
I woke up and groaned as I wiped my eyes. Wait, my hands weren't bound. I opened my eyes and squinted against the sunlight. I sat up and realized I was wearing a nightgown, and lying in a large, plush bed. How the hell did I get here?
"Ahh you're awake," Carlos's voice came from the corner of the room. "I wondered if I'd pushed you too far in that last session." I quirked my head to the side - what session? He laughed, "You don't remember do you?" I shook my head no. He stepped closer to the bed and ran his hand down my back making me yelp when he touched the ragged flesh. "I made you cum with my whips, whore, just like I said I would. Then, I fucked you until you passed out." I shivered but didn't speak. It wouldn't do any good. My words only infuriated him. "You're mine now, whore. Vivian has your daughter and Emilio is dead. I'm going to use and sell you until you're just a worn-out husk, and by then your daughter will be old enough to carry my child. We will rule both cartels."
"Don't touch my daughter!" I screamed and began swinging my fists at him as he laughed and laughed until his fist connected with my face and I felt like I was falling.
I jolted, groaning as the chair I was still tied to had fallen over sideways. Fuck...it was just a nightmare. A nightmare I couldn't escape. I started sobbing uncontrollably, praying for anything - for rescue, for death, for madness...
Victor
"The bastard sent us personal invites," I said, tossing the envelope addressed to Kota and me on the table. "Tori was right, he's auctioning her."
Both Emilio and Marc picked up the invitations.
The end of an Empire: Main Auction - Matilda Cardoza, clean canvas - starting bid 2 million
"Who all are we sending?" Kota asked.
"Everyone except the four," Marc motioned to Alberto, Emilio, Sean, and Owen. "He wouldn't let them get in the door. He still thinks you two are criminals, Rico can vouch for Silas and North, and he doesn't know the rest."
"What's the cap?" Gabe asked as he held Tori tightly against him.
"There isn't one," Marc grinned. "Corey and Victor have routed the account to be limitless. Between our own personal finances, and Raven's father backing us, there isn't a bid we can't top."
"Alright then fuckers, time to make you look fabulous," Gabe grinned, "Then we rescue the girl."
****
Once again, Luke gloated about how sign language was the best second language. We couldn't risk earwigs or any other devices, and there wasn't really anyone to monitor us since both Corey and I were here. The only backup we had was our cell phones. I'd managed to link them by modifying a simple location app. It also allowed us to know who was bidding on what.
Kota and I were drinking a glass of champagne when Carlos appeared. "Ahh, gentlemen, I was hoping you'd accept my invitation," he said.
"We were a bit surprised," I said, "but regimes rise and fall all the time, don't they?"
He laughed and clapped my back, "My thoughts exactly. I trust you'll enjoy the bidding and wish you luck. I do hope you came prepared. Tonight's selections are rather exotic and of course, the queen herself will be the final bid."
I scanned the room and caught Nate's attention. Several auctions, we may need to bid on others to avoid suspicion.
He nodded and circulated the room as we did, passing on the information. Soon the lights flickered like they do at an opera and Vivian stepped onto the stage. I saw the Toma men shrink back into the shadows, as did we. If she recognized us, we were done.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome. We have a wide selection for your pleasure this evening. All winning bids are final and payment must be received prior to leaving with your merchandise. However, our main event auction is a bit different. This is a time slot, not a full purchase. The winner will be given the chance to demonstrate their skills on this very stage, then will have an additional twenty-four hours with the Reina herself, Matilda Cardoza. Any questions may be directed to me or Mr. Sanchez, your hosts. Happy bidding!" She flashed a smile and left the stage.
Fuck! We all exchanged glances and Luke signed - Gabe. It has to be Gabe. Vivian doesn't know him and he can do the demonstration with the least amount of injury.
Gabe's eyes looked haunted as he nodded his agreement, then looked at the Tomas and signed - please forgive me.
No one responded, they simply nodded, knowing full well what he was going to have to do.
Author's Notes: A bit of a filler, but needed.