I approached Jade who stood in front of North Taylor. Jade saw me coming towards her. Her eyes shifted to the man following me and licked her ruby red lips seductively. She smiled, showing her pearly white teeth. "Congratulations, Gloria. You got the perfectionist."
I forced a giggle and leaned in as if we were the best of friends. "Yes, and you got the Bad Boy."
Jade's brown eyes widened with enthusiasm and laughed. "I can't wait to have some time with him and see if he lives up to his name in bed." Her eyes flicked onto the man behind me and her eyes became hooded. "Maybe we can meet up sometime this week and exchange men."
Bile rose but I forced it down. I shrugged, making it seem as if I was considering it. "We'll see."
I looked up just in time to see a look of revulsion cross the younger Taylor's face. I wished that I could help him and the others, but I was here for only one person. "I'm going to go congratulate the others."
Jade smiled. "Good idea. They might be open to having a day with someone else."
I forced myself to go through the motions of being nice to her although I really wanted was her to go to hell. I turned around, facing Mr. Blackbourne who stared at me with a closed expression. Ignoring him, I walked away from him and his unspoken emotions.
One by one, I talked to the women who possessed Dakota, Luke, Gabriel, Silas, Victor, and Nathan. By the time I approached Silver Mann who had Sean behind her, Jade was next to her. Sean and North both had a gleam of fear in their eyes though they tried to hide it by looking at the floor.
Silver Mann looked at me with interest and cold hatred. "Ah, the woman who outbid me for the famous Owen Blackbourne." She gazed at the man behind me. "Such a shame. I had my heart on this young man, but Sean will do." She transferred her gaze on the man she had purchased, eyeing his body. "It's a good thing that he's a doctor because the things I intend to do will require his services."
I froze. Her statement had my blood running cold. Now I understood why North and Sean looked pale and fearful. She and Jade must have been talking about what they intend to do with them. Despite being the minority and needed for scientific study, men had been reduced to something below an animal. They were treated without any censor which means that they could be beaten and nothing would be done to help them. Only if a man died would there be an outrage.
I forced myself to move. I made sure my throat was clear and spoke with a suggestive voice. "Maybe I can have an hour with him before you damage him too badly."
Silver Mann raked her eyes over Owen. "Maybe you can while I watch your man."
I leaned forward, making my voice sound husky. "I think that can be arranged."
Silver Mann smiled and looked over to Jade. "I think that this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship."
I laughed with them before noticing the last person I needed to approach. "Pardon me, but I want to catch a closer look at the man Silver Oliver bought before she leaves."
I crossed the floor towards the couple who were huddled together on a sofa. Silver Oliver was a woman around my age with luxurious black hair cascading down her back. As her eyes met mine, I almost froze. Her green eyes were kind and warm, a rarity especially in a crowd like this. "Silver Oliver, congratulations on your Bidding."
Next to Silver Oliver, Michelangelo turned slightly at the sound of my voice. His brown eyes peered up at me, trying to see through the mask.
Silver Oliver smiled. "Thank you. Congratulations on your Bidding, too, Prime Devonport." She looked behind us at the group of women and shivered. "It's sad about the rest of the men to be stuck with women such as those."
I was shocked by her words and actions, making me suspicious. "I know. A bound plant won't grow on hard soil."
Green eyes widened at the statement. "That is so true. A plant that is set in a nourishing and large space can flourish and bear fruit. I have a garden that has rare fruit."
"I have an affinity for planting," I held her eyes before smiling. I held my hand out towards her. "My name is Gloria."
She smiled, taking my hand. "Kali. I hope that you can find a way to set plants in good soil."
I nodded. "Hopefully in time."
Kali stood up with Michelangelo following her. "I hope to see you again, Prime Devonport. Have a great week."
I smiled. I had a feeling that she could see the smile behind the mask. "You, too, Silver Oliver."
As I watched her walk away, I saw Michelangelo sneak a look over his shoulder. His brown eyes held so much emotion that made me want to cry. Hope, fear, sorrow, and happiness mingled in his eyes for the moment that he looked at me. I gave him a small nod before he turned forward, following the woman who bought him. Behind me, I could feel Owen Blackbourne's sharp eyes on me. I ignored him, thinking of what I need to do.
double update! hope you guys liked the two chapters. Thanks for the votes and comments.