The Auction House Deal: Bought by A Billionaire

Considering everything we’d been through, I knew I needed to call Roman and let him know I was safe. With the music pumping and the foursome on the dance floor still enjoying themselves, I scooted out from the booth.

I looked around the club, eyeing a quiet spot. Everything seemed fine - there were no more weird guys looking my way. Yet, everywhere I stepped, the music and the chatter pounded in my ears.

Eyeing the door, I walked toward it.

I’d just stand in the doorway and make the call, I reasoned. I’d be on the phone with Roman anyway, so if anything happened, he’d be able to hear.

Outside, the air felt cool on my legs, and I shivered a little. Across the street, a couple walked by holding hands. They made me think of Roman, and I longed to have him beside me. Three girls walked toward me, giggling. I watched them and stepped out of the way when they reached the club and started to enter.

Before wasting anymore time, I pressed the number on my cell to call Roman.

"Hannah, where are you?" he asked, picking up the phone on the first ring.

"I’m at a club with the girls," I replied. I looked back at the name on the door. "The Roundhouse Club."

"Are Ed and Marcus there?" he asked.

"Yeah, they showed up. It’s all good."

I bit my lip. It was so good to hear his voice, but I could tell he was annoyed. Just how mad he was at me, I didn’t know.

"What were you thinking?" his voice grew louder, echoing over the phone in a muffled yell.

"It wasn’t my idea. I swear. We were out at that restaurant having a good time. I barely had anything to drink. You know, we were talking about girl stuff. The usual."

"So how did you miraculously end up at a club - a magic carpet?" he asked.

I could tell he was just trying to make a joke to hide his anger. "No. We were walking out, and Kristin pointed to some people across the street. She made it seem like they were a threat, and all the bodyguards ran over there."

"Ahhh, the girl who cried wolf," he said.

"I was just so shocked. Scared. I thought what she said was true. So, when someone grabbed my arm and pulled me away, I just followed. The next thing I knew we were inside the club."

It was the truth, of course, but I definitely tried to use my most innocent ’I didn’t do it’ voice in order to convince Roman.

"You expect me to believe you just fell down the rabbit hole like Alice in Wonderland?"

"No. I was pushed. Or pulled... I don’t know. Anyway you look at it, I was just a pawn in Kristin’s game. She wanted to continue the fun. I think she thought it would be good for me. After being cooped up in the house, afraid all the time, she wanted me to get out. She cares about me."

"She sure has a funny way of showing it. Caring about you wouldn’t include ditching your security detail. I hired them for a reason. I want you to have fun, too. I just want you to have fun safely." His harsh tone started to ease a little.

"I know. I know. It’s crazy. I’ve honestly been a little down. I didn’t even want to dance or anything. But a few drinks loosened me up."

"You’re drunk?" Roman asked, and I could hear the edge in his voice return.

"No. Not drunk. Not at all. I’ve been drinking water. This guy offered to... Nevermind." I realized mid-sentence that I was talking too much.

"Hannah. I really don’t like what I’m hearing. Put Ed on the phone," Roman demanded.

"I - uh - I, well, he’s actually inside dancing with Kristin right now. I can go get him... Or..." I turned to look at the entrance, considering whether I should just run in real quick.

"Inside?" he asked. "If he’s inside, where are you?"

I looked around, noting my surroundings. A shiver went up my body as a chilly wind blew. The street was empty, almost eerie.

"I’m outside."

"Hannah," Roman almost howled. "What are you doing outside? Is anyone with you? Where’s Marcus?"

Before I could answer any of his rapid fire questions, I took in a breath of cold air. "Okay, Roman. I’m not a child. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I know how important my safety is to you. And I really appreciate you being so concerned. But it actually turned out to be a really normal night."

"And why didn’t you call me earlier?" he pressed, his voice more like a growl.

"Kristin took my phone."

"Hannah, seriously. This all sounds... I don’t know..." He let out a long breath as if he didn’t know what to say.

"Roman, again, I’m sorry." I wished I could just push my arms through the phone and wrap them around his body. I would squeeze his back so tight like an anaconda constricting its prey.

"Hannah. I love you. I love you so much. I’m sorry if I come off - well - you know, protective. But you’ve been out long enough. I need you to come home. I want to feel you in my arms."

Despite the chilly night air, a warm feeling fired my insides hearing Roman tell me how he felt about me.

"I’ll just go inside and round everyone up," I said.

"God, Hannah. You’re still outside? You’re like a sitting duck. Get your butt home," he practically shouted into the phone. "Your beautiful round, tight, butt."

I laughed. It was just like Roman to make a joke while also being angry. "I will. I love you. I can’t wait to see you tonight. I promise I’ll make it up to you." I licked my lips even though Roman couldn’t see me.

It was the second time that night that I made a promise I couldn’t keep.

"See you soon," Roman said and hung up.

I held onto the phone and brought it to my chest, smiling while thinking of Roman.

I’d be home soon, and planned to take him to bed. His body on mine would feel exquisite. Make-up sex was certainly something I was looking forward to.

Just as I was about to turn and walk back into the club, I felt another breeze. I put my hands on my shoulders, trying to warm myself, my phone still in my hand. Pivoting, I stepped in the direction of the club.

I didn’t get far, however, before I felt a gloved hand around my mouth.

Someone strong started pulling me. I tried to scream or even bite, but the person’s hand - I presumed, a man’s - was too big, covering my entire mouth.

The man didn’t say anything. He just dragged me around the corner where a car was running, the back door open just a crack. I couldn’t see the person, but I saw his foot in a sturdy black boot push open the car door and shove me in the back.

He quickly crawled in behind me, wrapping my hands in duct tape and taping my mouth.

It was then that I got a glimpse of my kidnapper-strong, well-built. His face was covered with a ski mask, so I couldn’t make out his features.

Looking at me from the holes in his mask, I caught a glimpse of his gaze. The green, the way they reflected just a glint of light, reminded me of someone, but I couldn’t place it. Besides that, he was completely covered in black, and I couldn’t make out any distinguishing features.

When he had pushed me in the car, I started to scream and pound on the car window, but the kidnapper acted with such speed and precision, I wasn’t able to fight back. With the car idling, he jumped into the front seat and drove away.

I groaned, my lips covered. I tried to wriggle away, but it was impossible. The tape was too tight.

Watching the club become more distant as I gazed out of the back window of the car, I couldn’t believe I’d been abducted so fast.

The kidnapper hadn’t said anything, so I didn’t know who he was or what he wanted. My biggest fear was that it was someone from the Auction House come back to torture me.

As downtown became more distant through the windows of the car, I started to shake.

I closed my eyes and thought about Roman. Picturing him in my mind made me feel stronger, ready to do what I had to do to escape. I was a fighter, and no one was going to keep us apart.