Page 6 of Bid For Me
When the crowd around us erupts into applause, I clap along, feeling my own emotions well up. She catches my eye andbeams, like she’s sharing this impossible, incredible moment with me. And right then, I know. No matter where life takes us, we’ll always be there for each other.
CHAPTER THREE
Elle
“It’s time. Are you good?”Wint asks, guiding me by the elbow backstage. I drain the remains of my champagne, hand him my glass, adjust my dress and beam at him.
“Born ready,” I reply brightly, trying to hide my nerves.
Maybe Candy’s right, and this is insane. Now that I’m about to actually step out on stage and put myself, my virginity, on the auction block…yeah, I’m having doubts.
“Tell me it’s too late to back out,” I murmur to Wint.
He flashes a look of concern right back at me and frowns. “It’s never too late, just say the word and I’ll?—”
“That’s not helpful, Wint,” I snap back. “Tell me it’s too late.”
“Elle, no-one’s going to make you?—”
Doesn’t he know I need a wingman right now? A cheerleader? Not gentle reassurance that this whole thing can be called off with a click of my fingers.
“I’m ready. Let’s do this,” I say firmly, interrupting him.
The MC on stage announces the final auction lot for the night – adatewith me – and then there’s thunderous applause and cheers.
“You’ve got this,” Wint tells me reassuringly.
I nod, but it’s a little tricky to make my feet actually move. Wint gives me a nudge.
Thankfully, I’m used to living my life in heels, and I barely stumble as I take a step forward, out of the wings and onto the stage where I’m blinded by a spotlight that bathes me in a golden glow. The deafening roar of the crowd washes over me, drowning out any lingering doubts. I plaster on a smile, trying to exude confidence, despite the nerves churning in my stomach. The MC’s voice booms through the speakers, hyping up the bidding war about to begin.
For a moment, I stand there, feeling exposed under the intense gaze of the audience. But then I remember why I’m here, why I’m doing this. I’m not just some prize to be won: I’m here to change my life.
With that thought in mind, I straighten my shoulders, summoning every ounce of determination within me.
As the bidding starts, I focus on projecting an air of allure, drawing potential bidders in with a coy glance or a playful smirk – not that I can see any of their faces with the spotlight blinding me.
With each competitive bid, the tension in the room builds, and the adrenaline courses through my veins. I can’t hear the amount anymore over the roaring of my blood in my ears, but I know that I’ve far surpassed the extortionate amount the bidding started at. There seems to be a flurry of men vying for this ‘date’ with me. I needn’t have worried, Candy was never going to have to bail me out.
With an air of finality, a loud voice cuts through the chaos of the room, rendering everyone silent and speechless.
“One million pounds.”
It’s only my impeccable etiquette training kicking in that prevents me from gaping along with the rest of the room. Isquare my shoulders, toss my long golden hair over my shoulder and raise my chin a little.
The money’s going to a good cause, an excellent cause in fact, so I try to project a confidence that I don’t feel, that a date with me is absolutely worth the insane amount of money thrown down like a challenging gauntlet.
“O-one million pounds…” the MC repeats, sounding as flabbergasted as I feel. “Do I…ahem…hear any advance on that bid?”
Of course not. No one is crazy enough to pay?—
“Two million pounds for you to accept my bid and close this auction down right now so we can all go back to enjoying ourselves.”
This time my smile slips.
Is this guy for real – I’m sure it’s the same voice – why would he bid himself up like that? And to double the bid…he must be certifiably insane.
“S-sold…for two million pounds.” The MC can hardly believe it, and nor can I, or the rest of the room judging by the astonished silence that follows.