Highest Bidder Collection - Lauren Landish Page 0,185

her auction in Club X. I’m not a fan of the term, I prefer pet, but neither really matters.

I’ve never paid for sex before. It’s not about the money at the auctions, it’s about the contract. About getting exactly what I want and ensuring the lines are drawn and everything written in black and white. Everything consensual. … even if it’s nature is not.

That bid wasn’t a bid for pleasure. Although she made me curious, I didn’t want her. Her Master called her Katia, his kitten.

I thought Isaac was humiliating her, making her go onto a stage knowing no one else would bid on her. Making her feel undesired. I know the man and I know what he’s capable of.

I was pissed. How could he treat her like that? She was trembling on the stage, her apprehension and fear apparent. I wanted to make him pay for what he was doing. And steal his kitten, set her free even.

But I was wrong.

I don’t understand them, the members of the club and the elite circles who have grown comfortable there. This lifestyle is new to me.

But control isn’t. Sex isn’t.

Power is in my blood.

My phone pings again. I don’t want to read it. She always convinces me to go. Maybe it’s because I feel for her and for what she’s going through, but I’m not interested in playing games and trying to fit in where I don’t belong.

I toss the journal and pen onto the end table and rise from my seat, feeling my muscles groan with a pain that I find pleasurable. I take a peek at my phone in my hand when the reminder ding goes off.

Kiersten text reads:

She’s going to be there.

I stare at it, thinking about the one thing that’s interested me in the last three years of living in this void. I ran into her when I left the auction. Literally. I ran straight into her small, delicate frame and nearly knocked her over. I wasn’t paying attention. It was my fault entirely.

But she took the blame.

Kneeling, improperly, and apologizing in a hushed voice.

She was perfectly imperfect. In need of a Master. But not accepting of one. She’s still learning. Kiersten caught on to my interest when I started coming to the club more often.

I’ve been watching her. I needed to observe her.

She has desires I’m not sure I can fill. The way she craves pain is something that feeds a monster lurking inside of me. A depraved beast I’ve tried to keep chained.

I should stay far away from her. But she piques my curiosity and she’s made me truly desire her. Or at least I crave hearing those soft moans and forcing them from her lips myself.

I’ve watched her this past month. I’m not sure she’s noticed. No one pays her much attention since she’s still finding her limits. She’s not eager for a partner either. She sticks with the trainers and stays in the shadows and corners, keeping out of sight.

I can’t deny that she tempts me to possess her, to teach her proper techniques. I tap my fingers on the wooden end table rhythmically. I consider going tonight.

I picture the curve of her ass as she practices her poses, the way her lips part with lust when she touches herself discreetly. She may think no one’s noticed her, but I have. And I want her.

I text Kiersten back, I’ll be there.

Chapter 3

Lilly

I walk up to the doors of Club-X, the huge mansion-like structure looming in the background, it’s red ambient lighting illuminating the front of the building and casting a glow on its esteemed guests that are waiting to be admitted. A cool breeze drafting through the area. My skin pricks as the air softly caresses my flesh, crackling with electricity, and the dark-suited bodyguard at the door recognizes me.

His eyes trail the skimpy outfit that I’m wearing, the red silk short night gown that I changed into before getting out of my Honda. I feel almost naked under his gaze, but at the same time sexy, he makes me feel wanted. Although the attraction is firmly one-sided.

I should be used to this now, but I still get nervous with excitement. I know that in a few moments, men far more powerful than him will be looking at me and it makes me feel anxious. Unconsciously, I trail my finger along my bracelet. It’s still rubber, meaning I’m still just learning, and I haven’t chosen a membership bracelet that will indicate what I