Highest Bidder Collection - Lauren Landish Page 0,20

says as I take in the room, my eyes adjusting to the darkness. I give the man a tight smile and accept the pamphlet he offers. My dick starts hardening, knowing my new Submissive’s details are waiting for me inside. My body hums with desire, and my blood rushes in my ears.

“Lucian,” I hear a deep voice call out in front of me. My eyes are drawn to a table near the back of the room and a small hand waving me to come to them.

A smirk slips into place as I pass Senator Williams. Although he’s masked, I recognize the sharp features of his jaw, and the pale blue eyes peeking from the silver mask. I give him a nod, but he doesn’t see. He’s tapping the pamphlet on the table and staring at a man across the room. I don’t recognize him, but I imagine it’s someone on the senator’s shit list judging by the look on his face. The knowledge makes my smirk widen into a grin.

“Interesting to find you here, Lucian,” Isaac says in a smooth, lowered voice as I approach. The tables are separated enough for a bit of privacy. I unbutton my jacket and sit easily on the opposite side of Zander and Isaac. Two men I know well. Two men I trust.

“It’s been a while,” I say easily, taking in the sight of them. My eyes travel along Isaac’s suit. It’s light grey, and he’s even wearing a striped silver tie. I’m not used to the look on him. The men in here are expected to be dressed in black tie attire, but it’s been nearly a year since I’ve been back, and seeing Isaac in a suit is something that’s more or less a rarity. Even though it’s custom tailored, he looks like he doesn’t belong in it. His rugged demeanor and casual stance offset the clean lines and hard edges the suit is meant to enhance.

He’s simply not a man to wear a suit. If it were up to him, I imagine he’d be in jeans. Although I’m sure he’s found ways to use the tie around his neck to his advantage. He’s a contractor for private security, and you’d think he’d be used to dressing up. But he looks like he’s itching to get out of his suit. Although I know the silver watch on his wrist costs a fortune. I suppose we all desire a bit of luxury, it’s just a matter of personal taste in choosing how to go about it.

I glance around the room, the memories of the club coming back to me, but I stop when I see a man I recognize. It's not because I’ve seen him here before. Joe Levi. He has a mask on, but his sharp features are distinct, and his mannerisms are the same. He’s a crook; a mobster, a villain. This room and club are filled with men of power and wealth, but a membership isn’t something that can simply be purchased. There’s a background check and a training course that must be completed first. Madam Lynn is out to protect the women here just as much as she aims to profit, but seeing Joe makes me question that.

I gesture slightly toward him, catching Isaac’s eye.

“He’s been here about three months now,” he answers, and his voice is low.

“Are his tastes what I’ve heard them to be?” I ask soft enough that our conversation can’t be heard by anyone else. Zander can hear, but he lets Isaac answer.

“He only comes to the auctions.”

I nod in response and look back over to him.

“He’s yet to buy anyone.” Isaac's words settle in me as I take in the other buyers. Some I know, some I don’t. The only one I’d rather not have in this room is Joe. But that’s not my call.

“Are you suddenly in the buying mood?” Zander asks me. He’s a man who fucking belongs in that suit. He was practically raised in it. Zander’s from wealth; he oozes high class, and his neat black bow tie is the cherry on top. As a wall street mogul and heir to a sizable fortune, the designer look and gold cufflinks fit him well. With sharp cheekbones and piercing green eyes, his classically handsome look makes him fit in with this exclusive crowd. Isaac belongs here as well, but his suit is caging in a beast who wants out. That’s the difference between them.

“I need a distraction,” I finally answer.

“It’s good