Caesar had made it a note to never attend such things. He found the hobby crude, even for a man like himself. But his current business venture left him little to no choice. His father's insistence did not make his position any better. So, he decided to just bite the bullet and go.
His driver announced their arrival at auction house. The house looked much like any that the people in his circle probably own, much like his very own, a yarded high gate estate, vintage rustic designed exterior. He found the property a waste considering its sole purpose.
Caesar made a mental note to shut down the place if he ever got a chance. And if things went as he had planned, that would be soon. He strolled inside at his leisure with his trusted aide at his side. "Don, is it necessary for me to be present." The aforementioned man spoke.
"Well, not really but I would much rather prefer it."
"I feel like I am being punished. Having to seat through this." he complained.
Caesar let out a huffed laugh turning his head ever sightly to face the man, "If that is how you feel. Imagine how I am feeling, K." The duo walked over to the door where two servants stood to welcome. One collecting weapon and the other heading out masks. He eyed the one who held out his hands for his weapon. There was a stretched-out silence, and no movement made. The servant swallowed hard and spoke, fear prominent in his trembling voice. "Please, sir, it is protocol." He eyed the man's trembling form with as much little interest as he had in this event.
Caaser grabbed a mask and made his way inside. Ignoring the call behind him. "The Don, does not carry any weapons." K told the servant as he removed his guns and knives. Then took a mask following after his boss.
They were lead through a number of passages, five to be exact, probably meant to make sure the guests do not get familiar with the place. Unfortunately for them, Caesar's memory was, well, commendable would be an understatement. He already had the layout memorised, not to mention he had gotten a blueprint of the place before visiting. A man like himself could never be too cautious.
The servant who had led them suddenly stopped, then stepped aside to open the door for them. He found himself in a hosting hall, filled suits and fancy dresses, and of course the masks. Which if he was really being honest was pointless, considering that he knew everyone here. Maybe it was not to hide their identities but rather their vile nature, if that was the case then he could understand. But then again who was he to judge, he was amongst them was he not? He had done things that made him very sure that the word saint would never be used for him. Hell was his only ticket after death. And he did not seem mind.
There were more servants circling around the guests with drinks. He grabbed one from a tray moving past him. As he was about to take a drink, he felt a presence next to him which was not K. A frown fell on his features at the realisation of who it was. The very man who had dragged him here. He drank from his glass, swallowing it down along with the urge to strangle the ugly fuck before him.
"I am glad you can finally make it to this event. You usually never make an appearance despite the invites."
"Not much of my scene." He spoke curt and distant.
"A shame. You have been missing out. As you will soon realise."
His face filled with annoyance and utter disgust. Even more so when he realised the mask was hiding it. "I highly doubt that." Caesar downed his drink.
The man opened his mouth to say more but the auctioneer interrupted with prettied up greetings and pleasantries. "Now if you please, follow my people to the showroom where the real fun shall begin."
"Don? He seems to be annoying you; can I kill him?" K asked upon sensing a change in his boss' behaviour. Also dawning an annoyance of his own.
He let out a chuckle, "Maybe. I have not yet decided."
The guests were led to what looked like an inhouse theatre. Bright lights spotted on the stage to give the audience a better view. The seats were not lit up, probably to give an illusion of mystery and hiding their identities. It never ceased to amaze Caesar how rich people loved the theatrics of exclusivity. He thought it ridiculously.
The annoyingly loud auctioneer began, "Welcome ladies and gentlemen tonight we have quite the line up…"
He drowned out his exaggerated speeches and introduction. The first girl was brought out. She could barely walk, eyes delirious and unfocused. She had to be held just to keep her body up right. He did not need to get close or any confirmation to know she was high out of her mind. The poor thing barely knew where she was or what was going on. That seemed to be the case with every girl that came out. He found it a shame, really, but found it just as much of a shame that he was to be subjected to such. Caesar had better work to take care of.
"You have not bid once. Are the girls not to your liking." That familiar voice that worked on his every nerve sounded next to him.
"Not my thing." Caesar, reemphasised then turned to K, "Who arranged the seating."
"I will go find out." K responded as he got up and made his way to the door they had entered through.
"Maybe it is just that you have not found the right item yet." The man persisted.
"Sure." Caesar closed. Just as he decided he was about done with this charade, two things happened that put a stop in his tracks.
K returned with answer, "The host who happens to be…" he turned his gaze to the stage as he continued, "Our dear auctioneer."
Caesar followed K's eyes to the stage where the auctioneer was making yet another animated announcement about the last item of the night. "Ladies and gentlemen. What we have now, is our last item for the night. She is a rare beauty with a bit of exotic air about her, but in an elegant way. You are sure to be blown away."
At the time Caesar was on his feet about ready to leave when she stumbled out. At first, he thought she was high on drugs just as the rest. He watched her as she attempted looking out at the people vying for her but decided against it, then turned her gaze to the floor. She fixed her posture and stood firm, unsupported.
The theatre fell strangely quiet, the only thing growing loud was their lustful, predatory stares. "Wow. What a find." The auctioneer commented, "This item has stunned the audience to silence with her beauty." He said moving closer to her then without warning removed the lace gown from her body to reveal her toned body and silky-smooth skin, in its shine and gleam.
Caesar found that he could not keep his eyes off her, not because her body was enticing, which it was. But because of the look in her eyes, it held so much emotion that it made him curious to see which she will break into.
"Look at that my dear honourable guests, not only is her face a beauty but she has a body match." the irritating auctioneer moved to her ears as he spoke, "Do a 360 doll and smile."
Caesar half expected her to break down in tears, because he knew without a doubt that she wanted to cry. "Show everyone that nice piece of ass." He could see the sorrow just below those flames that seemed to burn in her soul probably wishing to burn these people gunning for her along with. What he never expected was for the flames to be stoked and her next words.
"Screw you." she said with a confidence that was lanced with venom. Then she moved with such grace to pick up her gown putting in on with a daring look. He found himself smirking at her daring behaviour. Caesar very much enjoyed watching the look on the auctioneer's face twist just as much as he enjoyed the fire in her eyes.
"What did I tell you people. She is just so fiery." The auctioneer spoke. "Now it is time for the bidding. We will start the bid at –" he turned to face her eyeing her as if to gage the price and made remove the gown yet again.
"Hands to yourself if you want to keep them." She threatened though she knew full well that it was just as empty as her hopes of getting out of this place. But she was determined to go down with a fight.
Caesar watched the auctioneer make his way to her and grab her chin, "What is this sweetheart? You know you still belong to me until I sell you."
"Yes, I suppose, but I still am the on the market." The auctioneer eyed her watching where she was going with this, "As a product. And no one wants to buy damaged goods." She stared directly into his eyes in challenge. "You will keep your hands off me. After all you made such a big show about wanting my buyer to break me. Yet you seem to be taking up that task to yourself. Quite the salesman you are, you clearly need to get re-educated in the ways of business."
The auctioneer reluctantly dropped his hands from her chin and took a couple steps back with a complicated look. "Well folks as you can see, she is quite the product. Should you think you have the daring ability to crack this little nut then go head and bid, starting at $500 000."
Biding flags and number flew across the air. Caesar's eyes were on her and everything else was drowned out noise to him. By the time, his mind had reached a decision the bidding was at 10 million. "I want her." Caesar spoke to no one really but himself.
"11 million." Another call come from the crowd.
"40 million." He called. Surprising not just everyone but himself. There was a stilled silence no words said.
The auctioneer made to speak but was at a loss, "4…40 million. Going once. Going twice. And sold to the gentleman at the back."
Her eyes widened in shock then her features twisted in disgust and a bit of anger.
Caesar frowned. He found himself annoyed, with himself, with the situation. Everything but mostly the fact that the fat fuck next to him was right. To make matters worse what that it was eyeing him with a knowing look, as though to say, 'I told you so."
It is not too late to strangle him, is it? he wondered.
"Don, you can not." K reminded him when he spotted the look in his eyes. Then as if to try and calm his anger added, "You could think of it as you saving her from an ill fate." K knew him well enough to know what was irking his boss and always knew the right thing to say. "You can strangle the auctioneer though." He added.
Always knew the right thing to say. "I will take you up on that offer." He made to leave, "Tend to the girl. I have some steam to blow off." Caesar flexed his fists.
"Do have fun, Don." They went their separate ways.