Page 78 of Deviant Duchess
She’d counted the days carefully, wanting to be sure that her trip to the auction was timed perfectly. She’d even waited outside, disguised in a ratty, hooded cloak, until she saw Sylvester step out of his carriage. The cad was so arrogant that he’d even waited until he’d stepped onto the street to put on his mask, giving her full view of his face and positive confirmation that he would be in attendance at the evening’s auction.
He was there. So was she. And she was not leaving without her revenge. Not this time.
“Are you going to let me in or what?” She asked, placing her hands on her hips, “Or is your master content on missing out on the thousands of pounds I will no doubt go for again?”
Nigel stiffened at that, then sneered before opening the back door wider and stepping aside.
“Come on in then, you know the way,” he gruffly commanded.
“I want to be first tonight,” Deborah commanded, pulling off the ratty cloak to reveal her low-cut, figure- hugging black dress.
“Fine by me,” Nigel grumbled, leading her to the all-too-familiar curtain. “The announcer is just getting ready to start.”
He then muttered something under his breath as he walked away, leaving her alone in the cold, dark hall just beyond the curtain. Deborah drew in deep, shaky breaths as she stood alone, trying to will her body and mind to relax. Yet no matter what she told herself, what she tried to become, this time, her body would not listen.
You do not want to do this!
I have no choice!
There is always another choice!
This needs to be over!
Nausea roiled high and intense in her stomach as an internal argument went on in her mind; droplets of sweat erupted on her brow. She would never recover from this. That much she knew. If Nigel recognized her, everyone would. That meant they would recognize her as Cedric’s wife and, in turn, know that she had left him. She would not need an annulment after this. Society would tear what little connection she had to Cedric to shreds, and not even his laissez-faire attitude toward reputation would forgive the shame she was about to bring him.
“Just got word we have a rather willing beauty wanting to go first, gents,” the announcer said loudly from the other side of the curtain. “Not her first time here, mind you. In fact, she brought us in one of our highest bids! No doubt she’s got some spice to her blood for coming back, so let us see now what we can get for our famous red bird!”
Anxiety rolled through Deborah’s stomach as she heard the announcement, and the curtain rose. Her disguise did not matter anymore, not after how he’d just identified her, so she threw her wig off with haste, tossing it aside just as the curtain passed her face.
Applause thundered through the dank room as she forced herself to step forward, but all she saw was Sylvester. In the sea of masks, her own personal devil had removed his and was smiling at her wickedly as he strode through the crowd and toward the stage. Revulsion welled up in her, and she took a step back as her fear began leading her. The other men were so enthralled they did not seem to notice him, and as he reached her, he slid his mask back down.
What have I done?! I have ruined everything!
“Sir, you are not allowed on stage!” The announcer insisted as Sylvester walked up on it, “Please, go back to the crowd and place your bid-”
“Whatever her price, I will pay it!” Sylvester snarled, snatching Deborah’s wrist as she tried to take another step back.
“Oh, you stupid girl,” Sylvester murmured to her as she tried to jerk away, “You wanted me so bad? Now you have me.”
“No!” Deborah screamed, her panic-filled eyes searching the room for anyone willing to help, “Please, I changed my mind! Get him off me!”
Not a single man from the crowd moved, too enthralled with what was unfolding.
“Sir!” Nigel snarled, striding onto the stage with his fists clenched at his sides, “You know that is not how we handle our business! Now unhand the woman and go back down to the bidding area!”
“Oh, no,” Sylvester chuckled devilishly, tightening his grip on Deborah’s wrist to the point that she cried out, “She’s been wanting this all along, haven’t you? Ever since your sister got a taste you just had to have the same did you not? Like the greedy little whore you are.”
In a grave whisper, he added, “Your little efforts to take me down end today, you understand? You will learn that a man always makes his way back to the top, no matter what a woman tries to say about him. You need to learn how worthless you truly are, and I am just the one to teach you.”
Deborah’s feet threatened to give out from under her as Sylvester then turned to Nigel just as he was cocking his fist back, and Sylvester raised a pistol to the handler’s face. Nigel and Deborah both froze, and the room suddenly went deathly silent.
“No need for this to become a sordid thing,” Sylvester mused, “Just tell the owner to name his price and I will settle it.”
Nigel glared at him, but lowered his fists.
“Owner won’t like this. No matter what you are willing to pay for her. You won’t ever be allowed back in here if you carry on like this,” he replied through gritted teeth.
Sylvester shrugged, his pistol still aimed at Nigel’s face. “Give me the woman, and he will never see me again.”
