Raizo smiles and pats my arm. “You’re right. These women are here for the general auction. But you, my beautiful Clara…” He tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re our prized lot.”
I still. Then slowly back away. “What?”
“He didn’t tell you?” He clicks his tongue and shakes his head. “Demyen’s had this whole thing arranged for such a long time now. Months, even, if I’m counting right. Though I’ve been counting so much money already, my numbers could be off.”
He shares a chuckle with his men. Clearly, I don’t find any of it funny.
So he sobers up and presses his palms together in front of his chest. Like he’s imploring me to understand this insanity. “Listen to me, Clara. You are a wonderful, beautiful young lady and my God, do you look so much like your mother. So much that
