Chapter 11
After pulling on the leggings she found on the dresser and what had to have been one of his shirts, Everly slowly stepped out of the room. A part of her was worried someone would grab her and force her back inside the room, but when no one did, she relaxed slightly.
The house was beautiful, unlike the shit holes she had been held in over the last few months.
She was curious to know about Cristian, the man who had brought her here.
Each room was just as stylish as the last, but the one she found herself in now—there were no words to describe it.
It must have been his master room, because it was double the size of the last two.
A massive bed took up a majority of the room.
It was covered in red satin sheets and a dark grey comforter.
Everly ran her hand across the smooth fabric.
The space smelled like cedar and sandalwood.
A scent she had smelled on Cristian. She desperately wanted to crawl in and wrap herself up inside like a cocoon, but her curiosity was more demanding.
After inspecting the entire area, Everly found herself outside a massive wooden door.
She could hear men speaking in Spanish on the other side.
Everly pressed her ear to the wood and held her breath.
They were talking about her. With her breath held, she eased the door open a crack and slipped inside.
The men were in a heated conversation about Darby, the man who had sold her.
They were so wrapped up in arguing, no one had noticed her presence.
The two men with Cristian had to be his brothers. The resemblance was uncanny.
She listened as one of his brothers insisted someone take her virginity—as it was the only reason Darby was demanding her return.
Cristian was livid. Refusing to force her into something like that and threatening anyone in the house that tried to touch her.
She could see the conflict in his brothers.
They didn’t want to start a war with Darby, but they didn’t want to anger Cristian.
She closed her eyes and let the air fill her lungs.
If her virginity was the thing preventing her freedom, she didn’t need it.
It wasn’t like she had been holding onto it for religious reasons, she just hadn’t found anyone she wanted to give herself too.
She heard Cristian’s brother repeat himself.
The urgency in his voice struck a chord with her, making her heart flutter as she opened her mouth and spoke.
“Don’t I get a say?”
All eyes turned to her, pinning her to the spot she stood. Cristian opened his mouth to speak, but snapped it shut. Everly could tell she had caught them all off guard. They hadn’t expected her to understand Spanish.
“You understood what we were saying?” Bastian asked.
“Yes. I’m fluent in Spanish and French.” Everly replied in their native language.
“Well, fuck,” Matias growled. “How much did you hear?”
“Enough to know my virginity is likely the only thing stopping me from going home. That and the fact you didn’t actually pay for me.”
“Darby is upset that Cristian lied about who he was to get into his auction and is now demanding you to be returned. The money is a minor factor in his anger as well—but his rage is focused on being outsmarted to gain his prize female. He is coming in a week to demand we release you back to him.”
“Then I don’t want it.” Everly twisted her hands in front of her.
“Don’t want what?” Matias cocked an eyebrow.
“My virginity.” She swallowed, forcing the bile down in her throat. “If I wasn’t a virgin, he wouldn’t care about taking me back. I wouldn’t be worth anything to him anymore. So.” She stepped further into the room. “I don’t want it anymore.”
“Out!” Cristian barked at the others in the room. His fists were clenched at his sides as he held her stare. Everly watched as his brothers silently left the room, leaving them alone. “Everly.”
“I know you think I’m being forced. That I’m making this decision without thinking it through. But the moment I was taken, I knew this day would come. At least this way I’m in control of who gets to take it.”
“You don’t have to do this. We can find another way.”
“I heard your brothers, Cristian. You can’t afford a war with this man. I should know. I’ve seen the things he’s done to the people who betray him. You saved me, now let me save your family. Then I can go home, and you won’t have to worry about me being a problem anymore.”
Cristian’s hard stare softened. “You’re not a problem, Everly. You didn’t ask for this and that man is going to pay.”
“That may be true. But I should get a say in this. It’s my body, after all. And what happens if he somehow gets his hands on me again? I’d rather that monster not be my first.”
“What are you asking?” Cristian stepped closer, reducing the space between them.
“You said you wouldn’t touch me unless I asked. Well, Cristian, I’m asking. I don’t want to be a virgin anymore. It’s the only reason he’s coming for me, and deep down you know that it’s true. Eliminate what makes me desirable, and maybe he’ll disappear.”
“I don’t think you know what you’re asking of me.”
“I’m positive. If you can’t do it, then find someone who can. Because the last thing I want is that sicko touching me.”