ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN

~ Matteo ~

Sighing I fought to keep Blaze's temper in check, which was a struggle given that I felt my body humming with his rage. Though I had once participated in these auctions, buying women from him, knowing that he was the cause of Emmy's painful journey into my world, gnawed at me.

"Matteo!" Mr. White exclaimed, his voice as oily as his appearance. He tried to mask his nervousness with a wide, insincere grin. "Welcome, welcome! And your friends, of course. How is Emmy doing? Serving you well, I hope?" I clenched my jaw, ready to respond, but Samuel stepped forward, cutting me off.

"What are tonight's auctions?" he asked, his voice sharp and to the point. Mr. White blinked, taken aback for a moment before regaining his composure.

"Ah, yes, the auctions," he conveyed, rubbing his hands together. "Tonight, we have three very special women up for bid." He gestured grandly, as if presenting fine art.

"First, we have a young woman from the northern territories. Blonde, blue-eyed, v