Reading Online Novel

Owned by the Billionaire

Tempting Eve





Bought for the Billionaire



I gulped, knees quaking, as the auctioneer's distant voice echoed through the waiting room. "Up next: Sandra Blake!" The dark-haired girl next to me gasped and jerked to her feet, pale with fright. I met her eyes briefly, reading my own jangling nerves in her flickering glance, as the hulking escorts gently led her to the door. The chains on her ankles clanked as she walked, but she rallied her nerve, and left the room with her head held high, a sharp-edged smile pasted on her face. You show them, girl!

Straightening on the thread-bare couch, I closed my eyes and tried to slow my breathing. I didn't know "Sandra", hadn't even spoke to her, but her bravery shamed me. I had been a huddling, hyperventilating mess for the last hour, for no real reason. Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself that despite appearances, I wasn't really being sold into slavery. This was just an elaborate game of make-believe, a way for some rich freaks to get their rocks off. I'd make some easy cash and be free to go, nothing hurt but my pride and self-respect. Exhaling quietly, I glanced around the room. The auction was nearly over and there were just a few girls left, all of us carefully ignoring one another.

Idly, I wondered if they had all been recruited the same way I'd been, with that odd online advertisement: "Virgins Wanted! Your First Time Could Earn You Big Bucks!" I had nearly laughed when I saw it while looking for free-lance work. What kind of sick weirdo would "buy" a woman in an auction? And how desperate would a virgin have to be to agree to that, anyways? But when I suddenly needed money, the crazy idea just wouldn't leave my mind. And so here I was.

Lost in my thoughts, I jumped as one of the bare-chested men nudged me. "Sophia Anders?" I hadn't heard the auctioneer call my assumed name! Flushing hotly, I took his hand to stand between the two escorts. Both men were heavily muscled and tanned, dressed dramatically in loose pants and tight leather straps. The auction manager had given me a costume to wear too, and a private room to change in, thankfully. The bandeau top and gauzy pants were those of a harem girl, in a rich emerald that glowed against my pale skin. My blonde hair was twisted high, with only a few long curling tendrils tickling my back and shoulders. At his request, I wore dramatic make-up, with dark smoky eyes and red lips, very different from my usual look.

The harmless fantasy had taken a darker turn, though, when I left the dressing room. The shackles that loosely chained my hands and ankles had been non-negotiable. So, too, the leather collar around my throat, with a leash attached that I currently held tight in my own hands. I'd been appalled at the bondage gear, at first, but now I felt oddly grateful for the over-done theatrics. I felt like a character in a cheesy play, not a real person doing something really stupid. It helped. A little.

"Are you ready?" I nodded, swallowing hard, and walked towards the door, the men on either side a step behind me. Opening the door, I entered the long dark hallway. A warm light glowed at its end, revealing low stairs that led up to the stage. The first man continued speaking, issuing instructions. "Just stand on the stage quietly. You don't have to do anything and no one will touch you. When the auction's over, walk off the stage to the right, and the auctioneer will hand your leash to the buyer. Then you'll go with him." The soothing, matter-of-fact tone was comforting, and I nodded again.

The contract I'd signed had included a lot of safety assurances. The auction house would know my real name, but the buyer wouldn't, to protect my privacy. They'd record the details of the transaction, including names, times and addresses. I was also instructed to check in at a specific phone number every twelve hours until the contract was satisfied. If I missed a call, for whatever reason, they'd take action. As a back-up plan, I'd also arranged for my best friend to call the cops if I didn't contact her within 48 hours. Despite all my precautions, though, I certainly didn't feel safe!

My hands started to shake as I climbed the stairs, blinking in the bright lights and fighting the urge to flee. Oh God, why am I doing this?!? I forced myself forward, to stand in the spotlight in the center of the stage. Through the dazzle of the stage lights, I could barely see the shadowy figures in the theater seats, maybe a dozen people all together. The bidders. In a few minutes, one of them would own me. Trembling, I stared down at my feet.

The auctioneer quickly recited my virtues: tall, blonde, college graduate, with verified virginity. That had been a particularly fun part of the process! He went on and on, and I started to tune him out, carefully counting the links on the chain connecting my ankles. Anything to distract myself from this terrifying situation! But hearing the word 'submissive' yanked my head up.