The moment the brunette, Sienna Cross, walked away, Isla exhaled sharply, forcing herself to shake off the unwelcome tension tightening in her chest.
She shouldn't care.
She didn't care.
At least, that's what she kept telling herself as Adrian's hand remained firm on her waist, guiding her deeper into the dazzling, chandelier-lit ballroom.
But she couldn't help it, for the life of her. The woman had exuded much familiarity with Adrain, which annoyed her to the very least.
Too long. She had siad.
Too long since what? Too long since they had seen each other? Too long since they had been together?
Either of those assumptions her mind came up with, made her angry.
"Who was she?" she asked, trying to sound indifferent. The moment the question left her lips, Isla regretted them.
Adrian's lips curved slightly, but his expression was unreadable.
"Jealous, wife?"
Isla scoffef. She would ratehr chew her nails off than be that.
Her nails dug into her palm. "Don't flatter yourself."
He chuckled, the sound dark and indulgent. Of course hehad to make a mockery out of everything.
"That was Sienna. An old… acquaintance."
The way he said it made her stomach turn. And what was that hesitation before acquaintance? Had he just used the word as a cover up?
She didn't care.
She didn't.
But as the auctioneer took the stage and the crowd quieted, Isla knew one thing—
She was trapped in Adrian's world now.
Instead of enquiring further, she kept her mouth shut and tried to direct her attention to the man on the stage.
"Tonight, ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer announced, "we have a collection of the world's rarest and most exquisite items. From vintage art pieces to exclusive luxury experiences. everything is available to the highest bidder!"
Isla tried to listen as the bidding began.
This was going to be her first time experiencing anything like this. She had only watched in movies how aunctions went. And surprisingly, she was a bit excited to see what a bidding war looked like.
Adrian, on the other hand, sat completely at ease, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.
She hated how in control he always was.
How every move he made was calculated.
But he hadn't said anything yet, or even made a move yet. She had known the man for a few days, and she knew for a fact that a man like him won't be in this room if he didn't have his eyes set on something.
And she couldn't wait to see what he would bid on.
The bids climbed higher and higher. priceless artwork, elite vacations, private yachts.
She could feel the power in the room, a dangerous energy fueled by wealth, status, and desire. Every one here, gave out a certain kind of vibe. One she personally wouldn't want to mix with often.
And then—
The auctioneer's next words for some reason, caught her attention.
"For our next bid, a once-in-a-lifetime experience," he announced smoothly. "An exclusive weekend getaway, a luxury retreat with one of tonight's esteemed guests."
A hush fell over the room.
"Starting bid at fifty thousand dollars."
Isla's brows furrowed. There seemed to be a shift in the energy in the room, and she had reason to believe that it was directed at her.
She turned to Adrian, but his expression remained unreadable.
Then—
Someone raised their paddle.
A man across the room.
Tall. Wealthy. Predatory eyes locked onto her.
And then, suddenly—she understood.
The bid wasn't for just any "experience."
It was for her.
Why in hell, was there a bid to go on a luxurious vacation with her? What kind of aunction was this?
And why was her so called husband allowing this?
Her pulse spiked.
She whipped her head toward Adrian.
"You have got to be joking," she hissed under her breath.
Adrian finally looked at her.
And smirked.
But there was something dangerous in his eyes now.
"You wanted to play games, Isla?" His voice was lethal silk.
"Let's see how far you're willing to go."
Her stomach dropped.
Because she knew that look.
This wasn't just a game to him.
It was a lesson.
One she wasn't ready for.
"Adrian, this is too far. What on earth_"
"Seventy thousand," another man called out, causing her to hush. Which was actually fair because Adrian didn't look like he was listening to her.
"One hundred," the first bidder shot back.
Heat climbed up Isla's throat.
This wasn't happening.
It couldn't be happening.
But Adrian?
He remained calm.
Like he was enjoying this.
Enjoying sitting there while men clamoured for her head, or rather, her body on a fucking platter!
She turned to him, fury burning through her veins.
"Fix this," she demanded, voice shaking.
Adrian lifted his glass to his lips, taking a slow sip, before finally tilting his head.
And then—
He raised his hand.
"One million dollars."
The room went silent.
Isla's chest tightened.
One million.
The other bidders lowered their paddles immediately.
No one would dare go against Adrian Blackwood.
The auctioneer cleared his throat.
"Sold—to Mr. Blackwood."
A round of applause echoed through the ballroom.
Isla, however, could only stare at Adrian in stunned disbelief.
"You—" She swallowed. "You just bought a weekend with me for a million dollars?"
Adrian leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear.
"No, Isla," he murmured. "I just made sure no one else could have you."
Her breath hitched.
She should be angry.
Should be furious.
But the way his voice wrapped around her the way his claim over her felt absolute it sent something dangerous spiraling through her veins.
She hated him.
She wanted him.
And he knew it.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur.
The moment they returned to the penthouse, Isla stormed into the living room, spinning to face him.
"You think you can buy me?" she snapped.
Adrian's jacket hit the floor.
"You were up for auction," he said smoothly.
Isla hissed. "How the heck would I have known that the aunction you took me to, also had the idea of selling out one of their gusts! You took me there, Adrian."
"Well, it doesn't change the fact that among all the women there, you were the one who was up for sale!" The way he said it, with so much mockery, almost sent her over the edge in her anger.
"I didn't sign up for that!"
"No?" He took a step closer. Slow. Controlled. Dangerous.
Isla said nothing, concentrating instead on getting her breathing to come regulated and normal.
"Then tell me," he continued, his voice dark, pulling her in like gravity.
"If I hadn't bid, what would you have done?"
Isla's breath caught.
She didn't have an answer.
Because the truth was.. she had no power here.
Not against Adrian Blackwood.
He stopped inches from her, his gaze piercing through every lie she wanted to tell.
"That's what I thought."
Her pulse thundered.
"Adrian…" She hated how breathless she sounded.
He tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"You belong to me, Isla." His voice was pure sin.
"Say it."
Her lips parted, but no sound came out.
Because she couldn't.
Wouldn't.
But God.. she wanted to.
And that terrified her most of all.