Slay Belles & Mayhem: A Medley of Dark Tales

by Dani René

  I hate how damn weak she made me in such a short time.

  When the car stops in front of the building where the ball and auction will take place, I know I have a decision to make. And fast.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Ramona

  The place is extraordinary. The moment we step through the big double doors, the scent of freesias and jasmine greets us. In the middle of the wide foyer, there is an enormous tree adorned with crystal Christmas ornaments. The white marble floor shines with the bright light illuminated by the gorgeous chandelier above the high ceiling. Luca reaches for my coat, handing both of ours to the attendant. The red carpet on the floor makes me shake my head; everything screams wealth, so I guess a red carpet isn’t too much.

  I notice a few people in the foyer looking at us, whispering to each other. But walking next to Luca, I don’t blame anyone who wants to look at us. Him, actually. I bet they don’t even see me standing there. Luca must be all they see. He demands attention from everyone.

  He guides me to another set of double doors that are flanked by two winged stairs and two men in uniform standing in front of them. The doors are opened for us and the soft tune reaches me. When people notice him, the laughter and chatter dissolve to nothing. And every eye in the room turns to us. I look up at Luca and see he’s already watching me with a very grim expression on his face.

  Leaning toward me, he murmurs, “Dance with me.”

  A smile breaks out on my face, and I nod.

  He guides us to the middle of the room and people open up a path for us. As I follow Luca, I realize people aren’t looking at him.

  They’re looking at me.

  I close my eyes when Luca presses our bodies together and sways with me in front of at least five dozen people. When I open my eyes again, they are still staring at me. Some, mostly women, have curiosity written over their faces, mostly. Others, mostly men, look at me like they want a piece of me.

  “Everyone’s watching us. Me,” I whisper against Luca’s lips.

  A muscle tics in his jaw as he grits his teeth. He gives me a curt nod.

  “Why?”

  “Because they want you,” he snaps at me.

  I smile at his anger. “And what will you do about that?”

  His eyes widen. And I watch his throat bob as he swallows. A look of panic passes over his eyes. “What would you like me to do?”

  Biting my lip, I lean into him. “Show them who owns me.”

  His whole body tenses against mine. His chest rises and falls rapidly and his fingers dig into my skin, so hard, I wonder if they will leave bruises.

  “And who does own you?”

  I let my fingers move over his jaw, before answering him. “You.”

  “Fuck. I love you.”

  I suck in a breath so hard I start coughing. The look of panic shadows his handsome features, and I know he didn’t mean to say that. If it wasn’t the panic in his expression, I wouldn’t be sure I heard him right. His voice was too low, barely even a whisper, as he said those words, and now I don’t know what to do.

  He loves me?

  He loves me.

  “Luca,” I breathe out, but he shakes his head. And I hear a tap on the mic somewhere behind me. Luca’s body tenses even more than I thought possible, and he separates our bodies.

  I look at him with questions swirling in my mind as he holds my hand and guides me to the front of the space where I now realize a stage is positioned.

  I look around, searching for answers, and I notice how people look at me with interest and… excitement?

  What is happening?

  “Luca? What is it?” I murmur, but he doesn’t talk to me until we climb the steps leading us to the stage. Finally, right before a spotlight falls on me, he leans toward me and whispers, “You said I should show them who owns you. Now, we both will see who that is.”

  I smile at him. “How?”

  “You belong to whoever pays the most for that virgin pussy of yours, beautiful Ramona. Enjoy being the center of attention.”

  And with that, he turns to leave.

  Realization dawns on me as I watch his retreating form.

  This is an auction, and I’m the object to be sold.

  And Luca Caruso won’t be claiming me as his.

  THE END… for now

  (His Diamond will be expanded with additional scenes. The full-length novel will be published later in 2021. His Diamond is the first book of an upcoming duet. More information will come in early 2021. -the wait won’t be too long-)

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  Acknowledgments

  The emotional part of publishing a book is writing this thank yous. It’s amazing to see how many people worked behind the scenes to bring this book to you.

  First of all, thank you so much for reading this story. I appreciate each and every one of my readers who give me a chance.

  And my amazing alpha and beta readers, Avery Adams and Geri Smiths. I can’t even think of publishing a book without your feedback on it. Your thoughts and support are invaluable to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  Huge thanks to my amazing and talented friend Brianna Hale. She designed the gorgeous cover for this story. She also helped me so much along the way as I write Luca’s and Ramona’s story. I’m excited to bring you more about their journey.

  A special thanks to Becky from Rebecca’s Fairest Reviews. She polished my words and helped me make them shine. I wouldn’t do it without her help.

  Also, to my proofreader Dominique Laura, she has an eagle eye that catches everything.

  And to the members of Abby’s Nymphs. I love you all. Thank you for being on my side and not giving up on me.