Sold to the Devil

II - SOLD

“Who are you? How did you know me?” I asked confusedly while averting his gaze. I couldn't stand the scrutinizing look in his eyes. It makes me feel insecure and uncomfortable.

“Of course, I have to know what I will acquire.” He slowly said as his eyes scanned me from head to toe.

I instinctively wrapped my arms around my body. I suddenly felt conscious that he was still looking at me while walking around me in a circle. I’m wearing the same skimpy outfit that I wore last night to the club. It's a backless beige, fitted bodycon dress that barely reaches the middle of my thighs. It leaves very little to the imagination!

I've never felt so exposed. I was used to wearing revealing outfits, but with him looking at me like that, my confidence flew right out the window.

I followed his movements with my eyes. I made sure to be alert in case he tries to do anything offensively.

Yes, he looked jaw-dropping, but I still don't want anything to be done to me against my will.

But he didn’t. He just stopped walking in front of me and looked at me coldly. I swear even the temperature in the room dropped because of how cold his stares are.

Who is this man? Is he Elsa’s brother or what? His looks could pass as a model or a celebrity, but I don’t think I have seen him on TV or in movies.

I’m not short. But with my 5'8 height, he still towered over me, especially now that I am barefoot. I only reached below his shoulder and had to crane my neck up just to look at his face now that he was only inches away from me. He’s damn handsome!

I gulped while trying to memorize his features. From his tousled hair to his dark, deep-set eyes that are framed with thick eyelashes and dark eyebrows. His proud nose stood tall. It perfectly matched his chiseled jaw that was dusted with stubble. Let's not get started with his lips. The only thing that looked soft on him.

He held my chin to tilt my face up while he looked down on me. I tried to match his gaze but when his face got closer, my lids fluttered close automatically. I gasped while waiting for his lips to touch mine. I was slowly dying in anticipation as his minty breath fanned my face.

"You stink." he snapped in a cold voice.

It took a few seconds before I finally realized that he wasn't going to kiss me. And what did he just say? I stink?!

His words pulled me back to reality. I opened my eyes and saw him staring intently at my lips though. But did he just say that I stink?

I looked down and took a sniff. I almost gagged. Damn! The smell of dried vomit lingered in my clothes. Why didn't I smell it? Ugh. This is so embarrassing! While I was quietly lusting over him, he was probably thinking how much of a disgusting creature I am! I shut my lids tight and took a deep breath.

Which I instantly regretted when the sour smell wafted through my nostrils.

“There’s the closet. You can use anything that you want. Everything in there is brand new and in your size." he suddenly uttered, which made me look back at him.

"Take a shower." He ordered before turning his back on me. I blinked.

What the?! That’s it? That's all he can say? He won’t even give me a single explanation?

“Wait! Why the hell am I here anyway? I’ll just get the hell out of here if you don't like how I smell!” I retorted out of a bruised ego. I thought he'd kiss me but he didn't. And to top it off, he even insulted me!

I mean, I know that he was just telling the truth, but why did he have to rub it on my face?

“You can’t go home.” He turned around to look at me again. I can’t help but look back at him in astonishment. He looks so cool even if he’s just standing there with his hands in the pockets of his robe.

He c****d his head slightly to the left and gave me a bored look.

“You’re mine. I already bought you.” He emphasized each word like he wanted me to really understand what he said. But I still don’t. I don’t get it.

What is he talking about? Is he crazy?!

He bought me?! But how?

Since when have I been for sale?

“Are you out of your f*cking mind?!” I snapped angrily.

“You bought me? How much? Where’s the damn money?!” I asked while holding out my right palm to him.

“I paid for you for a million dollars. Sadly, your father has already lost it by gambling.” He took out his left hand from the pocket to look at his watch.

“Look, I don’t have time for this. Just do what I told you to. We’ll talk about my terms after I come home.” And before I knew it, he was already out of the door.

I stared at the now closed door in confusion. My mind is a mess right now. I still can’t understand what he had just said.

Did he buy me? Did he give the money to my father?

But I don’t have a father!

He left me long before I was even born! I don’t know what he looks like, since my mother hates him to death. I don’t even know his name! There's just no way that he can do that to me. Not unless he knew about my existence and knew where I lived.

A flash of images from last night played inside my mind. It included the part when my stepfather dragged me into a dark alley. He even punched me when I struggled to get free!

He's the only person who can do this. How dare he introduce himself as my father? He never acted as one, ever! All he ever did became such great pain in the ass!

He always hit me for the smallest reasons when I was a kid. He would either smack me on the back of my head or kick me even when I was just passing by in front of him. My mother is no better! She knew everything that the bastard was doing but she just turned a blind eye to it. Sometimes, she even hurts me more than he did!

Wait. Wait, Elise! Stop reminiscing. You have this problem at hand to deal with! I internally chastised myself.

From what my two present brain cells can grasp, I am here because I was sold to this man by none other than my great stepfather.

And did I hear it right? He sold me for a million dollars...

A million dollars?! What the f**k?

Well, at least it’s good to know that I am worth that much. How consoling! Note my sarcasm there. But still…

What the hell?! I uttered a string of curses.

Then I pulled my hair with my fingers. My temples are throbbing in pain. It may be from a hangover or information overload. Or maybe both! I should take a shower to calm myself down. The horrid smell is just making me feel worse.

I walked to the closet to check out some clothes that I could use. But my jaw almost dropped to the floor after I opened it. It’s a walk-in closet! With tons of different clothes!

There’s a dresser with a makeup table on one side. I checked the drawers and found a lot of cosmetics. Lipstick, foundation, eye shadow palettes, different kinds of brushes, everything…

I can’t wait to try these all out!

I continued checking it out and saw casual dresses in different colors neatly hung on one side. Then formal gowns and dresses in the next part. On the opposite is denim. There are jeans, jackets, skirts… everything! There’s also a section for women’s suits and business attires.

The drawers contained some lounge clothes, sportswear, underwear, and lingerie.

This almost looks like a small department store!

What shook me more is that he wasn’t lying when he said that everything was in my size! It’s like they were chosen for me. How long have they been planning to kidnap me? Even if he did know me through my stepfather, how the hell did he know my size? Gosh! I couldn't imagine! Is he a pervert?

I walked further in and saw a glass shelf filled with different bags from top to bottom! They are in different shapes, sizes, and colors! It was enough to distract me from my thoughts.

“Oh my god!” I murmured after seeing the famous luxury brands there. These could cost a fortune already! I slid the glass to the side so that I could touch those babies. I wanted to feel them. I wanted to know whether they are real!

I sighed when my palm finally connected to the smooth leather material of the bag which caught my eyes the most. I'd never imagined that I would get to own one of these. But now I have a whole shelf filled with them! Are these really mine?

I remained there staring at each piece for a long time. When I finally got back to my senses, I moved on to the next shelf where there were shoes. Almost everything is formal except for some pairs of chunky white rubber shoes and boots on the bottom tier. I grabbed a nude pair of stilettos to look at the size and I was right! They also fit my size! Are these all mine?

In the middle of the room, there’s a rectangular table with lots of drawers on it. I pulled one and my eyes popped out when I saw different jewelry shining before me! There are necklaces, earrings, and others. There are also velvet boxes that contain sets of jewelry. I wonder if the diamonds here are real.

I hurriedly pulled out the other drawers, excited about what they might contain. They have accessories, watches, sunglasses, and other knickknacks!

Woah! This is like a dream come true! Or maybe I am just really dreaming! I pinched myself hard enough to wake myself up.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed. So I was really awake!

I looked around in awe! I couldn’t decide which one I should try first!

“Hmm! I should take a shower before trying anything!” I mumbled when I remembered that I do stink.

I almost ran out of the walk-in closet to go to the bathroom. But I stopped on my track after I opened the door.

It looks so pristine inside that I’m afraid to step on it. I feel like I will just soil it the moment my filthy feet touch the tiled floor.

On the right side is a bathtub large enough to fit two people. It stands beside a glass wall where I can see the view below the city. The opposite is a sink with a large mirror hanging above it. Next to it is the flush toilet and at the far end is the glass shower stall.

I checked the cabinets below the sink. There are deftly folded towels, some shampoo, bath gels, and almost everything that I can possibly need.

“Woah! Did he prepare all of these for me? I feel so special!” I gushed before pulling out a towel.

I opened the tap to fill the tub with water. I checked the bubble bath tubes while waiting for them to fill. I picked one with the best scent for me. I loved its citrusy scent. I poured some into the tub. Then I saw a jar of mineral bath salt.

“I never knew that I could use salt for bathing. I should try these!” I opened it and sprinkled some on the bath. I giggled as an image of a witch with a huge cauldron popped inside my mind.

“Will this make me taste salty?” I wondered while putting back the jar.

I was about to go to the tub when I saw the candles on the corner of the sink.

“Let’s light you up, shall we?”

This man is making me so curious. Did he go all the way to prepare all of these for me? Should I be impressed?

You're really dumb! I chastised myself. You should have been terrified and scurrying away by now!

I thought, but honestly, I couldn't feel any fear right now.

I submerged my body in the tub. I sighed in relief as the warm water slowly enveloped my body. It relaxed me almost in an instant. The scent of the bubble bath and candles also gives me a soothing effect.

All I need is a flute of champagne or red wine and everything would be perfect!

“Hah! This is life! Finally, that scumbag did something right!” I grinned with my eyes closed. I leaned my head back on the edge of the tub.

I never knew what my mom ever saw in that man. But oh well, judging from what my father did to her, I don’t think she is a good judge of character. And to be honest, they must be meant to be. They're like a perfect couple cut out straight from hell. I'm not even exaggerating.

They made my life a living hell. What could be worse than that?

Perhaps that's the reason why I wasn't a bit rattled by this situation. Okay, he bought me. So what? What can he do to me anyway? Rape me? Make me into his s*x slave? I'm telling you, with the way he looks, I would be so willing to go under the sheets with him!

But wait, what if he tortures me to death? I gasped when scenes from horror movies popped inside my mind. The blood and the gore made me want to puke. If he kills me, then that's the end of it, right? I don't have to suffer anymore. Not unless my soul goes straight to hell. I winced at that thought. That's not very far-fetched considering the things that I have done in the past.

I did so many things to escape my reality. I started drinking and smoking at a young age. I even tried illegal substances a few times. I nodded to myself.

You will burn in hell bitch...

I woke up to the harsh, loud knocks on the door. I didn’t realize that I had already fallen asleep in the tub. Good thing I didn’t drown there.

“What’s that?” I groggily whispered as I tried to get up from the tub. I am still disoriented, my mind dazed with sleep.

The door suddenly flew open when I was about to step out of the tub. I almost jumped in surprise but my foot slipped instead!

I shrieked and tried my best to support myself from the fall but my butt still harshly dropped on the cold floor. I was able to prop my elbows though to stop my head from banging against the floor.

"Ouch..." I groaned in pain.

“What took you so long in here?!” his loud voice echoed through the white walls of the bathroom.

I screamed instead of answering when I realized our situation. I am lying butt naked on the floor. My legs are sprawled in the most undignifying state while he is standing in front of me, looking so majestic in his business suit. But it looks like he doesn’t care at all, since he’s still standing there like he has no plans to give me some privacy!

“Get out!” I shrieked while trying to get up, but it was hard because my skin was still slippery, probably from hours of soaking in the bubble bath. In the end, I just wrapped my arm across my chest while the other tried to hide my most private part.

“This is my house. You can’t tell me what to do.” He took a few strides to walk toward me. Then he pulled me by the arms to help me get up. He clicked his tongue when I didn't budge. Already losing his patience, he picked me up and dropped me in the shower area.

“Finish up quick.” He said before leaving me without even giving a second glance at my body.

Is he for real?

My eyebrows shot up as I watched him close the door behind him. I looked at the mirror in front of me and checked my naked body. I have all the right curves in all the right places. I have always been confident about my body until now.

“Don’t I look hot?” I queried to myself as I thought about how unaffected he seemed while looking at my bare skin.

Wait. What am I even thinking? Did I want him to lust over me? I rolled my eyes. There must be something wrong with my head. And so what if he didn't find me attractive?

“TSS. It’s his loss.” I shrugged, then walked over to the shower stall, carefully this time. I wouldn’t want to die because I hit my head on the toilet seat! Duh!