"And look at this beauty!" The auctioneer''s voice broke through my erratic train of panicky thoughts.


    "The starting price for this one is Two hundred thousand dors, nothing less."


    I knew the auctioneer was still talking but my mind didn''t register any of his words. I could not get that re that Mark gave me out of my head. Just thinking about it made my hand tremble. plucked my pue from myp and held it with a strong grip. Thankfully, my hands stopped shaking.


    I took a deep breath and looked up. Just as the auctioneer grinned widely- someone had probably increased the amount and opened his mouth to speak, I heard Lucas say, "Five hundred thousand dors."


    whipped my head round to face him,my eyes bulging, "What?" I whisper-yelled.


    "I asked if you wanted it, but you didn''t respond."


    "So why are you bidding for it?" Even though the original amount of the bracelet was way more than that, I couldn''t let him get it.


    "Seven hundred thousand."


    Just as he looked over my shoulder and nodded at something there, someone else increased their price. It was a voice I recognized too well. I already knew who it was before I even turned. "My nephew wants it."


    From where I sat, I could see his jaw work as he grinded his teeth, his hands


    clenched into fists on the arm of the chair.


    "Then let him have it," Lucas raised his paddle but the urgency in my voice. made him stop. He turned to me, his eyes searched mine and I could feel everyone staring at us. "Why?"


    "I don''t want you messing with Mark. Just leave it for him. If you like it do


    much, I can make a replica of it for you. Look at it, it''s Atelier''s. I made it. Easy


    #


    peasy. If you have a style you like, I can make one specially for you. It''s not worth it to spend so much on this bracelet." I rambled on until Lucas chuckled. My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach as he out his arms around me and raised his paddle


    "A million dors."


    Gamps went around the room and all eyes were on him. My nape tingled and I know Mark was ring our way again.


    "Lucas" I cried.


    He pulled me to him and gave me a kiss on the top of my head and I suddenly felt safe. I felt protected in his arms. I''m sorry, babe. I just find it fun to tease Mark." There was this mischievous glint and yful smile on his lips as he spoke that silently assured me that nothing could go wrong. Then he chuckled, "It always feels like teasing a puppy.


    I rxed and leaned into him, "Can you get any more childish?" I shook my head. "You guys are so childish but I think I like this game. How much are your willing to bid the highest?"


    He smirked and nced above my head, "Let''s see..." he chuckled. "With that look? I might have to let the puppy have its milk.


    I turned and followed Lucas'' gaze. Mark''s knuvkes were almost white as he gripped the paddle and raised it. The rage and determination on his face had no borders. "Two million dors." Even I gasped along with everyone else.


    I felt Lucas'' shift and I quickly turned to him. "You''re not doubling that amount!" I red at him and said sternly.


    "Come on, I wouldn''t do that." His gaze shifted from me and traveled to where Mark was seated.


    Their eyes shed, Mark met Lucas'' provocative smirk with hardened jaw. Hist face portrayed nothing but raw anger.


    "It''s yours now, puppy," Lucas mouthed to him and his expression grew even angrier.


    I swallowed and turned to Lucas, the fear of his Mark''s anger retuning to my body. "Lucas," I whispered, even though no one would hear us even if they tried. "I think he wants to hit someone." "That would be me," Lucas chuckled nonchntly.


    "Well," I stuttered and lifted my shoulders in a nervous shrug. " could be me. You can never tell."


    "He wouldn''t dare when I''m with you."


    "Nah," I shook my head and resisted the urge to look his way, "I''d rather not sit here and wait for him to make a move." I started to rise from my seat, "I''ll just go hide in the restroom, okay?" I shed him a sweet smile.


    Lucasughed, "Sydney, that''s ridiculous. He would do nothing."


    "See you at the end of the auction," I ignored his words and pressed a kissto his cheeks.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    He smiled and gave my hand an assuring squeeze, "Don''t worry, I''ll keep an eye on him. Go ahead."


    "Alright. This one is sold off at two million dors!" I heard the auctioneer announce as I hastened my steps to the restroom. Thankfully, there was no one there when I got there so I do t have to worry that someone would bug me.


    I sat myself on the closet in one of the stalls and aimlessly scroll through social media. My lips would curve into a smile whenever any post of mypany came up or reviews about our services.