The Auction

  The Auction

  J.R. Gray

  One night changes everything.

  Stark is too old to be selling himself, or his services. He’s too set in his ways, too piled in grief, and well...it’s been too long. But when your best friend is a big demanding drag queen, and hosting the event, it’s impossible to say no. It's one night, he convinces himself, and then he can get back to his reclusive life.

  Scotty can handle the club for one night. It’s Christmas Eve after all, and the auction is for charity. If she saw her ex she could deal with it, she hoped and it wasn’t like she had to bid on anyone. But when she comes back from the bar she finds her best friend had other plans, and now she has a date with a mysterious dominant.

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement of the copyright of this work.

  THE AUCTION

  Down and Dirty Series

  Copyright © 2016 J.R. GRAY

  ISBN: 978-1-945193-83-5

  All Romance eBooks, LLC Palm Harbor, Florida 34684 www.allromanceebooks.com

  This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or business establishments, events, or locales is coincidental.

  All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever with out written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  First All Romance eBooks publication: December 2016

  Chapter One

  “We are going to be late, and I won’t get a good one.” Cheri linked her arm through Scotty’s, forcing her to pick up her pace.

  “I was ready at nine. You just had to try on four pairs of my shoes,” Scotty replied.

  “You have better taste in shoes than anyone else on the planet.”

  “Because it used to be the only thing I wore.” Scotty gave her a look, ignoring the pain in her heels. Shoes were pain. A pain she used to like. Now it was a stark reminder. But everything was a reminder.

  “Well, now you’re a big shot lawyer, and clothes are required.”

  “But I like kicking ass, so it’s an equal trade-off.”

  Cheri rolled her eyes and turned into the alley. This was a frequent trek for them while Scotty had been in law school, not so much in the last few years.

  “Are you going to be okay if we see her?” Cheri asked.

  Scotty didn’t meet her eyes. “I’ll be fine.”

  A sinewy naked man greeted them at the door and collected their coats. They were long past showing their keys, getting a rundown of the rules, or being briefed on the night’s events. Cheri was still a regular, even if Scotty wasn’t. They were handed a menu of sorts. A heavy black card with a bold silver typeface, it was more like something seen at high dollar weddings, not a BDSM club.

  “Good, because I know she’s on the menu for tonight.”

  Scotty wrinkled her nose. She didn’t want to hear about it. She was blocked from Scotty’s mind, mostly. There was still the errant dream, but those could be written off to nothing more than job stress. She just hoped they wouldn’t last forever.

  “I don’t care. The moratorium stands.”

  Cheri held up her hands. “I thought you’d want to be briefed.”

  Scotty took a deep breath and wrote it off. Cheri usually meant well, even if she did love gossip. Cheri probably knew more about Tanya’s sex life than Scotty ever had, and she was more than okay with it.

  “Not necessary. It’s been years.” More than that since she’d stepped foot in here. It felt the same and yet different as they trudged up the well-worn metal stairs. Relationships don’t just end. They sink long before, she’d learned, and once trained to see the signs, it was easy to see when they started taking on water. It had been at least six months before the relationship ended that they’d stopped coming to the club. Or rather, Scotty’d stopped coming.

  “If you say so.” Cheri took a left before the long hall of private rooms, taking them to the main play space and right up to the bar. “Two gin and tonics.” She looked at Scotty, who nodded. “Let’s grab seats in the back and peruse our options.”

  “I’m only here for moral support.” And because Cheri had dragged her out, but Scotty wasn’t going to say as much. She took her drink from the bartender. It was one of the few nights of the year the bar was completely open, as there wasn’t going to be any play.

  “And because you had nothing better to do on Christmas Eve?”

  “Rub it in.” Scotty took a seat with her back to the wall. At least Tanya wouldn’t be able to sneak up on her that way. Who was Scotty kidding, she was backstage. She shouldn’t be this on edge. Tanya wouldn’t be down here.

  Cheri set down her menu and brushed her fingers over the elegant silver inlay. “They went all out this year.”

  It was true, the place was decorated to the nines. Mistletoe, garlands, and sprigs of pine garnished every surface. They even had a centerpiece on each table with two little candles. The lights were down low, and it gave the club a romantic air than it usually had with slapping flesh and normal spotlights usually allowed.

  “Since people like us don’t have family to spend the holidays with, maybe they figured it would be nice.”

  Cheri knit her brow, but she knew she was one of the lucky ones. She’d been raised in the city, and her parents were all welcoming when it came to her sexuality. They’d probably even be okay with the Domme stuff, if they didn’t already know. “Sure you don’t want to come to dinner tomorrow? My parents would love to see you.”

  “As much as I love playing the role of your girlfriend.” Which she had for a few years, while they were both in undergrad. “I don’t want to keep intruding. They are going to start asking why you’re not popping the question.”

  “We are much better as friends.” Cheri wiggled her brows, making Scotty laugh.

  Cheri was the one who’d introduced her to the club, but things between them had only ever been casual play, and even that had ended when Tanya came around.

  “We are. Now look here. There are five Dommes up for auction tonight. Five.” Cheri was practically bouncing in her seat.

  “What?” Scotty made herself skim over her ex’s name, reading the bios of the other Dommes listed for auction. “No shit. It has been awhile since I’ve been around, hasn’t it? I didn’t think there were that many Dommes who played here.”

  “Have I not been trying to get you to come play?”

  “How do the Dominants look?” Scotty ran her finger along the other side, checking out the penises.

  Cheri winkled her nose. “Are you serious?”

  “You may be a confirmed lesbian, but you know I’m bi. I want to see what’s on offer.” In reality, nothing jumped out at her, but it was easier to look at the dick side of the menu so she didn’t have to see Tanya’s name. She could read the entire thing without getting sick to her stomach.

  “I really thought you got that out of your system.” Cheri laughed. She loved to give Scotty a hard time, but Scotty never took it personally.

  “So, who are you bidding on?”

  “I don’t know.” She didn’t plan on bidding at all. The number she’d been given at the door was going to stay firmly on the table.

  “Pick at least two.” Cheri flipped the menu back to the female side and pointed. “I’m not taking no for an answer. I want Tanya to see you putting yourself back out there. She’s fucked every sub who’s walked in the door since you.”

  Scotty groaned and probably turned a little green.

  “Don’t take it hard. You had to have assumed.”

  Scotty looked at her drink.

  “You thought she was pining after you like you have been her?”

  She shrugged one shoul
der. “She could realize any day what a mistake she made.”

  Cheri put a hand on her arm. “She made a huge mistake, but her way of dealing with it is drowning in pussy, and you should take a note on that.”

  Cheri didn’t mean it, but her words were like a knife to an old wound in Scotty’s chest. She was such a fucking idiot for still caring.

  “Can we not?” The plea in her voice gave her away. It was too easy to slip back into that mindset. This was why she’d buried herself in her job. It was easier.

  “Of course.” She could hear the frown in Cheri’s voice without looking at her.

  “It’s going to start.” Scotty took a drink and sat back. “Tell me who you’re bidding on.” She moved her gaze to the submissive list on the female side of the card.

  “I was thinking of bidding on Blue.” Cheri pointed to a name, and Scotty obliged her by reading the bio. They were similar to the weird things people put on dating sites. Along the lines of long walks on the beach, only more personalized. Blue’s started with her favorite breakfast cereal.

  Scotty shook her head. “She’s right up your alley.”

  “If not her, there are a couple after I’m willing to drop cash on. Now tell me your picks.”

  Scotty sighed and flipped over to the male side again. She couldn’t even stomach looking at the names near Tanya. “How about Alexander?”

  “He’s no Tarzan.” Cheri scoffed after reading his bio.

  “Have you met him?”

  Cheri gave her a look. It was her signature “he’s way overrated” look.

  “That bad?”

  “Yep.” She sighed and flipped over her own list. “I can’t believe I’m being forced to look at the beefcakes.”

  “They can’t all be bad.” Scotty was secretly hoping they were all bad, then maybe she could get off without bidding.

  “There are a few tolerable ones, and a couple I don’t know. I guess we’ll have to play it by ear.”

  Her words were music to Scotty’s ear. “Sounds good.”

  “Oh, no. No, no, no. Don’t you dare.”

  “What?” Scotty was confused.

  “This is for charity so you must spend some of your nest egg, and you have got to stop avoiding dating. Tanya is a jackass, but you love submitting. Don’t let her take that away from you.”

  She nodded and was saved by the lights going dim.

  Chapter Two

  “Why did I agree to do this?” Stark asked, trying to see over the lovely drag queen fixing his evening attire.

  “Because you love me,” Pinky yelled from across the room, where she had her own drag queen fixing her makeup. Not that she needed it. Pinky always looked fabulous in costume.

  If Stark had been at all attracted to her or if Pinky had been a sub, he would have hit that.

  “Pay attention.” The queen working on him snapped his skin tight leather pants and earned a growl.

  “I am,” he said to her, then yelled to Pinky, “I do love you, but I’m a grumpy fucking bastard who should be getting drunk on egg nog in front of my fire, not at a club.”

  “It’s good for you to get out of the house,” she retorted.

  “Why?” Stark shot back.

  “Because I fear you’re going to die one day, and your cats are going to half eat you before anyone notices.”

  “I’m not old.” He was pushing forty, but he ran five miles a day and considered himself to be in damn good health for a guy who never willingly left his apartment.

  “It could happen to anyone.”

  He huffed. “My clients would notice.”

  “Eventually. How far in advance have you preset your email?”

  “Only two weeks,” he lied. Really it was close to a month. It wasn’t his fault he was a workaholic who finished all of his projects weeks or months ahead of time. What else did he have to do?

  She gave him a knowing look through the thickest eyelashes Stark had ever seen in his life.

  He flipped her the bird.

  “So cranky. Did you eat?”

  He scowled at her.

  “Have a Snickers bar before you stab someone.”

  “Some people are into that,” he shot back.

  “Knife play is off the table tonight, remember?”

  He rolled his eyes. “I read the rules and conditions.”

  “Good. I’m sure we’ll auction you off to a good home tonight.”

  He was still holding out hope that by going last no one would bid on him. He was getting on in age for a Dominant. The fucking scene was filled with those twenty-something wannabes with bad attitudes, and most subs ate it up.

  “Ready, darlin’?”

  “If I say no, will you let me go home?”

  She grinned and shook her head. “Not a chance.”

  “I like you better as a dude.”

  She dropped her voice and yanked him close. “Watch it, or I’ll kick your ass.”

  He grinned for the first time all night. “Yes, Sir.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “You say that just to toy with me. I know which way your ass swings.”

  He lifted one shoulder, a little bit smug. It was true. He liked to push Matt’s buttons even when he was Pinky.

  “Get in line.”

  Stark considered pushing Pinky’s buttons more, but decided since he had to be on stage, this wasn’t the best time. His only option at this point was to swallow his pride and do what he’d promised. He just hoped the dark lighting hid his red cheeks better than the ones in the dressing room did.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, zes, bois, and all of you still undecideds, welcome to our Fifth Annual Charity Auction.” The announcer came over the speaker system, and the entire room went silent. “As many of you know, we put on this little party to help support our LGBT youth program and suicide prevention and awareness. The rules are the same this year. Let’s all have some consensual fun.”

  There was some soft cheering and whistling.

  “Now let me introduce you to the lovely auction host this evening, Pinky.”

  Now there was cat calling and loud cheering as Pinky sauntered out onto stage. Every eye in the room was on her. She was really something. Six-foot-four with her five-inch heels on and legs clad in fishnets to die for. She wasn’t one of the usual drag queens here, but she knew how to captivate an audience, so they always asked her to host.

  Stark could have heard a pin drop in the club. Pinky let the silence settle around her as she picked up the mic.

  “Remember, boys and girls, this isn’t an auction for sex. You’re paying for a service only.” Pinky paused and then said a little softer, “But I’m not saying you can’t go wherever the night takes you, just had to get the fine print out of the way. Can’t have the cops up my ass…I’d much rather have them on their knees.” She winked and gave a little wave to the police chief sitting in the front row, and the crowd ate it up. Their “little” club was full to the brim for Christmas Eve.

  “Shall we get this party started?” Pinky raised the glass in her hand, and the rest of the room joined her.

  More cheering, and Stark’s stomach flipped. The only thing worse than being a piece of meat onstage was having to spend a night with a stranger. Stark was not good with strangers.

  Pinky started to announce the Dominants and submissives to be auctioned. As he said their names and preferred title, they did a lap of the catwalk. Most of them were dolled up or oiled to the max. Stark couldn’t bring himself to let anyone touch him with the stuff. He’d played along and was wearing the typical leather pants. The rest he couldn’t stomach.

  “Anderson Stark.”

  When his name was called, he moved a hand to smooth out his shirt, forgetting he wasn’t wearing one. “Please God, let no one notice me,” he mumbled as he stepped out under the lights.

  Chapter Three

  After two hours of bare flesh, Scotty was over it. She’d become nearly immune to naked people when she frequented the club. It must h
ave worn off.

  “There are only a few left, and you haven’t won one yet.” Cheri eyed her bidding paddle.

  “No one has caught my eye.” Except Tanya of course. She was pure sex in all her masculine glory. She’d recently buzzed part of her hair, and between that and her low hanging holey jeans, Scotty had to excuse herself. She went to the bathroom and tried not to have a panic attack. It was quite unattractive, and usually she never let her guard down in public. The holidays must really be getting to her.

  “Come on, there has to be one. Have you been looking at the Dommes? There are some smoking hot ones.” To prove her point, she waved at the stage where the Russian dungeon master currently stood. Only she didn’t stand, she possessed, even the ground under her feet. It was fascinating to watch, but really not Scotty’s thing.

  “I’ve been here sitting next to you this entire time.”

  “I think it’s time for more drinks,” Cheri said.

  “There are only a handful left. You want another round?”

  “Not like we are driving.” Cheri slid off her seat and smoothed a hand over her skin tight dress. It really did look better with Scotty’s heels.

  “You’re right. Might as well get a head start on my coma for tomorrow.” She grabbed Cheri’s arm. “Let me get them.”

  Cheri shrugged and let her, used to submissives getting her everything she wanted. “Two for me.” She held up two fingers in case Scotty couldn’t hear her over the noise.

  Scotty rolled her eyes, but crossed the room to the bar and ordered four gin and tonics. It would probably take some time to cash everyone out. Even if they had tried to keep up with it during the bidding, people like Cheri who bought more than one person would wait until the end.

  “Can you carry all of these?” the bartender asked when he set the drinks in front of her.

  Scotty winkled her nose. She hadn’t really thought this through. “Maybe not.”

  “Let me help you.” He slid out from behind the bar and took two of the drinks. It took them a few minutes to get through the crowd. It seemed to get more rowdy as the stock of people to bid on dwindled. The not so Tarzan should have put himself last. He would have gone for twice as much. It was really too bad Cheri had been right about him, and he went without a fight.