As always, shout out to my beta [you know who you are ;)] for giving this a read-through even though you're super busy and swamped right now! I love you :D
Readers, thank you so much for reading!
Reviewers, you guys have no idea how much it means to me when you share your thoughts! It helps provide so much motivation, even if it's just two words you leave, so THANK YOU! And I hope you keep doing it because it helps me to write more :D Seriously!
Now that that's off my chest, onwards with the rest of the gala!
"Oh, my God," Rey inhaled sharply. "That man-I know him!"
"Who?" Kylo asked, looking around the room as he took his seat. There had to have been around 400 people seated all throughout the elegant venue.
"That man over there," Rey leaned in to whisper, jutting her chin out to the table to his right. Kylo surreptitiously glanced sideways. "That's the mayor!"
"Oh, it is?"
"Yeah!"
"You know him?"
"What? No, I don't know him, know him," Rey explained in a muffled voice. "I guess I should've said I know of him, but that's Mayor Rahm Emanuel alright. I've seen him on TV. He's much shorter in person, though."
Kylo chuckled.
"I think that's the governor next to him," she continued before her eyes wandered over to the other nearby tables. They had one of the best seats available as their table was right in front of the stage near the middle of the room. Kylo suddenly felt Rey clutch his sleeve and he spun to catch her bug-eyed, attempting to catch her breath.
"What? What is it?" he asked with anxious despair.
"That's… that's…" Rey spoke haltingly in her frantic state and Kylo covered her hand to try to calm her. "That's…"
Kylo grew increasingly fretful when she quieted and a fraught silence fell between them. Her gaze was fixed straight ahead and he moved to see what had caught her attention so forcefully.
"That's Lady Gaga!" Rey excitedly mumbled, at last breaking the dreadful quietude.
"Oh," Kylo rolled his eyes. "That's what got you so worked up? You get starstruck way too easily, Kira."
"Well, forgive me! I'm sorry I'm not used to seeing famous people as much as you are."
"You're forgiven."
Rey pushed his arm lightly. "I was being sarcastic."
"I know," Kylo gave her a self-satisfied grin.
Rey stuck out her tongue in a zany gesture.
"Wait, if Lady Gaga's here, then maybe that means she's back with Taylor Kinney!" Rey whispered animatedly, turning back to scour the tables around her and continue her star sightings. She spotted several more celebrities scattered throughout, including Tina Fey, Vince Vaughn, Karlie Kloss, and even Oprah. "This is so fucking cool, being in the same room with all these famous people!"
Kylo adored the look of amazement emerge across her pretty face, making her greenish-brown eyes glow
as if sunshine itself emitted from within. There was something fulfilling about her happiness to Kylo, as if the world suddenly made sense and he discovered a true purpose in life.
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," he told her.
"Well, I'm happy you brought me," she replied, giving him a small smile. "Thank you."
"No, thank you for accompanying me."
"Welcome," a bespectacled older man addressed the attendees from the stage, "to the 10th Annual A.I. Gala! I'm Robert Levy, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Art Institute and on their behalf allow me to say that we are extremely happy that all of you are here with us tonight. This gala celebrates the opening of our newest exhibition, Van Gogh's Bedrooms, and it also coincides with our annual fundraiser for charity. Each year we try to raise money for a different organization because we believe it is our duty to not only inspire our city, but help it as well.
Ladies and gentlemen, this gala has donated over 30 million dollars the last decade to the direct benefit of this great city's citizens-those that are in need. We will reveal the organization we chose this year later in the evening when the auction starts. Before we go any further, here's a word from our sponsors, whom we thank for making this event possible tonight."
The man signaled to the walls where the projections of Starry Night and Cafe Terrace at Night were momentarily replaced with a string of promotional videos. Rey viewed each of them closely and her mouth dropped when First Order Investments' clip started to play.
"That's your company!" Rey squeaked softly. Kylo nodded casually before she turned back, his mouth twisting into a smile when she laced her fingers with his and watched the ad with utmost regard.
"What sets our firm apart from all the countless others is the fact that we are, in a word, relentless. I'm Edgar Snoke, the founder and CEO of First Order Investments, and I'm focused on answering one question: is our capital being utilized in a way that will result in the optimal risk-adjusted returns for our investors?"
"That's your boss?" Rey asked in a whisper.
"Mm-hmm."
Rey shook her head disapprovingly. "He looks like a pedophile."
Kylo sputtered out the sip of his drink he had taken, trying hard not to laugh. "What?"
"He does!" she reiterated assuredly as she scrutinized the gaunt, graying face of the bald man. His smile-although Rey wouldn't necessarily call it that-was a closed part-smirk, part-grin, as if he knew something no one else did. She stared at his eyes beneath his unruly silver eyebrows-a bone-chilling, piercing shade of icy blue. Rey only got bad vibes from him and she found herself involuntarily shivering. "Look at him… he's creepy as fuck, Kylo."
He coughed a couple times, refraining from going into a fit of hysterics. Kylo glanced back up at the projection of his corporation's leader and his amusement quickly dissipated. He didn't know why he never noticed it before, but she was right. There was something predatory, even sinister emanating from his boss and it unsettled Kylo. He cleared his throat, running a hand through his hair while tightening his other fingers around Rey's hand. They continued to watch the rest of the promotional clip.
"My name is Armitage Hux and as the Chief Financial Officer, I manage the financial actions of this firm. I can assure you that First Order is driven to improve, to move forward. We do that by being innovators, where every single day finds us allotting new strategies, new products, and new applications, and this helps us to stay one step ahead of the ever-changing market."
"That ginger dude looks like he has a stick up his ass," Rey commented to Kylo hushedly.
This time he couldn't contain himself as he chortled loud enough that nearby guests turned to glare at him.
"Yeah, I know. Like he's been fucking constipated for days," he joked into her ear. Rey nodded, clapping a hand to her mouth to suppress her giggles.
"Our people are driven to perform and excel because we have one thing that we never lose sight of-our goal of giving back to the investors who have trusted us with their money. I'm Kylo Ren, the Chief Operating Officer of First Order Investments, and I want you to know that our first order of business is you."
Kylo waited with bated breath to hear what she had to say about him.
"You look like an asshole," Rey remarked on cue.
Figures, Kylo thought unsurprisingly.
Rey turned back to gaze at him, a somber expression on her face. "And you look… sad."
Kylo sighed deeply. She was right. He was a sad, brooding shell of a man. Lately though, he wasn't so dejected. He was actually even laughing again and it was… it was because of her. Somehow, someway, she made him feel so much better, so much more whole. He looked back at her, peering into her glum stare.
"I'm not sad when I'm with you," he told her as his finger caressed along her jawline.
"I know," Rey said, but not out of arrogance or insensitivity. She said it because deep down, she knew it was true. The skin where he brushed past sizzled pleasantly and she wished he'd never stop touching her.
The two had drawn nearer to one another, both pulling in so close into their personal spaces, yet neither's boundaries felt infringed upon. Their heads had butted and the people seated nearby found themselves captivated by them and stared, for it was obvious the two were about to kiss. Everyone held their breath as the they prepared for the inevitable locking of lips to occur.
"Let's give a round of applause to our sponsors, shall we?" the chairman's voice intruded on the intimate moment they were sharing, disappointment clearly splashed across not only the pair's faces, but the prying spectators as well.
The crowd flared into polite applause, the trancing moment now obviously broken as Rey and Kylo remembered themselves, joining in with a clap of their hands and acting as if nothing happened.
"I want everyone to know that this should in no way, shape or form, be a serious party," Robert Levy continued, "I hope you had a chance to revel in the art because now it's time for you all to please, get a little crazy, enjoy the music, buy yourself something nice at the auction, savor the delicious food and just have a great time, folks!"
"Music?" Rey mused out loud.
"Yeah, there's always musical guests that come to perform as live entertainment."
"Like a concert?"
"Yes."
"Awesome! Who's performing?"
"On that note, please welcome to the stage our first performer - Grammy and Academy Award winner, Chicago's very own Jennifer Hudson!"
Rey turned her attention towards the confident woman in a formfitting black gown walking towards the microphone at the center of the stage. She sat enthralled as Jennifer Hudson began belting out song after song with her powerful vocals.
"Wow," Rey breathed, taking a brisk sip of her glass, "that girl can sing!"
Her eyes were glued to the stage so she didn't realize until she swallowed that she had grabbed champagne instead of water. The bubbles tickled all the way down her throat until only light, delicate notes of acidulous fruitiness were left dancing across her palate. Rey thought it was delicious and impetuously gulped the entire glass. Her esophagus felt a bit scorched, but she didn't regret it since she thoroughly enjoyed the champagne's lingering sweet taste. Rey supposed one glass couldn't hurt.
"Would you like another glass, miss?" a server had approached their table, placing down a plate of salad.
Rey shrugged her shoulders indifferently. "Sure, why not?"
Ok, two glasses of champagne shouldn't cause too much damage, Rey rationalized.
The server nodded, taking her empty glass away.
"Ugh," Rey groaned as she pushed her food around with her fork. The salad was comprised of mixed greens, sweet, juicy Bartlett pear slices, crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries and spiced pecans lightly dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
"What's wrong?" Kylo asked with concern.
"I don't really like salads," Rey admitted, her fork puncturing through a piece of goat cheese. She brought it to her mouth, chewing on it slowly when a wanton thought occurred to her. Rey's lips twisted into a wicked grin as she glanced at Kylo. "Not unless… my salad's being tossed."
Kylo's forehead wrinkled with puzzlement. "You only like it if your salad is being tos- oh!" His ears burned red when he finally grasped her double entendre, and instead of chewing, he ended up swallowing the food in his mouth. He swiftly reached for his water to keep from choking, downing it hastily. His grasp was clumsy, though, and he spilled some onto his lap.
"Fuck!" he cursed softly. Rey had been in a fit of smothered giggles, but instantly regained her composure.
"Allow me," she offered, grabbing her napkin to help dry him off.
"Uh, thanks," he mumbled, sitting stiffly as she gently dabbed all over his lap.
"You're welcome," she returned, lifting her eyes to hold his gaze. She continued to glare at him, his eyes widening when he felt her grope his thigh. He mumbled wordlessly as he felt her small hand deliciously rub up and down, each upward stroke getting closer to his crotch. He shivered when he suddenly felt her lightly pat him there.
"Voila," she announced, her exquisite touch gone much too sooner than he would've liked. "All better now."
Now who's weak in the knees? Rey thought smugly as she flashed Kylo a complacent smile.
"My songs know what you did in the dark," Rey lip-synced to Fall Out Boy, rocking out as best she could seated in her chair. They were the last performers of the evening, having gone after the iconic music group Chicago and an up-and-coming artist named Chance the Rapper.
"Let's go, Chicago!" the band's bassist, Pete Wentz, roused the audience.
Rey whooped loudly, taking part in the crowd's uproarious response.
"So light 'em up up up, light 'em up up up," Rey sang along, looking sideways at Kylo, who had his arms crossed and obviously not into the performance as much as she was. Rey elbowed him to nab his attention. "I'm on fire!"
Kylo raised his eyebrows, but couldn't hold back the smile she caused to spring forth onto his lips.
The servers were coming around to collect their empty dessert plates and replaced Rey's glass of champagne with a new one. It was her fourth one… or maybe it was her fifth? Sixth? Regardless, she accepted it with alacrity, drinking it merrily as the band finished their song.
"Another round of applause for Fall Out Boy!" a woman wearing an elegant blue dress cheered as she took the stage. "And for all the other wonderful performances we had this evening!"
The audience erupted into thunderous applause, some like Rey, rose from their seat to give a standing ovation. People sat once the applause died down.
"My name is Sarah Garvey and on behalf of the Woman's Board of the Art Institute, I wish to welcome you once more to the A.I. Gala," she announced. "We thank you for joining us in celebrating the unveiling of our newest exhibition. The Woman's Board has been dedicated to aiding the museum be not only accessible to the community, but responsive to it as well, especially to young people. It is far easier to help a child than it is to repair an adult. Each year, we raise money to a charity of our choosing to give back to our community, the city of Chicago. This year we've chosen to focus on a particularly vulnerable population - children."
Rey finished off her drink, listening intently to the woman's speech. She thought it was quite commendable of the museum to do this and she was very interested in finding out what charity they were fundraising for.
"This year," Sarah Garvey gestured towards a veiled poster board behind her, "we chose the Jakku Home for Boys and Girls."
Rey's heart leapt into her throat. The alcohol she'd drunk was also coming up and she felt a bilious ache in her chest. She had an intense urge to retch, but resisted doing so. Rey felt sucker punched to the gut when the woman revealed a large sign with the logo for the home on it. She sat paralyzed, not able to move even an inch. She flicked her gaze towards Kylo, hoping he didn't catch her reaction, but thankfully he was too engrossed with the woman's speech and had remained oblivious. Rey looked back to the stage and resumed listening as her heart pounded against her chest.
"This charity," Rey heard the woman say, "is so much more than a simple organization-it's home to children who've been either abused, abandoned, or neglected."
Jakku wasn't my home, Rey thought sadly. But it was the closest thing I've experienced to home ever since…
No, she didn't wish to go there. She didn't want to rehash old wounds, to delve deep into the gaping fissure of her bleak past. She needed to look forward. It was hard to do that when a blatant reminder was so unexpectedly shoved into her face. Literally.
"The Jakku Home for Boys and Girls first opened its doors back in 2008 and has since helped over 2000 children. Kids who wouldn't have made it on their own, but were motivated to succeed despite their circumstances. Three years ago, one resident even defeated the odds and became the first to get accepted into a university."
Rey's heart hammered in her chest.
"She not only got accepted into college, but to one of the most prestigious in the nation - Northwestern University!"
Rey gasped, choking back a sob.
Oh God, they're talking about me… why are they talking about me?! Rey panicked inwardly, feeling dizzy. She was starting to feel the effects of the delicious champagne, which didn't help matters.
She folded her arms over herself and sunk into her chair, hoping that somehow this wasn't really happening right now.
"This girl…" Sarah Garvey began informing the crowd.
Please don't say my name, please don't say my name! Rey pleaded desperately to whoever it was that heard prayers.
"...inspired the other residents to pursue higher education, and many followed suit getting into colleges all over the country," the board member finished, causing Rey to exhale audibly with relief.
Kylo heard the raucous sigh and turned to look at Rey, her face flushed and eyes vitreous, slack against her chair.
"Have a little too much to drink?" He placed his hand on her head, soothingly stroking her forehead with his thumb to offer comfort.
"What?" Rey asked much louder than she had intended, wallowing in his touch. "Yeah... I think I did drink too much."
He removed his hand to give her a glass of water, which she immediately chugged.
"This charity they're fundraising for-" she said between gulps, "-it's a good one. I'm glad they're donating to them."
"Really?" Kylo creased the corners of his eyes. "You've heard of them before?"
"Yep."
"Care to elaborate?" Kylo pressed after a long beat of silence.
"No."
Kylo frowned, lowering his gaze. Rey glanced to the side and she knew he was about to do that face-the sad, lost puppy one that'll get her to do anything. Rey wanted to be honest with Kylo, but didn't feel like recounting her past right now- would she ever really want to?-so it was best to just say nothing.
"Kylo, I just know it's a good place, ok? Don't ask me how," she blurted out before he gave her the look. "I… I can tell you about it later. Maybe."
He breathed out his nose, discontented with her answer. How did she know about the home and why didn't she want to talk about it? He really wished she would be more open with him, but after her confession earlier he knew that was difficult for her. She was quite the enigma but, for whatever reason, Kylo welcomed the challenge of breaking through her sturdy walls.
"Alright, we'll talk about it later," he sternly declared.
"Maybe," Rey asserted back firmly.
Both met each other's stares defiantly.
"So, ladies and gentlemen," Sarah's voice was shrill and ear-splitting through the sound system, "let the auction begin!"
Rey turned to look back at the stage, but Kylo's gaze remained on her. She was so fucking difficult, yet he'd be lying if he said he didn't like that about her. There was a certain thrill to the chase, to the unraveling of who she was, similar to the feeling one gets when unwrapping a present. Just like a boy on Christmas Eve though, Kylo was starting to get antsy and impatient.
Rey could feel his eyes watching her, but she ignored him. She noted the energy in the room change precipitously. The gala attendees were now liquored up and more receptive to obscene spending as their inhibitions were left at the bottom of their empty wine glasses.
Luxurious travel packages were the first things being auctioned off. The trips were to locations Rey had never heard of-exotic and remote places like Necker Island, Musha Cay, Laucala Island, and the Maldives.
No, wait. The Maldives she had known about before, but could never in her wildest dreams afford to visit there. She stared silently at the projection on the wall showcasing its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal clear, cyan-blue waters. It was absolutely stunning.
The other attendees thought so, too, and many got into raging bidding wars over the extravagant vacations. Rey found it entertaining to watch the battles wage.
It was probably the hype of it all that got these people riled up. And the alcohol provided its assistance, too. Rey was grateful she was dirt poor to avoid getting caught up in all this. She looked at Kylo, who was still staring at her, and was impressed to find he was pretty level-headed. He wasn't phased in the slightest by all the commotion.
"Do you ever buy anything at these auctions?" she asked him over all the shouting and hollering of numbers.
"No," he answered simply, "because, well… you know I can take whatever I want."
"Oh, really?" Rey lifted an eyebrow skeptically.
"Really," Kylo nodded slowly. "I've never wanted anything at these auctions, though."
"What if you did want something and someone else wanted it, too?"
"Then I'd feel bad for the other person because they'd lose," he replied with utmost certainty.
"Yeah right!" Rey scoffed. "You'd feel bad?"
Kylo shrugged his shoulders. "You're right. I wouldn't feel bad."
"Perhaps you folks would prefer something a little closer to home?" Sarah, who was acting as the auctioneer, bellowed at the crowd. "Well, you're in luck tonight! How does a 6-night stay on Billionaire Lane sound to you? Oh yes, you heard right! Enjoy living on the most exclusive and expensive street in America for a few days. When you stay at the Chandrila Mansion, you'll be treated like Hamptons royalty! Its owner, Kylo Ren, a benefactor of the Art Institute, promises a sumptuous experience like no other. The property boasts-"
"They said your name!" Rey exclaimed in disbelief. "Wait, that's… that's your house?"
"It's one of my houses," Kylo replied. "That one's in the Hamptons, but I don't live there. I live in Manhattan."
"Wow," Rey marveled at the images of the opulent home flashing before her. "Your house looks amazing!"
"I'd love to show it to you," the words slipped out of Kylo's mouth suddenly, but he didn't regret it. He meant it wholeheartedly. "When the auction winner isn't there, of course."
Rey laughed at his small joke. "Alright, I'll take you up on your offer."
"Really?!"
"Yes, really," she smiled shyly. "I want to go to New York-to Manhattan, to the Hamptons. I want to see your stomping grounds."
Kylo was beyond ecstatic. If he could, he would've flown her home right then and there.
"That's great!" Kylo grinned broadly, but then his eyes narrowed. "This isn't the champagne talking, though, is it?"
"No, it's not," Rey lightly punched his shoulder. "I do want to go when I'm able to… when I can buy my own ticket and cover my expenses."
"You don't need to worry about that," Kylo suggested. "I can take care of it."
I can take care of you, of everything, he added quietly.
"That's nice of you," Rey acknowledged warmly. "I know you can and I thank you for the offer, but if it's ok with you, I'd like to do this on my own. Just so I don't feel like you're hiring me again."
"I understand," Kylo conceded reluctantly. He sort of forgot about their present arrangement. "But if you were my girlfriend… maybe you wouldn't feel that way, since it'd be your boyfriend, not a random person, that's helping you out."
"Huh, I never saw it like that," Rey admitted. "I suppose that's true. We'll have to wait and see what happens, I guess."
He opened up his palm to her and she placed her hand on top, clasping them together. They observed the rest of the auction in peaceful silence, as the guests clamored and yelled their bids. Extravagant cars were the next items being sold left and right, a tricked-out Bugatti for one winner, a unique rose gold Bentley for that bidder.
When the last car, a yellow Lamborghini Aventador S was sold, Rey felt the urge to go the ladies' room and was about to excuse herself when the auctioneer shrieked with enthusiasm.
"Ladies, it's time for every girl's favorite: accessories!" she squealed in delight. "I have here a rare and special item, indeed! Donated by the generous people at Cartier-by the way, be sure to visit their store just down the street-this gorgeous watch is truly one-of-a-kind!"
Rey fixed her stare as the excited woman opened up the red box to reveal the remarkable timepiece. There were collective oohs and aahs from the women in the crowd as they admired the elegant watch. Rey didn't even realize when she unconsciously let go of Kylo's hand to cover her open mouth.
"The 18K white gold case," the woman continued as she flaunted the item, "is set with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds, 1 carat total, encircling the bezel and sloping down the side of the bracelet, and features a supple white alligator leather strap. Don't think you can find this in stores as Cartier only made this very one. This original, fine watch is a timeless beauty with an unmistakable Cartier design … and it's just waiting to grace your lovely wrist! The bidding starts at 1000. Who here gives 1? I see you, yes! I have 1. Thank you! I need 2 now. Anyone want to give me 2? Yes, in the front, I see you!"
Rey whirled around to see that Kylo had placed a bid and her eyes bulged in shocked surprise.
"What are you doing?" she asked worriedly.
"I'm getting you that watch," he replied in a nonchalant tone.
"What?!"
"I know you want it," he explained, "You should've seen the way your face you lit up when you saw it."
"Everyone's face lit up when they saw it Kylo, not just me!" she rebutted.
"And it's white," Kylo continued, "which I know for a fact is your favorite color. I know you want that watch. You can deny it all you want, but I'm still going to get it for you."
"Kylo, no! I can't let you do that," she placed a hand on his arm.
"Why not?" he asked as he raised his other hand to place another bid. The price had gone up to $9000.
"Kylo, you're way too generous and I appreciate the thought," Rey expressed sincerely, shaking her head, "but I don't need that watch!"
"I know you don't need it," Kylo acknowledged, raising his hand once more. The bid was now up to $13,000. "But you like it. I know you want it, even though you won't admit it."
"Kylo!" Rey squeaked in a panicked whisper and she reached over, trying to grab his other hand to stop him from placing more bids. "No, stop… I don't need the watch!"
Kylo laughed at her vain attempts to stop him, pulling away from her as she desperately outstretched her arm.
"I have fourteen fifty! Yes! Can I get 15? Anyone? Yes, in the front once more! $15,000! 15 going once… "
Rey whimpered shrinkingly as Kylo smiled, pretty pleased with himself.
"Going twice…"
"Twenty thousand!" a man seated at the table next to them shouted. Kylo jerked his head to the right, his heated glare throwing invisible daggers at the unfortunate fool who dared to take Rey's watch.
"Oh! I got a twenty here-"
"Thirty thousand!" Kylo roared before the auctioneer could further instigate more bids.
"REN!" Rey screeched in a low, cracked voice, moving her head side to side ever so slightly.
"What? Don't feel bad...it's for a good cause," Kylo reasoned in an effort to ease her conscience. "You told me so yourself."
Rey stared back, blinking thrice as she remembered all the money would go to the Jakku Home for Boys and Girls. That fact did end up comforting her, but still, she had no need for a diamond encrusted watch, even though she did like it. Ok, fine, she loved that watch. It was so outrageous, though! So absurd of a luxury. She couldn't possibly accept it.
"Herman! I want that watch," Rey heard a woman quietly scold her husband at the table beside them. She moved her gaze to see the young blonde glower at her much older partner. "You better get it for me or you're not getting any tonight!"
"Don't worry, Alexia, baby. I'll get it for you, honey," the white-haired man cajoled his attractive wife.
"Thirty thousand going twice..." the auctioneer announced sharply.
"Forty!" Herman squawked as he jumped to stand from his seat. Alexia shot Rey a haughty smirk that made Rey instantly dislike her.
"Amazing!" the auctioneer gasped. "I have forty thousand dollars, ladies and gentleman!"
Kylo's dark eyebrows drew down into a scowl at Herman, his lips pinching in contempt. The old man thought he could win against Kylo, but Herman didn't know that Kylo could go all night long, if needed. He gathered that the old man had nothing anywhere near his stamina.
"Fifty thousand!" Kylo practically growled his bid, rising from his chair to stand as well.
Holy fucking hell, Rey swore in her head. This is insane!
She put her face in her hands and stayed mute, knowing full well that Kylo wouldn't stop until the watch was his. Or hers, rather. He was so fucking stubborn. Even so, Rey had to admit the incredulous look on Herman's face and Alexia's staggered expression were hilarious to behold when she peered their direction.
"Fifty thousand dollars for this exquisite, unique watch! Going once…"
"Herman!" Alexia urged her bumbling husband.
"Going twice…"
Herman looked to Kylo who was standing confidently with his hands crossed behind him, then back to his seething wife. "I-I-I can't anymore, Alexia! I spent too much on that superyacht trip and the Maserati you wanted!"
"SOLD!" the woman on stage boomed through the microphone. "To the dashing man here in the front. Congratulations! Come up and claim your item, sir!"
Kylo took a couple giant steps forward and onto the stage as the auctioneer handed him the elegant red box with the watch inside, shaking his hand.
Alexia groaned petulantly, throwing her napkin on the table and rose to storm off.
"Poopsy doodles… wait!" Herman cried as he ran after his spoiled missus. "Come back!"
Everyone nearby snickered at the comical scene. Rey snorted noisily as she tried to quash her giggles.
"Did he just call her poopsy doodles?" Kylo asked once he rejoined the table, taking his seat. Rey was covering her mouth with both hands, doing her best to smother her laughter. She was failing miserably.
"Yes!" Rey had tears forming in her eyes, struggling to keep from going into hysterics. It made Kylo grin goofily at her. Rey closed her eyes and breathed deeply to compose herself. When she opened them, she saw Kylo offering the watch he got for her. Her hands dropped from her face to her chest.
"Holy shit," she cursed under her breath. It was even more stunning up close as the small diamonds reflected brilliantly under the lights.
"It's yours," he told her.
"Kylo, it's-it's beautiful," Rey breathed admiringly. "I don't know what to say. I mean, I know what to say-thank you! Thank you so much! You didn't have to. You really didn't, oh my God. You're fucking crazy! I can't even. I-I- Shit, I need to pee!"
Kylo released an air of amusement. "The restrooms are down back there, through the glass doors to the right."
"Great, thanks!" she said, getting up from her chair to head towards the direction he told her. She quickly scurried past him, but then returned to plant a kiss on his head. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome," Kylo beamed as he turned back to follow her with his gaze until she disappeared through the glass doors.
Rey skittered as fast as she could in her blasted heels because her bladder felt like it was on the verge of bursting. She was relieved when she spotted the restroom and made a beeline towards it when someone unexpectedly appeared in front of her, halting Rey in her path.
"I'm sorry, miss, this bathroom is closed because of plumbing issues," the security guard regrettably informed her. He pointed to his right. "But you can use the staff bathroom down there. Unfortunately it doesn't lock, but I'll make sure no one comes in while you're using it."
"Thanks!" she said, turning to race to her left and just missing the two women that exited the restroom behind the guard.
She burst through the door, gathering her dress and hastily dropping trou to relieve herself, her bladder extremely grateful and no longer pestering. When she was done, she went over to the sink, her back to the door, and started to meticulously wash her hands. Her head was down, completely absorbed in her task and her thoughts.
She still couldn't believe Kylo got her that ridiculous watch. Maybe she shouldn't accept it, though. It was just too extravagant of a gift. But damn it, she'd be lying if she said she didn't love the thing. And it wasn't like he actually spent that amount on the watch for her. He made a substantial donation to Jakku and that was good, wasn't it? No, that was great! Jakku would most certainly benefit from it and if she got a trinket in the process, that wasn't bad, right? It was kind of like when a Tootsie Roll was given for donating to the Knights of Columbus.
Right, Rey nodded, drying her hands. Except it's a Cartier watch instead of a piece of candy.
"I missed you last night, Kira."
Rey gasped in startlement, looking up into the mirror above the sink to see a man with glaring green eyes by the door.
"Mr. Sullivan?" Rey's face scrunched up in confusion, twirling around to face him.
"I was very much looking forward to our appointment yesterday, so I was sorely disappointed when Unkar called to cancel it," Patrick Sullivan, a middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair, chiseled jaw and a craggy face, locked the door before striding forward, closing the space between him and Rey. "She told me someone offered you 10 grand for the weekend and if I wanted to keep my meeting with you, I'd have to up the ante."
Fucking Unkar, Rey hissed internally. That greedy sludge of a woman.
She had no right to talk about her personal business with other clients like that. Unkar should've been discreet. Rey would definitely have words with her to set her straight.
"Sadly, I was unable to do so," he frowned defeatedly. "But, as luck would have it, while I was strolling through the museum with my wife tonight, who do I see? None other than you: the lovely, pretty Kira." He looked her up and down slowly and Rey felt goosebumps explode all over her skin as she became increasingly uncomfortable under his lecherous stare. "You look… incredibly sexy in that dress, by the way."
"Thank you," Rey muttered, reflexively shifting on her feet. "I apologize for the sudden cancellation, but you can reschedule for another time. As you can see, I'm with another client right now whom I really should get back to."
"Oh yes, I did see him. You've really got him under your spell there," he smiled deviously. "Why, you even got him to buy you a little something."
Rey made a fist, angered by his insinuation. "What do you want, Mr. Sullivan?"
"I want what I was robbed of last night, Kira," he licked his lips hungrily, his prurient green leer crossed her irritated glare. "I knew if I waited, you'd eventually go to the bathroom. Women always need to go to the restroom. I bribed a guard to watch out for you and lead you here so we could… have a little fun."
"No."
"What?" His eyes flickered, baffled. "Oh, you'll be compensated appropriately, of course."
"I said no, sir," she spat back, each word that followed dripping with disdain. "I do not want to have sex with you. Un...der...stand?"
"Yes, I understand," he nodded piteously, taking one step back. Rey relaxed her tensed up muscles when he saw his resignation.
"Good," she told him in a chiding tone.
"I'm sorry," he apologized nimbly, his face stoic from her rejection.
"Now, if you'll excu-" Rey didn't get a chance to finish because an excruciatingly sharp, stinging pain overwhelmed her senses, knocking her off balance. Her vision was not only blurred from the tears forming in her eyes, but was dappled with what appeared to be stars. Countless stars distorted everything in front of her, making it difficult to distinguish anything more than hazy shapes.
[Author's Note: A scene that some may find upsetting or triggering follows, so please skip ahead to where it says RESUME HERE if you know you're easily affected or faint of heart.]
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It all happened so fast, yet Rey felt like she was watching everything happen in slow motion, a terrifying out-of-body experience gone horribly awry.
Men like Patrick Sullivan weren't used to hearing that word, "no." Men like him thought they owned the world and everyone in it. Men like him always got what they wanted, letting nothing or no one stand in their way.
"I'm sorry you thought I was asking for permission, Kira," Patrick snarled with malice into her ear, as he pinned Rey over the side of the sink, her hands restrained in his vice-like grip behind her back. "Playing hard to get now? Come on, you're practically asking for it in this dress!"
Rey's torso was pressed onto the cold surface of the countertop under Patrick's weight, her face hovering above the sink bowl. She opened and closed her eyes several times, trying to desperately regain her vision.
"I don't take no from my associates, from my employees, from my friends, from my wife… and most certainly not from some fucking slut, ok?" he barked, using his leg to open up space between her knees. "Especially one I'm offering to pay!"
Scream! Yell! Thrash! Fight! DO SOMETHING! ANYTHING!
Rey willed herself to move, but her limbs defied her. The pain from his backhanded slap was searing, so intense that it prompted her body to overreact in the most inconvenient way. Rey heard a loud ringing noise buzz incessantly in her ear as a sudden, clammy sweat erupted all over her body. Nausea swept over her and she felt lightheaded, her head drooping deeper into the bowl under her as her heart rate slowed to a faint, thready pulse. The blood drained from her face as her blood pressure dropped, making it as white as a sheet. Everything was shutting down, her strength and consciousness slipping away as the sides of her vision blackened. She was too weak, utterly helpless and at the mercy of an enraged prick.
"I know how much you love to be on top," Patrick said, noting her lack of resistance and he let go of her wrists to undo his belt and zipper. "How about we have you on the bottom this time, eh? I think you'll enjoy it."
Rey mewled pitifully as she realized what was about to happen, completely helpless to stop it. Her head sagged, eyelids closing with tears running down her face and dripping down the side of the sink like raindrops of sorrow.
Panic.
Fear.
Raw in her bloodstream.
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[Author's Note: RESUME HERE]
It came to a boiling bubble and adrenaline began to course through her veins. Her fight or flight response finally kicked in as her heart raced, eyes springing open to reveal dilated pupils. Rey's vision came back, her strength returning full force. And then some.
Taking a deep breath, Rey plunged an elbow harshly into the pit of his stomach, knocking all the wind out of him. Patrick's hands flew to his abdomen making him take a step back, but not before Rey viciously scraped her stiletto heel down the length of his left shin.
He cried out in pain. Rey quickly shut him up by stomping hard on his foot. She took advantage of his weakened state, swiftly twisting out from under Mr. Sullivan to move behind him. Rey fisted his hair with her left hand.
"Argh!" Rey growled like a wild animal, yanking back and savagely slamming his head down on the sink's hard granite surface with all the strength she could muster.
There was a low, static crackling sound as the adrenaline left her and she came back to her normal senses.
She let out a shuddering breath while releasing Patrick from her grasp, his body unceremoniously landing on the tiled floor with a thud, limp and lifeless.
"Shit!" Rey whispered, her hazel eyes filling with dread as she pored over Patrick's still body. "Fuck!"