Past relationships, unexpected guests, and desires collide as Rey tries to do her job as Ben's bodyguard and make her way through his complicated Aristo world. Once Ben steps onto the stage, the mood shifts as everyone wants a piece of the notorious playboy. But danger lurks at the edge of the stage, and as the bidding ramps up, so does the danger. Nothing is ever boring in the life of an Aristo, and as Rey falls deeper and deeper into Ben's world, she'll have to reconcile her feelings for Ben with her fears-and maybe, even protect him from himself.


While Arkanis' main draw used to be the Imperial Academy, since the war ended, it was better known for being a Centrist stronghold. Governor Hux represented the planet's interests in the Senate and, for a few years, he had also gotten under Leia's skin both for being a Centrist and for dating her son.

All this, Rey had been able to glean from the news and gossip holos before leaving Takodana, so she at least felt like she had a bit of a leg up on how things might go between Ben and Armitage. From what she'd read, the breakup was amicable, but what the press said and what happened behind closed doors were two entirely different things.

Governor Hux was known for being a force to be reckoned with in the Senate and, with a sharp, keen mind and an uncanny wit, many a Senator did not relish being caught in his crosshairs. As the governor drew close, Rey realized that she was caught in his merciless gaze. She was being sized up, but what his ultimate conclusions about her were, she wasn't certain.

His face was a mask, and even as he shifted his attention over to Ben, Rey couldn't tell whether he was happy to see him or annoyed.

He'd make a great spy, Rey thought to herself.

Governor Hux reached out to Ben, who after giving Rey's arm a gentle caress, disentangled himself. Ben stepped close, gently clasping the governor's hand before leaning in and placing air kisses on each of Armitage's cheeks. The dour-looking man completely ignored her, which was fine by Rey as it gave her time to study him.

He wasn't quite as tall as Ben, and certainly not as broad, but he was striking in his way—especially given his honey-red hair, which was slicked back on his head and separated with a severe part. He looked more professional than Ben. Long, navy robes spilled over his slight frame, giving him bulk where there wasn't any and also spoke to his station.

Gold tinged the hem of his clothes, and Rey could just make out the gleam of jewels beneath the voluminous sleeves of his outfit. His ghostly pale face looked calm and calculating as he both ignored Rey and sized her up without trying to be noticed. She might have found him handsome if he wasn't giving off such snobbish energy.

The governor pulled Ben to the side, away from earshot, while another guest stepped out from the shadows and into Rey's personal bubble. A wide smile beamed at her from a decidedly smug-looking face, which was set against rich, copper-colored skin that gleamed with an unnatural, but alluring, silvery sheen. Where ever Devrum Fentest went, trouble wasn't far behind. So, seeing the notorious Aristo set off little warning bells in Rey's mind.

Unnaturally dark hair curled around his face, and a close-cropped beard, which suited him, had grown in since the last time she'd seen him. Generally, Dev was cleanshaven, but maybe he was hoping to start a new trend. He seemed to do that, from time to time, judging from how often his look changed.

"How many times do I have to tell you," Rey sighed as she stepped back and gestured widely with her hands. "This is my space. That is yours."

"At least a few times more, love," Dev's rich, cultured voice answered back. "Funny to see you here. It must be fate."

"It most definitely is not."

He leaned in conspiratorially. "The Force then."

"Something decidedly more unlucky, I'd think," Rey huffed as Dev beamed at her.

Purple eyes—most definitely enhancements—shined at her as Rey glared back. Dev raised a manicured eyebrow at her, his prominent nose flaring a little as he huffed out a laugh. Painted lips parted as he took pleasure in her discomfort and annoyance, as was Dev's way, which was precisely why Finn always dealt with him.

Not only was Finn better at negotiations, he was calm and collected where Rey had a short fuse, but she was working on that. And, thanks to Maz, Finn and Dev went way back, if it "way back" could be a thing between a smuggler and a client. Rey supposed it could, in a weird way.

Dev had stepped between herself, Ben, and Hux, which meant she couldn't quite make out what Hux was murmuring, though it seemed casual enough. He wasn't touching Ben or even leaning too close. If anything, the way they were talking to each other seemed businesslike and professional, which was a relief to her in ways she wasn't about to consider.

Dev winked at Rey as he caught her staring, a cavalier grin on his captivating face. She could only imagine why the notorious Aristo was here with Armitage. Maybe they were dating, but she doubted it. Dev always seemed to have his hands in all sorts of trouble, so Rey tried to keep her expression neutral as she spun through reasons why he'd be at this auction.

"Missed you the last time you were on Cantonica," Dev purred in his deep, resonate voice as he adjusted his sleeve. An intricately woven jacket sat atop his shoulders, split wide, revealing his gleaming skin beneath—because, of course, Dev hadn't bothered with a shirt. Though, he had opted for pants today, so Rey thanked the maker for small mercies. The navy slacks hung low on his trim hips and highlighted the cut of his muscles, while silvery boots capped off the look.

Vain, vain, vain, Rey thought, judgily. Out of the corner of her eye, she almost thought she saw Ben lips quirk, but he continued talking to Armitage as if nothing had passed between them—and Rey was almost certain that her annoyance had been detected by Ben and his uncanny ability.

Rey had to admit, Dev was handsome and rich, so it wasn't surprising that he had almost as much of a reputation as Ben. Except, Dev took partying to a different level and his obsession with beauty and enhancements meant Rey was never quite certain what to expect when she saw him.

Rey's eyebrow arched as she remembered why she'd not seen Dev during her last run. "Well, I seem to remember you were occupied the last time I was at your place."

Dev laughed. "Oooh, euphemisms? That's not like you, Rey. Is Ben rubbing off on you?" His voice hitched teasingly, and Rey fought to keep her expression neutral. The last thing she needed was to give someone like Dev any sort of leverage over her. He continued, "I was in the middle of an orgy, it's okay. I don't mind who knows it."

"Yeah, maybe I just didn't want to talk about your sexual exploits," Rey offered.

Dev hummed thoughtfully. "Why ever not?"

This time, Rey couldn't resist rolling her eyes. "Not everyone is half as much in love with you as you think they are, Dev."

His head jerked back a little as if she'd slapped him, his hand coming up to rest on his bare chest. "You wound me!"

"If I thought that you had a heart, I might be worried," Rey replied.

Dev huffed. "Enough out of you. I'm here for Ben, anyway."

High drama from Dev, always, Rey thought, even as she realized she probably shouldn't antagonize Maz's clients. He made it too easy, though, and she wasn't about to be intimidated by someone like him.

"What's that?" Ben asked, stepping away from Hux and over to Dev. "Armitage says you have something to discuss with me?"

"That I do," Dev beamed while shooting a conspicuous look over at Rey. "Think you can leave your bodyguard for a few minutes?"

Ben smiled as he reached out and gently brushed his fingertips along her shoulder. "Will you be alright here, Rey?"

Rey shrugged. "Though I don't doubt a bunch of Aristos could do a lot of damage, I trust in the governor's sensible droid to manage things."

Speaking of droids, I wonder if Ben's protocol droid is finished 'spying'? Rey thought.

Ben nodded as Dev gestured to another dressing room. "We won't be long and I promise to bring him back in one piece."

"Yeah. See that you do," Rey couldn't help but reply.

Ben grinned, shaking his head a little as he trailed behind Dev, leaving her all alone with the governor, who up until this point hadn't deemed it necessary to say anything to her. Just when she thought he was going to leave without acknowledging her, a curious look came over his face and he stared down his long nose at her.

"I've got to say, you're a little rugged for his tastes," Armitage said with a thoughtful look up and down the length of her, which earned him a glare. "And here I thought Ben had improved his standards since we were together. Evidently not."

Great. A jealous, asshole Aristo. Thanks a lot, Ben, Rey thought glumly while she decided what to do next. Rey settled on sass, which was generally her default mode of operation, anyway.

"First of all, I'm working. Second, I'm his bodyguard, not his… whatever," Rey replied, hand waving in the air as she tried to divine whatever the hell the governor had mistaken her for.

"So, you're not fucking him?" he asked, not at all mincing words.

Rey blinked. "Uh, no."

Not yet, her mind not so helpfully chimed in.

Armitage smiled, leaned in close, voice barely above a whisper as he asked, "But would you like to?"

Rey huffed but didn't budge an inch. She could still feel Ben's charged touch on her body and was still reeling from all that he'd been able to do to her in his dressing room without touching her, but she didn't need to let his ex know any of that.

It'd take more than a fancy governor to intimidate her. "You Aristos are all the same. Always thinking with your privates. You all aren't half as appealing as you think you are."

He pulled back, placed a finger against his pale, pink lips, and paused thoughtfully. "I know a non-answer when I hear one. He'll eat you alive," Armitage assured her with an imperious look.

Oh, this bitch, Rey thought to herself. She was not about to be intimidated by anyone, least of all some unarmed politician.

Her answering smile was almost feral as she assured him, "I think you've underestimated who exactly is the Loth-wolf here." Rey stepped close, forcing him to dip his head to look down at her. "Maybe I'm the one that's going to eat him alive."

Armitage blinked down at her, something like shock flickering in his crystalline gaze before he threw his head back and laughed.

And Rey hated to admit it, but he had a great laugh. It rolled through him and completely transformed his face. So much so, that Rey finally started to realize just what Ben might have seen in the man, once upon a time.

"Oh, well! Bravo, bodyguard. There may be hope for you yet!"

Fucking Aristos and their games. They're all the same. Looking for a way to control. Well, I've had worse than Armitage Hux breathing down my neck, Rey thought.

Curiously, the governor held his arm out for her. "Time to face this head-on."

"You sound like you're going to a battle," Rey quipped.

"You've never been to an Auction before?"

Rey shook her head.

"Well, I wouldn't say you're in for a treat, more like a show. Ben's rather popular, so sentients from all over will be vying for a piece of him. Kind of hard to compete with, don't you think, bodyguard?"

"What competition? He came here on my arm," she couldn't help but testily reply.

Armitage laughed again. "That spark is going to get you into trouble, but I'm sure Ben enjoys it. Makes me think he might finally have met his match."

Rey didn't know whether to be insulted or take the backhanded compliment. "I've dealt with Aristos before," she hedged.

Armitage shook his head. "Not one like Ben. The contact high makes you believe things that you never would otherwise."

"Are you warning me?"

Armitage snorted, and it was the most indelicate thing Rey had seen him do. "No, it's not a warning. It's a promise."

Rey shrugged. "Maybe you just didn't know him as well as you thought you did."

"Maybe," he agreed, which surprised her. "Well, I can only wish you the best. At least I know that Ben's well taken care of."

"Is that important to you?"

"Of course. I still love him," he replied quietly.

"Really?" Rey wasn't sure she believed that.

Armitage smiled, and it looked genuine. "He's easy to love—too easy, probably. But I have goals that I can't afford to compromise on. Being with Ben is not a commitment I'm able to make."

"And why is that?"

Armitage sighed and paused. Just when Rey thought he wasn't going to answer, he slowly admitted, "Optics, connections... I can't very well be associated with the son of the Senate's most formidable Populist."

"You were before," Rey pointed out.

"Sometimes, love isn't enough. Or maybe we were doomed from the start. His mother does hate me, you realize?"

"Hard to be in a relationship with someone when their family objects," Rey offered.

Armitage's eyebrow rose, and he squared his shoulders. "Something like that. Well, come along then, bodyguard. We can watch the show together from behind the stage."

"Aren't you a part of this auction?" Rey asked, and Armitage looked aghast.

"As if I'd ever. No, as Governor of Arkanis, that would not be considered befitting of my station."

Rey rolled her eyes. "You can just say you didn't want to. Gods know, I wouldn't want to be auctioned off to…" she paused as her eyes managed to catch a glimpse of the crowd through the thick stage curtains. "Literally anyone here."

"Indeed. Really is so much more a 'Ben Solo crowd,' isn't it?"

"It's above my paygrade, that's for sure," Rey drawled.

"And yet, here you are. And with the governor, no less."

Rey huffed. "Yeah, well, makes sense that Ben's bodyguard would also look out for his ex, doesn't it, Governor?"

Armitage inclined his head slightly. "I suppose it does. Come along now. This is where the real fun starts."

Rey reluctantly wrapped her arm around Armitage's and found it surprisingly sturdy underneath the sumptuous layers of his robes. As they walked through the dark recesses of the preparation area, sentients of all kinds buzzed around. Some stopped to ask Armitage questions, others rattled through instructions in at least five languages that Rey could understand, and several that she could not.

It was a little hectic and she wondered, not for the first time, what Aristos across the galaxy would be able to do without the legions of support staff and droids that catered to their whims. It was no wonder that the Syndicates were gaining such a stranglehold in the power vacuum that remained, even now, after the fall of the Empire.

When the options were servitude to another master or fighting for a piece of the pie as a Syndicate member, Rey could see why some fell into organized crime. With no support and no one looking out for her, it was a wonder she'd not done the same. Not that spice running was much of a step up, but at least Maz and her crew had some morals.

After a few minutes more, Ben managed to catch up with them, thankfully, without Dev. Rey pulled her arm from around Armitage's and stepped closer to Ben, who tucked her into his side almost thoughtlessly. The action made Rey's heart flip and her cheeks flush.

"Telling all my secrets, Armitage?" Ben said quietly as he brushed a kiss on her cheek. Rey got the sense that he was not even remotely joking.

A smug smile worked its way onto Armitage's face. "Oh, as of I'd need to. We all know where to go when we want to hear gossip about Ben Solo."

Rey coughed a little, not able to keep her surprise suppressed. Even Armitage Hux read Galaxy Glitter, and Rey wondered whether it was for the same reason as she? Maybe he was telling the truth and he was still in love with Ben? Or was it morbid curiosity that kept the governor looking through the gossip holos?

"Come now, this is a surprise," Armitage said while slowly unfurling a hand to gesture towards Ben and Rey. "You were never this affectionate with me."

Ben let out a short laugh, but Rey could feel as a little shimmer of tension ran through his body. "As if you'd have let me. Some people aren't interested in being loved, just control."

"Well, there's no better feeling in the galaxy than power, isn't that somewhat like love? Being powerful in another's eyes?"

Ben shrugged. "Maybe to some."

But not to Ben, Rey mentally added.

And there was the great divide between these two influential men. One lived for the feeling of being loved, and the other lived for the feeling of being powerful. Eventually, that sort of inequality would pull two people apart.

What was Rey in this world? She who'd never truly experienced love was opening up her heart to someone who could break it but, just as easily, he could show her a world full of brilliant possibility—help her appreciate all that she'd ever been denied.

Power wasn't what Rey had ever wanted, just love and belonging. She wondered whether it was possible to find something like that with Ben. His hand gently caressed the small of her back, as if he was feeling her troubled thoughts and reaching out to soothe her. He was so gentle with her, so careful not to push too hard.

Armitage had never really understood Ben, she realized. But maybe she had an unfair advantage with whatever special bond seemed to run between them. Still, it felt real and true, the understanding that bloomed between them, irrespective of the attraction.

She could love him. She would love him, given enough time. But how would that work in Ben's world where people like Armitage and Dev were ever vying for power? Could she stay safe and happy in that world? Could he?

Armitage huffed. "You're starting to sound as sentimental as your Uncle."

Rey wondered which uncle Armitage was referring to, but Ben saved her the trouble of asking by replying, "Uncle Lando always did have his head in the clouds. He loves to love and be loved. Fortunately for him, the kind of power that comes along with being loved is almost as strong as the power that comes from being feared."

Armitage pulled up short at that. "Well, lucky for you someone seems interested in the kind of love you can provide."

It seemed like Ben was about to say something more, but Armitage's dark and moody protocol droid interrupted them. "Excuse my interruption, but you are needed, sir."

Had the auction already started? The activity behind the stage had seemed rather frantic, and an upbeat tempo filtered in from the main area, suggesting that something had started. Rey couldn't decide whether she was upset at not seeing the whole thing as it played out or relieved that she wouldn't have to pretend to care about a bunch of Aristos bidding for time with other, more popular Aristos.

"Ready to face the crowd?" Ben asked, lips gentle against the top of Rey's head as he placed a soft kiss there.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

Ben shifted a little, hand rising to run over his long locks as if smoothing it into place, but Rey realized he was smelling his calming, herbal concoction. Before she could think better of it, Rey stepped against his body and pulled Ben into a gentle hug, careful not to catch her outfit on the delicate fabric of his dress, which peeked out from behind his thick cape.

"Knock 'em dead," she murmured against his chest.

"Anything for you, Sweetness," he replied.

A few moments more, and he was being led away by the governor's protocol droid, leaving her alone, yet again, with Armitage.

"Well, come along then," the governor drawled. "We can watch this together and you can do you what you do best."

"And what's that?"

"Eye-fuck Ben Solo while you pretend to be watching out for dangers in a largely dull crowd," he quipped. Rey didn't give him the satisfaction of a reaction, just tagged along as Armitage led her to the side of the stage.

There were so many moving parts needed for an event like this. The auctioneer was a tall, near-human woman with long, impossibly red hair, green-tinged skin, who was wearing what Rey thought some might call a dress. Shimmering strips of iridescent fabric cascaded over her long body, flapping dangerously with each movement she took. It was mesmerizing.

"Who is she?" Rey asked Armitage, who was in the middle of receiving an update from another sullen droid.

"Almeaa Bright, she's known for her night clubs, but we've been friends for ages. She owed me a favor, and she's always up for being the center of attention."

"I'll say," Rey marveled. "Seems you collect favors."

Armitage smiled a little but said nothing as Rey made the conscious decision not to get on his bad side.

Rey watched as Almeaa moved across the stage as if she owned it, picking out the best attributes of her auctioned Aristos and making sure the crowd was sufficiently excited for each bid. She had the crowd screaming and vying for dates, even for the lesser-known sentients.

"What's this charity for, anyway?" Rey finally thought to ask.

Armitage's eyes didn't shift over to her as he answered. "Money to help families that were negatively impacted by the Imperial occupation of Arkanis. Though the Empire is long gone, its presence lingered on this planet and not everyone was better for it."

"That's admirable," Rey granted, earning her a slight nod.

"Ahhh," he said as his attention shifted back to the stage. "Time for the main attraction."

Ben was standing on the opposite side of the stage from them, waiting for his cue to walk on. After Almeaa finished announcing the winning bid for a stout, attractive Koorivar male, her whole mood shifted. Even the crowd responded.

This was it. The main event. Everyone seemed to realize that Ben was up next and Rey watched from across the stage as he took a deep breath, straightened his back, raised his chin, and waited for the call. His thick cape was draped over his body, hiding the stunning fabric creation within, a creation that she'd had her hands all over.

She shouldn't have felt half as smug as she did, but she'd been the one to help him get ready and she'd been the one in his arms earlier, too. These people could bid all they wanted for his attention and, admittedly, they were financing an admirable cause, but ultimately, she was the one he was going home with.

Was she feeling possessive about Ben? Maybe. She'd never cared enough about anyone to feel possessive about them before, but she was sure that was what she felt. Though, her mood surged a little when Ben caught her eye from across the stage as he gave her a purposeful wink before blowing a kiss in her direction.

Mine, the errant thought fluttered through her mind, and somehow, she felt his response echo back to her: Yours.

"And now, for who you've all been waiting for," Almeaa's smooth voice purred over the din.

The crowd held its breath as Ben stepped onto the stage. He paused for a long moment and commanded the attention of the entire room. And finally, when every eye was on him, he stepped forward in time with the thundering beat of the music. Chin high, Ben looked down on the crowd like a king surveying his subjects his from upon a dais.

He was royalty. Here everyone knew it, and he was also the main draw.

"He's going to make your charity a fortune," Rey said softly.

Armitage hummed thoughtfully. "That is the plan, my dear bodyguard. Now, we wait and watch as the credits roll in."

Almeaa held out her hand, jewels and bangles glittering as she uncurled her fingers towards where Ben stood. "Presenting Ben Solo, Prince of Alderaan and our hearts. Are we ready to bid?"

An energetic hum went through the crowd as Ben smiled and Rey had to admit, the look that graced his face made it seem like he was smiling at some unknown secret that he was just about to divulge. He drew people into his confidence, Rey realized at the same time she noted that he'd never used this particular smile with her. This smile was all show.

"Why don't you tell the audience what a winning bid will get them, Ben?" Almeaa directed.

Ben obliged, a magnetic smile in place as he surveyed the crowd. His lashes fluttered as he took a slow breath. "One evening at the Bespin Opera with me," he purred, his voice a deeper tenor than normal.

Some sort of auditory system was projecting his voice, but Rey realized he was using what sounded like a stage voice. It added to his wicked appeal, though Rey thought she found she preferred his normal voice. Probably because it lacked affectation, but this voice, and every move he made, was carefully calculated. A performer on a stage and an eager, receptive crowd that lapped it all up.

And right before the bidding started, Ben cocked his hip while trailing his hands up along his abdomen, reaching high above his head. Slowly, he stretched, extending his arms wide as he began to reveal the true glory of his outfit.

Almeaa grinned. "Shall we start the bidding at ten thousand credits?" she said, just as Ben's cape dropped away dramatically, pooling at his feet as he stepped forward, parted his lips, and caught his tongue suggestively in his teeth.

The spotlight lit Ben where he stood, and just as Rey had thought, his dress looked alive. The butterfly-shaped pattern of his gown rippled to life as he shimmied slowly.

Several people cried out, at least one sentient fainted dead away and had to be taken out by the supplementary security, and several hundred hands and appendages shot into the air as the first bid was announced. On and on, the bids got higher and higher. These sentients were willing to spend more than Rey would make in a lifetime just for the chance to spend an evening with Ben.

And here, she was being paid to be with him. She should consider herself lucky, Rey mused, but he always acted like she was the one doing him the favor. Wouldn't this crowd be jealous to know that? Not that she wanted to work this crowd up any more than they already were.

Rey had to admit, the way they were practically climbing over each other to bid was kind of concerning, so it was no longer a surprise that Ben had sought out the services of a bodyguard—even if it was a bodyguard that he kind of seemed to have a thing for. Regardless, Rey took this job, like all of her jobs, seriously. Her eyes scanned the crowd and took in the myriad of sentients before her eyes, all clamoring for a piece of Ben Solo.

It was almost… sad. Rey supposed it was good that he was using his celebrity for Armitage's charity, but the crowd was giving off the distinct impression that they didn't think of Ben as a sentient, but as something to possess. Maybe something to gossip about for clout? No wonder he didn't trust easily if this was the reaction his presence garnered.

And even when he did trust, people had betrayed him. His sex-holo was evidence of that. Maybe that was what drew him to her? She didn't want anything from him, not really. And hadn't even really known who he was until Finn had introduced Ben to her. She didn't want his wealth, or his prestige, or anything like that.

If she wanted anything it was to know him better. To see if there was a stable foundation that their desire for each other could be built upon. And so far, he surprised her with his depth, even if he still held part of himself back.

Rey watched on as Ben seamlessly moved across the stage, standing in ways that best highlighted his broad form, the surreal movement of his dress, or moving just close enough to the crowd that they could almost touch him. The bids kept rolling in, pushing the credit amount higher, and higher until it bordered on obscene.

The bidding continued for a while before finally stalling out. The winning bid was going to be astronomical. And here they were, the wealthy bidding on the chance to spend time with an even wealthier sentient. The whole thing was repugnant, but at least they were going to get a hell of a lot of credits for charity.

The crowd settled as time stalled between the last bid and Almeaa's final offer. "One million credits… going once…"

Faces and bodies shifted as everyone seemed to be wondering whether another bid would be made.

Just before Almeaa could call out again, a voice chimed above the low din, "One million, five hundred thousand credits."

Female, humanoid, Rey was able to make out—and very gaudily dressed. Rey could barely see the sentient that had called out with the obscene bid for as much as her shining clothing made it impossible to look right at her.

"One million, five hundred thousand going once…"

A pause.

"Going twice…"

Another pause, this one longer, before finally, "And the winning bid goes to…"

But before the bid could close, a hand shot up, breaking from the crowd with another bid! This time, it was two million credits! The crowd grumbled at first, then came the yelling—and the shoving. People were quickly losing any sense of decorum and the whole energy of the room soured as Rey watched, concerned.

In the chaos, it was hard to tell who had the winning bid or not. Almeaa tried to make sense of it with the help of a harried-looking assistant, while the mood in the crowd shifted again.

This is dangerous, Rey realized, and Ben must have felt it too because he looked over at her and held her gaze.

Without pause, Rey hurried to where Ben was standing, and just in time too. The mass of bodies surrounding the stage pressed closer, and when Rey was just about at Ben, a sentient clamored onto the stage with a fevered look in their eye, and headed right toward him.


Author's Notes: Not much to say other than I hope you all are doing well and staying healthy. Sorry for the lil cliffie, but this was getting long. Thanks for reading and for your reviews and follows/favs 3 Any mistakes are my own.