Ch. 2

THE AUCTION

The Giving Hope Gala was tonight. Yup I will be wearing my new Alice Whitlock Original cocktail dress and get myself auctioned off to the highest bidder. Hey at least it was for a good cause…..I thought. I stood in front of the mirror looking at my naked body, who would want to buy this? I turned to the side disgusted with how skinny I looked when I heard Jess yell. "Hey Bella…come here I need your advice."

I pulled my terry cloth robe from the hanger on the door and walked out of the restroom into the hallway. She was standing in the doorway of her room down the hall in a very sexy strapless bra and thong. "What do you think?" She pirouetted then stuck her thumbs under the lacy thong and said, " Or should I get rid of this? You know Aro loves me panty less."

I shuddered at the thought, I didn't want a visual of that. "You look nice."

She pouted. "I wasn't trying to look nice. No panties it is then." She spun around to go back into her room then came back out with a black shopping bag. "Here these are for you. I don't want to hear any complaints you're wearing them."

I looked inside and all I could see was tissue paper, as I pulled one out the tiniest pair of underwear came out then I grabbed the other wrapped item and a strapless bra fell out. Great she bought me the exact same pair she was wearing just in black. I turned to go back to my room when Jess yelled again. "Start Getting ready Aro is gonna be here early."

I was ready within two hours. When Jessica finally came out the room I had my back to her. She whistled. "Wow! You look fucken hot Bella. We are going to have bidders tonight."

Turning my head towards her I said, "If you say so. I feel a little self-conscious in this dress."

"Uh uh those panties and bra did wonders for your figure. Not that you don't have a good figure but WOW! Aro will be pleased."

Ding, dong

She clapped her hands and practically ran to the door. "Oh baby I love that suit on you. Fuck I just want to eat you up."

I heard a manly chuckle. "Hmmmmm you look really good in that dress. What are you wearing under there?"

Jess moaned, "What you like Arie baby nothing but a brazilian wax."

Ugh I wanted to gag. I heard him walk in. Chills spread over my body, I could feel his eyes on me so I decided to confront this Aro character and get this day over with. He was a lanky older man maybe mid forties, he had a comb over which looked like implants, brown buggy eyes, and a long pointy nose. What did Jess see in this guy? I don't know but he was definitely not my type or any ones type for that matter. He looked me over a few times then walked over to me stretching out his hand. "Hello I'm Aro Voulturi but you can call me Aro. You must be Bella, Jessica has told me a lot about you. But she didn't do you any justice, if I might add."

I reached my hand out to him and he lifted it to spin me around. "It's nice to meet you Mr. Voulturi."

"Aro, just Aro. Well we are going to make some good money with you two. Shall we go?" I nodded and Jessica went to grab our coats and purses. We left my safe haven I call home into the big scary world of high society.

The drive over to the Gala was awkward Jessica couldn't keep her dirty hands off Aro's crotch. It was so tasteless, she couldn't wait till the night was over to grab his junk? At one point during the drive he caressed my knee I didn't know if it was because he knew I was a little fidgety or he had other intentions. When we finally arrived to the venue my stomach was doing summersaults.

Our driver opened the door and Aro got out first, I could hear him greeting people as he was helping Jessica and I out of the limo. Once I straightened my dress out I took a look around and there was a crowd of people just arriving. I scanned the faces of the men, anyone of them could be my bidder. Aro was talking to the driver when I glanced to the right something had caught my attention, some odd arranged bronzed hair was popping out from the crowd. I could see the man run his hand through his hair but I couldn't see his face. There was too many people and he was too far away for me to get a good look at him. Aro tugged on my arm and we made our way into the venue.

The ballroom was enormous, there was silk covered tables and chairs, beautiful flowered centerpieces, an orchestra playing on a grand stage. This must be for a very important cause. I felt a little more comfortable now that I was sure it was a legit charity. Aro guided us over to our table, within twenty minutes we were being served salad, appetizers and then our main course. That's when the orchestra stopped playing, I glanced at the stage and saw a mature lovely couple walking up to the mic. The man had blue eyes with blonde hair, his arm was wrapped around the waist of a woman who had gorgeous auburn hair. He then spoke, "Hello everyone. First we would like to thank all of our friends and colleges for coming out tonight for this special event. We all know why we are here so please be very generous and reach down real deep into the substantial bank accounts we know you all have. We have incredibly beautiful women and handsome men who will be auctioning off a date. Please enjoy yourself on behalf of my wife, my self and our family. The main event will be starting shortly. Please continue to enjoy your meal." They both left the stage hand in hand.

About ten minutes later a stunning spiky haired woman came to our table. "Hi Aro. Are these the two beautiful ladies you brought to be auctioned off for a date?" She looked at me and winked.

"Yes Alice they are. This is my lovely Jessica and her beautiful colleague Bella." He stood and helped us up from our chairs as Alice lead us to the stage. What? Colleague? What the hell was that suppose to mean?

"Come with me ladies. You are going to line up here and I'll call your name when you're up. We've gotten all your essentials we needed to present you on stage. Enjoy." She smiled and twirled away towards the podium.

I looked towards Jess, "What ESSENTIALS?"

"Oh…they wanted to know a little about our self's, like hobbies and stuff like that.."

"What did you tell them Jess?"

"Shhh they are starting."

Alice was standing on the stage with the mic in her hand. "Hello ladies and gentlemen. I know my parents Carlise and Esme already have said there thanks but I would also like to thank you for coming. So with that said lets get this auction rolling. First up is Lauren Mallory."

And that's how the auction started they were probably thirty minutes into it when I heard my name called. "Next up is Isabella Marie Swan."

Shit! Jess still hadn't been called up so she pushed me and whispered, "Go they are calling you." I hesitantly walked up the small steps onto the stage.

"Wearing an original dress from my spring collection, she's currently attending Seattle University, Majoring in Language Arts. Her hobbies are yoga, reading, music and dancing. Bidding starts at $1,000."

OMG! That's Alice Whitlock, the one who designed the dress I'm wearing? I looked at her warily, god I was going to kill Jessica. Of all things she had to say dancing? I could not wait till I got her alone to ring her pretty little neck. The spot light on me was blindingly bright. I glanced at the faces that were crowded on the dance floor there was tall skinny men, short fat men, tall thin men. Their was even women, all of them not my type I just hope I got lucky and got someone who was mildly cute. I looked further back into the crowd towards the tables and that's when I caught a glimpse of the bronzed mess of hair again with cigar smoke hovering above him.

"$2,000 going once."

The blonde woman that was sitting next to him got up to mingle with other guests and I was able to get a better view of him.

"$2,500, Can I get $3,000?"

I was mesmerized. He had piercing green eyes, broad shoulders that filled in his tuxedo, and his jaw line was the sexiest thing I have ever seen. FUCK ME!

"$3,500 come on guys I know you have auto loans with a bigger monthly payment then that."

He brought the cigar back to his mouth and inhaled before he could let it out we made eye contact. He froze, his eyebrow slowly lifted up then he did the hottest thing ever. He slowly blew out the cigar smoke and licked his lips.

"$3,600. Do I have anymore bidders?"

He tapped the cigar on the ashtray and the ashes dropped. Then he slowly got up from his chair and sauntered his way towards the crowd in front of me.

"$4,000."

He made his way through the men and women and stood right smack in the middle. He was taking long tokes from the cigar and slowly releasing the smoke. I was in a trance I couldn't look away from those stunning green eyes.

"$4,000 going once."

I bit my lip, god how I wish he would bid on me. He must be in his thirties or late twenties.

"Going twice."

He slowly raised his free hand.

"Sold! To….oh wait we got another bidder."

"$5,000." He said. My new designer panties were wet, I wont be giving these back.

"$6,000!" the voice sounded challenging. I turned and saw a man that looked familiar, I think he was sitting at our table.

My hot bidding, cigar smoking, green eyed god slowing glanced over to the challenging bidder. A devilish smirk appeared on his face. "$20,000!"

Wow! He was a high roller to go from $5,000 to $20,000. I quickly turned towards the challenger, he hesitated and threw a devilish smirk back at green eyes and walked away.

":$20,000 going once….going twice…..SOLD!"

He walked towards the stage and reached his hand out to me. I grabbed it and walked down the stairs, I was giddy with excitement. He released my hand and gave me his elbow. Wrapping my arm around he guided us to the coordinator that arranged the payment and date. "Well, well Edward I see a pretty young lady has caught your eye. You usually just donate money and never bid." the coordinator said.

"You know I always love a good challenge Irina. You got my account information on file."

"Yes, yes we do. What date will you be available?"

Just when I was about to speak Edward pulled out his blackberry. "I'm booked the next couple of weeks the next available date I have is august 14th."

He didn't even look at me, I was the one he was going on the date with not her. "Okay then August 14th it is."

What the fuck? She didn't even check if it was okay with me. "I wont be available." Take that you rich snobs.

They both whipped there heads at me. Yes I said I wasn't available, who the fuck do they think they are? Just because they have money doesn't mean I have to listen to what they say fuck that. Edward's eyes sparkled. "Excuse me for being so rude, when are you available Ms. Swan?"

I wanted to say right now but I think that would be too forward. "Next Friday." I bit my lip.

He glanced down at my lips then he said, "I think I can cancel some appointments. August 6th it is then."

Irina jotted down the date and gave us each a paper containing our information to contact each other. Edward guided me back to my empty table. "It has been an honor bidding for you Ms. Swan. I look forward to our date. I will be in touch." He grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips and laid a open mouthed kiss then walked away.

Sitting back at the table dazed by my encounter with Edward I could see the wetness that his kiss left behind. When I heard Jessica, "Bella! Girl I knew you would do good. Hey we want you to meet someone." I looked up to see the very man who was challenging Edward during the auction. I stood to greet him.

"James this is Bella, Bella this is James a colleague of mine." Aro said.

James stepped forward reaching his hand out and bowing his head. "Bella it is so nice to meet such a beautiful young lading like yourself."

I greeted him with a smile he seemed like a gentleman but there was something off about him. I wasn't getting a good vibe. "Hello. It's very nice to meet you James." He held onto my hand a little bit longer then what was necessary.

When James finally let go of my hand he cleared his throat and asked, "Aro why don't we go outside and have a smoke?" Aro nodded, Gave Jess a peck on the cheek and they made their way out to the balcony.

When they were well out of ear shot Jessica pulled me to sit down at our table. "James is a regular for the escort service." I snapped my head at Jess. What? "Yeah he likes extreme stuff if you know what I mean." I couldn't speak, I just shook my head egging her on. "you know he likes kinky hardcore sex, I've heard some crazy ass stories from the other girls. I asked Aro if he's maybe a Dominant but he told me that James just has an extravagant healthy sex life. I cant judge him, look at what I do for a living. Thank god he's only into brunettes." My eyes grew wide, she caught my reaction and quickly said, "Don't worry your not his type he likes curvy women." I slowly turned towards where Aro and James where standing and they were looking right at me. James was telling Aro something and he was nodding and smiling at me. What was that all about? I didn't like the way they were both looking at me.

Jessica ordered drinks for us while we were waiting I saw Edward on the dance floor dancing with the blonde that he had been sitting with earlier. Was she his date? Girlfriend? I thought it was odd that when she got up he decided to bid on me, although it's for a good cause an all. God he can really move on the dance floor, he had her twirling and laughing they look so happy together. I sometimes wish I had someone like that in my life. I felt a shudder go through my body.

"Baby come on you said you loved me remember? Please do this for me just this once? I'll be there the whole time you wont be alone, you might even like it."

NO! I did the relationship thing and it didn't work for me. I was better off with one nightstands and sleeping in my bed alone. I know how to take care of business myself. If I learned anything in life it was never repeat your mistakes twice, I hated dwelling on my past but it was just something that I will have to carry with me for the rest of my life. Jess nudged me, "Hey what's wrong?"

I shook my head. "Nothing." I glanced at Edward and his blonde again.

"You should at least be a little more excited about who bought you."

I arched my eyebrow at Jess. "Excuse me? He didn't buy me, he paid for a date with me for charity."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever same shit. Well, like I said you should be more excited."

"Really? And why is that?"

"Well first of all look at him he's fucken hot! Second he's one of the richest entrepreneurs under the age of forty. Aro told me he owns his own company. It doesn't get any better then that." When I glanced back towards the dance floor Edward was gone, I scan the room but I couldn't find him. Maybe he's out on the balcony smoking.

Jess and I have a few more drinks by the time Aro returns back to the table. "Well ladies I do believe the party is dying down, why don't we get out of here while the night is still young." He eyes Jess and she jumps up, could she be anymore obvious? Aro escorted us out of the ballroom into the foyer where a few guest were lingering around. That's when I noticed James.

He immediately dislodged himself from the clutches of a curvy brunette and made his way toward us. "Well, well Aro I see you are cutting out early. Bella you seem like a girl who can handle a good night on the town, would you care to join me?"

He ogled me. I got chills all over my body. "Um no thank you, I'm actually an early bird so I need my beauty sleep." I smiled. I didn't know what else to say and hoped Jess wouldn't butt in like usual.

He nodded. "I see maybe next time then." He eyes me like my father did when I misbehaved. Damn this guy is creepy.

We make our way out to the valet station where the limo is waiting. Aro helps Jess and I in. I glance up and see Edward up in the balcony smoking his cigar, I swear I could stare at him for hours and not ever be disappointed. We make eye contact but I quickly look away. I get inside, when the door closes I look back and see his back is turned as if he might be talking to someone but I couldn't be sure. Oh well, I'm going on a date with the hottest guy in Seattle. SHIT! I hope I don't screw this up.