Auction Proposal

Zina's POV

The club was buzzing with life, the kind of energy that made you feel alive and out of place all at once. Laughter and soft murmurs floated through the air, mixing with the faint hum of sultry music. My heels clicked against the polished floor as Jared guided me back toward the main hall, his hand warm and steady on the small of my back.

Every step felt heavier than the last, my thoughts spinning. I couldn't shake the memory of the hallway—the sounds, the sights, the way my body had betrayed me. Shame burned at my cheeks, but Jared walked beside me like nothing had happened, like my entire world hadn't just shifted.

"You're awfully quiet," Jared said, breaking the silence. His tone was casual, but I could feel the teasing edge in his voice.

"I'm fine," I muttered, keeping my eyes fixed on the crowd ahead.

"Liar," he said with a smirk, his fingers brushing against my back.