"Are you ready?" Marco asked quietly.
"Can one ever be ready to be sold?"
His jaw tightened. "You are not getting sold tonight. And don't say it like that."
"Okay," she sighed, tipping her head back against the seat. "Being paraded like cattle then. Oh look at her teeth. Oh let's see if she is healthy enough for all the fun things we have planned for her." She winced. "Do you think he checks expiration dates?"
"Come on," he muttered. "He is getting impatient."
"God forbid the big bad dog waits a few more minutes." She pushed the door open and stepped out just as Marco did.
Valentina shivered. He resisted the urge to drape his jacket over her shoulders. Bastardi would read that as weakness or possession. Either could cost them.
They walked toward Bastardi together. Marco kept his posture relaxed, shoulders loose, face neutral.
"There is the star girl," Bastardi said enthusiastically, pushing off his car. His smile was wide and hungry.
