“$1 MILLION GOING ONCE…” The announcer’s voice was starting to fade in my ears. I bowed my head, hiding my expression with my hair, and stared at the ground.
“Going twice…Thrice…No more bidders? Alright, sold! Item 34 sold to Number 456!”
So far, so good, I thought. I couldn’t help the smirk that curled up to one side of my mouth. The plan was proceeding smoothly. The men yanked me up and I had to clench my fists behind me to restrain myself from going out of character and flinching away from them. My cuffed wrists were starting to itch so I quietly thanked God they took it off of me once I got back inside the cell with the other girls. I fixed the skirt of my dirty janitress outfit and sat properly.
Immediately, one of them came up to me and asked, “Did someone buy you?”
I slowly nodded.
“For how much?”
“$1 million.”
“Wow, good for you,” she dreamily mumbled as her shoulders slumped. “I was only worth $300,000. I can’t believe it. I even showed them my boobs!”
I remained staring blankly at her. “You wanted to be sold?”
“Duh, of course! Madame told me I’ll live a life of luxury and pleasure if I’m sold at a good price,” she replied, eyes dreamy with the false idea that ‘Madame’ gave her. The girl didn’t know the opposite was waiting for her.
In this auction, men are gathered to look for a woman-for-sale for one out of two choices; either use them for sheer sexual pleasure – a mistress – or re-sell them at a higher price. The women here are very much objectified, and although it disgusts me to be in this situation, I’ll have to bear it for just a little longer.
Once the auction finished, the men came rushing in and picked up the bought girls one by one. There was a mix of emotions in the backstage. When my turn came, I quietly followed them out to the farthest door at the back, with my hands still cuffed behind me and my head bowed.
“My dear, Fallon!” I looked up and saw the gay announcer grinning while nearing me. The men holding me stopped in their tracks. “You’re the luckiest girl tonight! I can’t believe Mr. Rios chose you and for $1 million!” His eyes sparkled at the thought of the large sum of money.
I feigned a worried smile. “Do you think he’ll be good to me?”
“Of course, of course!” He eagerly nodded. “Make sure to not disobey him, darling!”
I was told to continue walking and he had already left to help the others that were bought too. Before I was completely out, my vision dimmed as they blindfolded me. I chose to trust my other senses and felt as they escorted me inside a vehicle. Judging by the number of breathing inside, I assume there are at least four other men with me.
“Is that her?” Someone spoke.
“Yes, Sir.”
The door closed beside me and my blindfold was taken off. I gulped when I saw the four massive men in suits around me. Two were on my either sides, a driver, and another on the shotgun seat. They all carry intimidating air, which led me to believe they’re the Boss’s underlings. So, they’re taking me to their hideout. Good.
Reminding myself of the persona of Fallon, my current identity for this mission where I used my real name, I frantically darted my eyes everywhere and forced my body to shake. This Fallon for this mission is a cowardly, innocent, and gullible woman. I should keep that in mind.
The environment inside during the travel was suffocating. Every time I would twitch even just a muscle, their sharp senses would always dart at me. The road we were taking was familiar to me, probably because I had planned everything beforehand and already found out their hideout – but I wouldn’t show that I knew, of course. Not now that I’m defenseless anyway.
We entered a vast front yard with a tall circular fountain in the middle of the path and behind is a wide European mansion. This mansion is at the end of an exclusive village and for passersby, this is just like the others – full of wealthy professionals because they’re the only ones that can afford such luxury, where they’re not entirely wrong. But this is Casa Rios, according to the data I gathered. Casa Rios is currently inhabited by Jett Rios, a business tyrant and infamous boss of the Rios Mafia – my target.
“W-Where are we?” I asked through gritted teeth, feigning a frightened expression.
“Your new home.”
I visibly gulped, hiding my smirk by pursing my lips. The real Fallon inside of me is itching for an action-packed mission. Rios Mafia better not disappoint.
2 weeks before the Casa Rios infiltration…
“Here, I got you some cola.” Jaguar placed a canned bottle in front of me, holding his own as he sat at the chair opposite of me. I grinned and accepted it, exhaling after the first sip.
“Thanks,” I muttered, taking another sip.
“So, Las Vegas, huh?”
I nodded. “I’ll start my mission as soon as I arrive there. I have to put up a good act, you know.”
“Good luck. The Director didn’t disappoint you with another dangerous mission,” he said. “I think he doesn’t expect you to come back alive this one. Prove him wrong.”
“Of course. I’ll postpone my death until I see another one of those bewildered expressions on his face.” I stood up, tapping his shoulder. “I’ll go first, Leo invited me to go shopping before I leave.”
He merely nodded. In two weeks, I’ll be diving into one of the world’s most dangerous seas. But first, I’ll need help from my colleague to test the waters. I might just know how I can avoid drowning.
—
Heads up! This book has a playlist, https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1oKkXw7clFxf6ESPXsXwdG?si=48a9ea895d5447ca, or simply search for 'fallon & jett's love in deceit' playlist on Spotify. Don't be shy to comment song recommendations too that you think could fit this story.
Spicy Index: Jump to these chapters if you’re here for the smut:
1. Chapter 13 - A Clash of Power, the Fierce Beast and the CunningFox
2. Chapter 14 – The Beast’s Brutal Punishment
3. Chapter 27 Part II – Two Lovers Under the Starry Night Sky
4. Chapter 89 Part II – Phase 2: Settling Second Thoughts
5. Chapter 94 – This is home
I craned my neck around the place to look for a familiar face. Remembering her favorite place in the mall, I made my way to the ice cream shop and indeed found a redhead sitting gleefully on one corner, eating the strawberry ice cream in delight with not a care in the world. Scoffing at her childishness, I entered the shop and abruptly sat down in front of her. She curiously followed my every move while licking her ice cream, not bothering to pause and greet me at all. “You lose your manners when eating ice cream?” I raised a brow at her. She grinned and tore the cone away from her face after one more lick.She beamed, “Hi, Hawk! I’m the first one to arrive here so I thought a little snack wouldn’t hurt.”“For all I know, you wanted to come first so you can eat your ice cream. You can’t tell me otherwise, Leo,” I replied, crossing my arms over my chest. She merely giggled and finished her cone. Her codename is the complete opposite of her personality. She wou
A week before my flight to Las Vegas, I was summoned to the HQ.I had just finished digesting the information Fox sent me when the Director said he wanted to see me for an important matter. I went there midday, my head already swarming with ideas of the said important matter. Ever since I was appointed in the elites unit, I have always been given fairly dangerous missions. Although this might be my most dangerous one yet, the Director has never asked to see me before I went to any of the past missions. This would be the first. The last time I visited the HQ was a few days ago already when I sought after Fox for information. Today, it was the usual environment. Buzzing voices busy with cases, known figures of the government going in and out of the building probably visiting for some investigation, and of course, the commotions every now and then whenever significant information about a major case is freshly received. The usual FBI HQ at the heart of the Big Apple, Manhattan. I went
I counted down the days until I started my mission.The three with the supporting tasks were told to move two days after I infiltrated the Rios Mafia. Until the day before my flight came, I was already itching to get myself to the airport.I had packed only a handful of clothing that was thrifted to make sure I looked like the new Fallon I had created for this mission – the frail, penniless, and desperate Fallon Ravestreen. Orphaned at 16, worked as a club maintenance for ten years to make a living, and now fired, forced to come as a girl-for-hire at an auction house. Now, 28 years old and still penniless, I’m supposed to feel defeated by the world and have given up on life, surrendering my pride to the auction. It’s a good story, and it’s not entirely lies. I found out about the new Rios head looking for a wife when Fox found out about his mother’s fortune’s terms.The young Boss, Jett Rios, was eligible for all the terms but one – where he was required to be marrie
No one expects an angel to set the world on fire.That was the first thing that came to mind when I thought about the character of the Fallon that would ensure me an entry to the Rios Mafia. A frail girl fortunate enough to be sold to a millionaire. Some might suspect me, but I’ll make sure to be consistent with my personality and just wait until they give up their suspicions on me. But in front of this man, Jett Rios, I find it hard to pretend to be weak when his stare is burning my soul. Not dangerous, just intense. It makes me uneasy, and the inner Hawk doesn’t want to back down to the stare and fight back but I’m not someone who has a large ego and a tall pride. So I bit my lower lip as if preventing it from trembling and lowered my gaze. “Didn’t you hear me?” He spoke again and lightly chuckled. “Did I accidentally purchase a deaf girl? I knew you were homeless but I didn’t know you were impaired too.”I looked back at him and muttered in a quiet voice, “I-I hea
I figured some time ago that this is like a game. A dangerous game of chess. Where Jett Rios is the Queen of the enemy piece, and I...my position in this game is yet to be revealed. Either I'm a loyal knight or bishop to my Queen or a mere pawn. Everyone playing a role in this game is individually dangerous and takes every move with thorough planning.After we discussed our deal, I was led to the west wing of this mansion by a housemaid, while Jett's colleagues who were waiting outside came back in. Just before I turned a corner, I heard a familiar loud, baritone laugh echo from the room I came from. That was probably him. I maintained my vigilant expression, my sneer almost surfacing. What a loud man.His childish attitude replayed in my mind. It didn't seem like a façade, nor did it seem genuine. Was that how he irked his opponents? Purposely getting under their skin by throwing backhanded compliments and subtle threats while maintaining a casual tone? Even his grins are like double
My wedding, I heard, was today.My first day in Casa Rios and it's already my wedding. He didn't want to waste time, it appears. Of course. They've been planning on welcoming their master's wife for so long, that they've already prepared the wedding. Like I was the last missing key to finish this all."The mansion's garden has been prepared for this special event, Madame. I have arranged everything nearly to perfection that any bride would find this wedding dreamy," said Linda as we made our way to the event place.It didn't surprise me at all that they chose the garden, not a church. Their rivals might take advantage of this peaceful event and ruin it—either by attempting to assassinate Jett or me. The floral pink dress I wore had a sheer pink veil over it that ended at my waist, with a wreath on top of my head. This is a very feminine dress, although not extravagant.As we reached the glass double doors to the garden, the mellow orchestra reached my ears. I almost winced. A servant
The celebration lasted all day. I was tired from the intense partying and was bewildered beyond belief by the childish party games they played. Linda, who was standing at a safe distance from me was the one to inform me of what they were doing. She said they were mostly traditional party games of the Hispanic culture. When she said that, realization dawned upon me. They were a very traditional sort."That's Veo Veo, Madame," said Linda. "Similar to the game 'I Spy'."I nodded understandingly. The jerk was the one in the middle, looking around, while his subordinates were the ones that are to look for what he said. He was saying something Spanish, although there was a repetitive phrase he said every time.Another game was similar to fencing. But, they used real swords. Probably a more dangerous rendition of the game befitting their organization."We call that La Verdadera Destreza. It is the true art and skill of Spanish swordsmanship.""I see. They're good with words too." Not just gu
Old Barry left shortly after that, saying he'll retire for the night. Ross stayed by my side, even teasing Old Barry for his bedtime. Then, Ross turned to me and shyly scratched the back of his head."Your impression of us might've been tainted by Old Barry. Don't worry, Fall, he has the worst attitude! The rest of us are kind!" He beamed.He acts like a child...but I guess nothing can surpass that jerk's childishness because Ross is more tolerable than his boss.I attempted a smile, which might or might not have just appeared as a wince. He took a sip of wine, silence lingering around us. He must've felt my uneasiness because he also left shortly after Old Barry.When I was alone at the table again, my thoughts went to the events after tonight. Will the environment remain as bright as tonight? I highly doubt it.And what of their carefree, jolly attitudes? Will they return to their usual cold, ruthless personalities like the rumors? That, I believe will be the case.They're cold-bloo