Unmarked

24. Deceived

Eyes lowered, I don't utter a word as I stand next to Lars. He doesn't like me acting this way which is why I continue my vow of silence as I follow him around the crowded room.

My earlier sarcastic comments and rude replies to his prospective customers had pleased him more. Isn't she a strange one? So full of life! So plucky! He said. He wanted someone unusual. An unmarked is an odd thing. I guess it has a hint of rebellion attached to it and the more I enforced that idea with my behaviour, the more attractive I was.

I quickly realised a change of tactic was needed so I've resorted to acting timid and meek which has made him uneasy. The people I meet still seem eager but I continue being unresponsive, allowing myself the pleasure of making Lars squirm slightly as he desperately fills all the silences I allow to build.

Being quiet is also easier, less tiring. The only problem is as I stare at the floor, I can see what I'm wearing or rather not wearing.

Rena made me dress into the jewelled underwear from yesterday and promised to alter the translucent dress. However, as soon as I changed into the underwear, she flung me out the office and locked the door. It's her revenge over me ripping that ridiculous lace pearl outfit. No, not outfit, it was more of a necklace.

Humiliated, I stood outside the door but I was not going to give her the satisfaction of begging to be allowed back in. Instead, I remained standing there until Lars forced me to accompany him and mingle with the crowd. I can't believe I'm walking around in jewelled underwear and sparkly heels. Life hates me.

"You acting like this will only mean you go to someone who likes their women shy and weak. Cady, I'll give you some advice for free, you do not want to go to someone who likes their women to act like a compliant weak slave," Lars mutters as we move towards another group of people or rather potential buyers because this is what they really are. This is a shop and I am the only object on sale.

"I don't want to go to anyone. I thought you weren't like the others. You told me you like to give your employees a choice. Where's my choice?" I say bitterly.

"I always try to give a choice but sometimes, financially, it doesn't make sense. This is one of those times. As a fellow business owner, you must understand my situation?" Lars's voice is soft and soothing as he pulls me towards the next group of eyes who assess my worth, value my assets and calculate whether it would be in their interest to make an offer.

Ultimately they must decide, do they want me enough that they're willing to risk being caught in possession of an Unmarked?

Lena hands me a drink. I smell it suspiciously, every drink I've been given has been an alcoholic one which I pretend to drink or accidentally misplace. Darla and Lottie have swapped multiple full glasses for empty ones. Quick and swift, no one has noticed and I know it's not because the customers are too polite to mention it. Their overly invasive questions and rude comments have made it obvious they have no reservations in saying anything they want.

"Grey said you'll like this one," Lena whispers while giving me a small smile.

Grey said he wanted to talk earlier but the little leisure time I had Taylor was always within earshot, then Rena came early to prepare me. I wonder what he wanted to say. I'll have to find him later. I sip the drink, it's sweet and absent of any alcoholic substance. I drink it greedily.

Watching Lena glide away, looking angelic in her white corset and short frilly pants, I realise I've never seen her this happy while working. Her face is relaxed and her eyes are alight with something I haven't seen before: excitement or happiness? Maybe both.

Lena's earlier comment in the office makes me think she's been made an offer, found a way out of here, an opportunity as she put it. I need to ask her about it later. I can only imagine the insincere promises falling out of these people's mouths. Promises which are unlikely to ever come to fruition. I need to make her see it's all lies. False hope is worst than having none at all.