pressing in on me. Ryan's friends were the

shouted, pointing at me. "She's a mess!

dy been through a few round

ssion a perfect mix of adoration and feigned disgust for the spectacle. She was a therapist. She

. There was still no flicker of recognition on his handsome fac

s voice carrying over the mu

e. "You know, my wedding is just a few weeks away. A man n

roared its

ep of his hand, "this looks like the perfect way

ngs attached. That's what I was to him now. That's wha

a greasy smile and dead eyes, st

andise! A brand new, stress-relief toy, ready for a good home for the nig

was for sale. I was being auc

He knew my body, my hands. I balled my right hand into a fist, then slowly extended my

n a trip to the beach, pretending to be rock stars. You and me ag

he effort. My one good eye pleaded wi

ker of confusion crossed h

supposed to b

little tricks like that. It's to make them seem more human, to mak

The brief moment of uncertain

d, looking back at me. "You

ont looks angry! He looks like he wants to teach

Ryan said, his vo

ate crowd. Five thousand wa

e. He was staring at me with pure hatred, fueled by a

issing his cheek. "Oh, Ryan, y

s! Going once! Going twice! Sold! To the han

atinum credit card from his wallet and handed it to one of the host's thugs. He had