Saving The Unfortunate Villainess: Chapter 3

Atlas

It was a great feeling as the whole room deflated at my bid, especially that fat rapist. I stare him down with pure confidence, giving the impression that I will win no matter what.

“Wow, we have a five million gold bid; any other takers?” The auctioneer announced with glee in his tone,"

We waited for a good thirty seconds before anyone made a move, with the auctioneer just standing there, not willing to close the deal just yet.

“Five million and ten thousand gold.” The rapist tries another attempt. It’s obvious he’s nearing the end of his funds.

My dad looked over at me with a smile and said, “Finish him, son.”

“Six million gold!” I screamed in delight, as this was probably the finishing blow. Looking over at that man, I saw him start to panic as if he were in big trouble.

I just smirk and sit back down in my chair, crossing my arms, waiting for the auctioneer to count it down.

“A new record at our auction house with a six million gold bid. This is the last call.”

It for sure felt like he was stalling, hoping the other guy would come back with a strong bid, but everyone in the room knew he couldn’t. I’m probably going to pull a lot of unwanted attention from this, but it’s alright; we have a strong knight order to protect our gold mines. So naturally, that means our estate is very well guarded.

“Counting down ten…nine…”

“Five…”

“One… The prize of six million gold goes to that young man. Enjoy your night.” That idiot announcer just had to say something like that to make Chloe worried, that bastard.

I felt as if I was on cloud nine, though, with achieving my first goal; now to get her to accept me. Hopefully love me in the future. If she wants revenge, I will make it happen.

My father and I made our way to the back, where they were currently holding Chloe. The first question we were asked was if we could really afford that. But then my father gave his name, and they all shut up, and everything was taken care of rather quickly. While my father was taking care of that, I approached the now-open cage she was in earlier.

I saw her back up in fear; it hurt a lot. But I understand what she’s been through, and what she needs the most right now is healing. I sit down right in front of her in the mess that was her cage and just stare at her until she finally lifts her head up.

I smiled. “Don’t worry, Chloe, you're safe, and I will protect you from now on. I’m sure you don’t trust me right now, but in the future I hope that changes. If you ever want to talk or just receive a hug, I’m open to it. Please, just put at least a little trust in me. I won’t break it, I swear.”

Watching on, I hold eye contact as she stares blankly at me with those sad, dead eyes. I really wish I could read minds right about now.

“Excuse me, sir; I need some of your blood.” Some creepy-looking, lengthy guy asks with impatience.

“Why would I give you that?” I asked, completely understanding what he wanted, but I was never going to make her a slave.

“To complete the slave contract, we have to introduce your blood on her slave collar.”

“I refuse to make her my slave, so just go away.” My respect for this man, who would do this type of thing to people, couldn’t be lower. While I would love to abolish slavery, I don’t have that kind of power in this world.

Turning to Chloe, I contemplate how I’m going to get her out of the cage. Let’s just hold out my hand until she grabs it. Probably my best option; it’s not like she truly wants to stay here.

“Chloe, can you please take my hand so I can help you up and get you out of here? Your new home, I’m sure you will truly love it. Have you ever heard of the Dukedom family of Langston?” I asked quizzically.

Sadly, she didn’t respond at all, but I still put out my hand and held it there. “Whenever you’re ready, please take my hand. Wouldn’t you prefer to get out of this cage? As soon as we get back to our estate, you can get all the food you want and take a nice warm shower. Sounds good, right?” With those words, I saw a little life come back into her eyes.

“You don’t have to hold my hand all the way to the car, but I also wouldn’t mind if you wanted that. It’s your call because I don’t plan on forcing you to do anything. Even if you wanted me to let you go after this, I would do it. That’s why I told that man to not put a slave crest on you.”

“But… why?” These were Chloe’s first words. I’m happy she at least said something to me.

“Well, there are a lot of reasons I could say, but I’m not sure you would even believe me. Let’s just say I know everything you’ve been through, and I’m sorry it took me so long to find you. Once you feel like opening up to me in the future, I will explain it all in more detail.” I gave her as big of a smile as I could to try to earn some trust.

“I’m… dirty.” She said softly as she stared at the ground with her arms still around her knees, as she had been since I entered.

“I don’t care. Even if you asked me to hug you or carry you out of here, I would do it. Please, just grab my hand and take your first step into a life you deserve.”

She was completely stunned by my words, as if all of her reality was just shattered. After a minute of contemplation on her part, she finally reached out her hand. I grabbed it with great joy and pulled her up. Her eyes just kept staring at her hand in mine. There was this unusual feeling as soon as our skin touched. By the look in her eyes, I'm sure she felt the same thing.

“Chloe, if you feel uncomfortable, you can just follow behind; you don’t have to hold on.” Having my hand in hers was a feeling I very much enjoyed and, at the same time, needed. As if a switch had been flipped, I felt my body become a bit colder. A very soothing sensation, as if a weight had been lifted off of me.

My words got a response, but not the one I was expecting. She tightened her grip as if she were reaching out to hope for one last time. Her grip was like a vice clamping down.

“Is everything alright?” My father commented as he was looking at the scene. I noticed he’s been here for a little while, but he kept his distance, allowing me to do my thing.

I brought Chloe close to me while still holding her hand and introduced her. “This is Chloe; she’s still pretty shy.” With a knowing look, my father nodded his head at me.

“Welcome to our family, Chloe; let’s get out of here.”

I couldn’t help but worry about how she took that. Also, I can’t believe he already understands everything. That’s always been one of my problems in this life and the last. I’m not a very good liar because I feel too guilty and am very easy to read.

Chloe never took her hand away the whole time in the car. She was pretty much as close to me as humanly possible, as if she in some way already accepted me as a safe haven. My dad kept making knowing glances behind him as we both followed. I just sighed, knowing I couldn’t hide it from my mother later either.

An hour later…

We finally arrived at the enormous estate I call home. I’m still in awe every time I see it. It’s better than any mansion I’ve ever seen in my past life. With more rooms than any family could ever use. I’m currently sitting in the back of our car with my father across from Chloe and me. We're still holding onto each other's hand as if it were the most normal thing in the world. What I was feeling from our contact was definitely not normal; I wonder what it is.

I leaned over to her as she was looking around at the awe-inspiring scenery. “Welcome to your new home, Chloe.”

She turned to me with a barely visible smile as her stare was still burning through me. My only guess is she’s trying hard to figure me out or going through multiple scenarios in her head and spacing out.

Looking towards the front of our home, my mom and sister were already waiting to greet us. Knowing those two, I’m sure they will take care of her very well. It gave me a big smile just thinking about how my life has been up to this point; now it’s time to share the wealth.

As the car came to a complete stop in front of the main entrance, my father got off first. I gazed to my right, where Chloe was currently sitting; her eyes were darting around, taking everything in.

"Beautiful, isn’t it?”

"Yes.” Chloe was still not giving an answer of more than a few words, but at least she’s communicating. Her stoic demeanor was still there, but if you watched closely, you could see her lips twitching. Maybe she’s trying to smile?

“Let me introduce you to my mother and sister. They're both caring people, so I doubt they will have any issues accepting you.” With my words, I got a slight nod from Chloe.

Stepping out of the car, I pull her out with the hand she was still holding onto. Both my mother and sister had open mouths seeing my actions. Chloe instantly hid behind me as we approached.

“Mom and Avril, it’s good to see you two.”

“Brother!” Avril ran up and hugged me.

"Atlas, did everything go well?” My mother asked with a similar knowing smile on her face as my father had earlier.

“Yes, everything went as well as it could. I hope that everyone can help make Chloe feel at home.”

“Sure, Avril, why don’t you take Chloe here to the bath and find something comfortable out of my closet for her to wear?" Avril gave a nod. "After she’s gotten herself cleaned up, we can have a big feast to welcome her.”

“Yes, let’s go!” Avril cheered as she grabbed onto Chloe’s other hand.

I felt my hand, still holding onto hers, tighten greatly. It was pretty obvious she was completely unsure of this current situation.

“It’s alright, Chloe; Avril is a very sweet girl and will treat you well. I will come find you as soon as your bath is over.” My eyes move to my sister. “Please take good care of her; she’s been through a lot and has had a rough time.”

“Don’t worry, Chloe; let’s go enjoy a bath together. We actually have a huge ten-person bath, and it feels really relaxing.”

After a few minutes of coaxing, she finally let go of my hand as the hurricane that is my sister pulled her along to the open shower. It has a lot of water features and even a waterfall. It’s always heated to a high degree. One of my favorite places to just relax, it can also be used as a family activity with some swimwear. So we can all enjoy it together.

“Son, come with us.” They both gave me a worried look.

“Sure, I knew this would probably happen.” I sighed.

We all made our way to my father’s study, where I’m sure a very important conversation was about to take place. It’s my future, and I have to fight for it. Honestly, I don’t think they will care all that much if I’m so adamant about it. We all three sat down on two sets of couches, both of them staring me down on the other side.

“Explain yourself; what is your vision of the future?” My father asked with concern but also willingness to listen to my point of view.

There’s no way I can be completely truthful about this situation; it’s unlikely they will fully believe me. But I can make half-truths that are similar.