Mafia's Caged Poppy

His words sent a murmur rippling through the crowd.

"Boss Kane, you're really willing to give your wife to us?"

"Even in her late twenties, she's a knockout. That waist, that chest, that ass... she must be a hell of a ride!"

"I'll tell you what, I love a mature woman. They have a certain... depth."

Mason Kane roared with laughter. "If you all like her so much, then start bidding."

"What's the fun in bidding right away?" someone shouted. "Let's see the goods first. Make her strip so we can inspect the merchandise!"

The others joined in, demanding I strip.

The pain in my chest was so sharp I could barely breathe.

"Mason Kane, ten years of marriage," I choked out. "And because I said one thing to Emma, you humiliate me like this?"

"Do you know how much your words hurt her?" he shot back. "Since you're so righteous, why don't you perform for them instead!"

Ten years. I never knew he despised me this much.

I stood up. With a flourish, I tore off my shawl, leaving me in nothing but a backless dress.

The crowd cheered. Men whistled.

"Not bad, Boss Kane! You tell her to strip, and she strips. How did you train her?"

"Damn, I've wanted a taste of this Rossi beauty for a long time. Just watching her move is making me hard."

I then slipped the backless dress off my shoulders, leaving me in a strapless bra and panties, covering only what was necessary.

Emma shrieked. "Oh my god, is Irene really going to strip naked? Maybe just have her apologize to me. It's so indecent to be naked in front of so many people."

"Irene," Mason called down. "Get on your knees for Emma. Beg me to let you go, and I'll let you keep your last shred of dignity."

I stood defiantly. "Today, I belong to the highest bidder!"

The room erupted.

"Boss Kane, I'll pay one million dollars!"

Mason's face soured. "Is my wife worth only a million?"

"Ten million dollars!" another voice yelled.

Mason's cold eyes locked on me. "Let me explain the rules before you bosses continue."

"The bidding starts at fifty million dollars!"

"Boss Kane, that's insane! As beautiful as Irene is, she's his leftovers. Fifty million? Is she worth that much?"

"Exactly. A woman pushing thirty, after you've had her for ten years? Ten million is generous."

Emma giggled. "Irene, they don't think you're worth much. What are you going to do? If no one buys you, you'll be stripping here for the rest of your life."

"Maybe you should pay for your own freedom," she mocked. "Oh, I forgot. The Rossi family went bankrupt, didn't they? You're not a princess anymore!"

"I think you'd better start begging Mason. Otherwise, you'll lose what little dignity you have left!"

She giggled and leaned against him. He cradled her dotingly, planting a kiss on her lips.

"Mason Kane, are you proud to have your wife stripping for all these men?" I asked.

His face turned to ice. He had someone bring him a document.

He glanced at it, then tossed it onto the stage.