LAUREN'S POV

 “So what do we do now?” I asked quietly through my earpiece, trying to sound composed even though my heart was pounding fast. The sheer number of people, the smell of expensive perfume mixed with cigar smoke, and the heavy tension in the air were enough to make anyone’s nerves tighten.

 Roman’s calm voice came through the earpiece, steady and grounded like always. “We’re going towards the main auction hall in front. The ones you’re seeing here are all stolen or illegal items. Nothing we came for.”

 I nodded slightly, even though he couldn’t see me. My eyes scanned the crowd men in finely tailored suits, women in...