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“There you go,principessa,” he murmurs, his voice low and suggestive, snapping me out of the spell he effortlessly cast.
At this point, I’m not sure if he’s fucking with me or if he’s suddenly making an effort, but I decide to go with it. After weeks in a home where I’m rarely spoken to, it’s a welcome change.Knowing the don, it’s not one I can get used to, though, but for just one evening, I allow myself to feel.
As the auction unfolds, I take on the role of Enzo’s artful companion, navigating him through the curated collection up for bid. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, reaching a crescendo when they unveil the pièce de résistance of the evening. A collective gasp ripples through the audience, echoing my own awe at the masterpiece.
“Ladies and gentlemen, in my hands rests an exquisite creation—a canvas resonating with the very essence of its creator. I urge you to embark on a journey of aesthetic revelation. The strokes, both delicate and purposeful, convey a virtuosity that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. The artist, a luminary among creative minds, has infused their essence into this canvas, beckoning you to unravel its secrets. This is not merely an artwork; it is a testament to the convergence of genius and passion. As the gavel hovers, ready to declare a new custodian for this opulent treasure, I encourage you to bid not just for ownership but for the privilege of becoming a steward of artistic brilliance. May the highest bidder forever intertwine themselves with the splendor of this rare and highly sought-after masterpiece. Commencing the bidding at two million dollars.”
“Two million dollars for that crap?” Enzo exclaims, louder than intended, prompting curious glances from those around us. I playfully nudge him with my elbow. “Come on, that painting is far from “crap”, it’s incredible,” I insist.
“Cecille Monroe is a rising artist, and everyone is buzzing about her work. Between her and Alexander Wong, it’s impossible not to appreciate the enduring beauty of art. She’s the hottest new artist on the scene and is already drawing comparisons to Willem de Kooning.”
“Who?” Enzo asks, earning a chuckle from me.
“Take a moment to appreciate it... It’s soft, subtle, yet harbors sharp edges. One must tread cautiously, for its beauty has the power to ensnare, leading you to lose touch with reality,” I remark, unaware of how intensely Enzo is locking eyes with me.
“Much like you,” he replies, his gaze still piercing into mine, sending a shiver down my spine.
Before I can utter another word, he boldly places his bid. “Five million dollars,” he declares.
“Enzo, what are you doing?” I ask, utterly shocked.
“Well, you did mention it’s worth more than five million, right? Thought I’d cut to the chase and secure the winning bid. Time to add a touch of sophistication to your space,” he quips.
“Enzo, with five million dollars, I could buy a house,” I protest.
“But darling, we already have one,” he winks. As the bid is finalized, I’m left wondering who this guy is and what he did with the jerk I left at home.
He strides over to complete the sale. “Let me secure this masterpiece for you, and I’ll meet you up front, alright?” he says.
“Ummm, okay,” I stammer, still in shock. After he leaves, Alexander approaches me. “I assume that’s the non-boyfriend?” he asks.
I give him a light, apologetic smile as we watch the auction conclude. While Enzo invested a small fortune in one painting, Alexander also spent a considerable amount on some artwork. He sees me out of the building, following me to the car—a decision that, in hindsight, may not have been my best.
For some inexplicable reason, he’s about to take my hand when the air in my lungs tightens. Even from across the parking lot, I see Enzo’s face—tense lines, barely contained anger. I immediately release Alexander’s hand as my heart begins to race.
“What’s wrong?” he asks with concern, moving to stand in front of me. “Are you okay?”
I start to assure him, to ask him to leave, but it’s too late. Enzo appears behind him, seething. His anger isn’t apparent unless you know what to look for, and after three weeks of close contact, I can discern his mood.
“She’s fine,” Enzo snaps. Alexander turns to face him, and an uneasy tension fills the air. Both men size each other up, and worry gnaws at my gut. I understand Enzo better than anyone, aware of his capabilities.
“So, non-boyfriend, care to share your name?” Alexander questions, narrowing his brown eyes.
My jaw tightens as Enzo regards him with disdain. His eyes flare when they land on me.
“What the hell is going on here, Rosa?”
I realize I’m about to find out exactly what happens when you poke a bear. And I can’t even find it in me to regret it. Because despite the means I used to get here, I now have his attention. I hadn’t even realized I wanted it until now. But now that I do have it, it’s up to me to decide what to do with it.
CHAPTER 9
Enzo
I’m going to kill Jason. My day was going fine, except for Jason consistently chirping in my ear about me going to Rosa’s little art show. I wasn’t interested. I had better things to do. But the past few weeks, he seems to have taken it upon himself to become the champion for our smooth-sailing relationship. I told him countless times that it doesn’t matter. Rosa and I both came to an arrangement, one I thought we both understood. I can see now that I was wrong.
Despite wanting to give her the space she asked for, I eventually caved and made my way here after I was done with work. When I arrived, I found the man who was supposed to be on guard asleep in the car. I fired him without hesitation, then decided to accompany her myself. Some guy was selling roses in front of the museum, so I got one for her, hoping it would get me a few extra points. But now, I’m not sure I should have come at all because I may have to kill this guy.
Control is always slipping from my grasp where she’s concerned. Right now, I want nothing more than to rip her away from this man’s side. Before this night, he was inconsequential. Now he’s my top priority. Instead of doing something drastic like punching him in the face, I reach forward and close my armaround Rosa’s wrist, pulling her to my side. The asshole moves like he wants to stop me.
