Chapter 70 Rose For Rose
Rose
“Someone else? Never," he whispers, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips as he sensually places the rose in my hair.
He lingers for a thrilling moment, our gazes intensifying. The air thickens with desire, and my breath catches as the magnetic attraction between us becomes undeniable.
"That's it, princess," he whispers, his voice low and meaningful, breaking me from the spell he's so easily cast.
For now, I'm not sure if he's actually having sex with me or just making an effort, but I decide to go for it. After weeks of being confined to a house where I'm rarely spoken to, it's a welcome change. Knowing the Don, I can't get used to it, but for just one evening, I allow myself to feel it.
As the auction unfolds, I take on the role of Enzo's skilled companion, guiding him through the curated collection up for sale. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation, reaching its peak when they unveil the evening's masterpiece.
A collective sigh ripples through the audience, mirroring my own admiration for the masterpiece.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I hold in my hands a exquisite creation—a canvas that resonates with the very essence of its creator. I invite you to embark on a journey of aesthetic revelation. The strokes, subtle and purposeful, convey a virtuosity that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The artist, a luminary among creative minds, imbued his essence into this canvas, inviting you to unravel its mysteries. This is not just a work of art; it is a testimony to the fusion of genius and passion.
As the gavel hangs, ready to declare a new custodian of this rich treasure, I urge you to submit a bid not only for ownership but also for the privilege of becoming a steward of artistic brilliance.
Let the highest bidder forever possess the splendor of this rare and sought-after masterpiece. We'll start the bidding at two million dollars.”
"Two million dollars for this piece of crap?" Enzo exclaims, louder than intended, drawing curious glances from everyone around him. I playfully nudge him.
"Come on, this painting is far from 'crap,' it's incredible," I insist.
"Cecile Monroe is a rising artist, and everyone is talking about her work. Between her and Alexander Wang, it's impossible not to appreciate the enduring beauty of art." She's the hottest new artist on the scene, and she's already being compared to Willem de Kooning.
"What?" Enzo asks, earning a chuckle from me.
"Take a moment to appreciate her... She's soft, subtle, but with sharp edges. You have to tread carefully, because her beauty can trap you, making you lose touch with reality," I notice, unaware of how intensely Enzo's eyes are looking into mine.
"The same as you," he replies, his gaze still piercing me, sending shivers down my spine.
Before I can say another word, he boldly places his bet. "Five million dollars," he declares.
"Enzo, what are you doing?" I ask, completely stunned.
"Well, you mentioned it was worth over five million, right? Thought I'd cut to the chase and secure a winning bid. It's time to add a little sophistication to your space," he jokes.
"Enzo, I could buy a house with five million dollars," I counter.
"But, honey, we already have one," he winks. When the bidding is over, I'm left wondering who this guy is and what he did with the idiot I left at home.
He comes over to complete the sale. "Let me secure this masterpiece for you and meet you at the front, okay?" he says.
"Um, okay," I stutter, still in shock. After he leaves, Alexander approaches me.
"I'm guessing it's not the guy?" he asks.
I give him a small, apologetic smile as we watch the auction conclude. While Enzo invested a small fortune in a single painting, Alexander has also spent a considerable sum on several works of art. He sees me exit the building and follows me to the car—a decision that, in retrospect, 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 across the parking lot, I can see Enzo's face, the tense lines, the barely contained anger. I immediately let go of Alexander's hand, and my heart starts pounding.
"What's wrong?" he asks worriedly, approaching me. "Are you okay?"
I start to reassure him, to ask him to leave, but it's too late. Enzo appears behind him, seething. His anger is invisible unless you know what to look for, and after three weeks of close contact, I can discern his mood.
"She's fine," Enzo barks. Alexander turns to face him, and an uneasy tension fills the air. Both men size each other up, and unease gnaws at me. I understand Enzo better than anyone, recognizing his capabilities.
"So, no guy, do you want to tell me your name?" Alexander asks, narrowing his brown eyes.
My jaw clenches as Enzo looks at him with disdain. His eyes flash as they land on me. "What the hell is going on here, Rose?"
I realize I'm about to find out exactly what happens when you poke a bear. And I can't even find it in myself to regret it. Because, no matter how I got here, I've now got his attention. Until now, I didn't even realize I wanted it. But now that I have it, it's up to me to decide what to do with it.