Chapter 8 The Snaky Rabit
1393 Words
Cecilia's POV:
The auction for the western district property had been moved up unexpectedly—a stroke of luck, really. It gave me the perfect excuse to blow off Joey's dinner invitation.
Of course, I was going to attend the auction personally. Even though Taron McCarthy had promised to hand over the land after losing to me in that so-called "game", I didn't trust his word. Promises like his held as much weight as air.
What I didn't expect, though, was for Taron to come looking for trouble before I could even find him.
*****
I'd just stepped into the venue when I spotted a girl cornered by a man.
From the way she kept backing away, it was obvious she wasn't interested in whatever he was saying.
"Hey, can't you tell she's not into this?" I strode over to help that girl out.
But when the man turned to face me, my stomach twisted.
I saw a familiar face—Taron's face.
The moment he recognized me, his smirk widened, and his behavior became even more brazen.
His arm tightened around the girl's shoulders, and his fingers toyed with her hair like she was a doll. "A pleasure to see you here, lovely lady. Would you like to have a drink with me?"
His eyes locked onto mine with the intensity of a snake sizing up its prey.
I knew he was challenging me!
"Mr. McCarthy," the girl whispered, clutching her handbag like it was a lifeline. She tried to pull away, but his grip didn't budge.
'What a nasty jerk he is.'
I raised my brows and stepped between them, grabbing the girl's arm and pulling her to my side. "Sorry, but she's with me."
I pulled the girl to my side and put some distance between her and Taron.
"What a coincidence," Taron said and stroked his chin. "Maybe you and I should grab a drink together instead, Madam Rossetti?"
I didn't bother responding and just gave him a look that said he wasn't worth my time.
"So, you're here for the western district land?" His tone was casual, but there was a glint in his eyes that set my teeth on edge.
It seemed that he didn't know when to speak up or shut up.
"Don't play dumb, Taron, and don't forget our bet. That land is mine," I said flatly.
Apparently, he didn't take our bet seriously, and I had to remind him of that.
His grin widened as if he'd been waiting for this. "Ah, but Madam Rossetti, it was just a game. Surely you didn't take it seriously?"
My voice turned sharp. "Are you saying you're planning to break your word?"
He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a condescending murmur. "Only a woman would be naive enough to believe promises, Madam Rossetti. This is why women in power are such a bad idea."
I should've known better than to trust him!
He was baiting me, trying to rile me up, hoping I'd lose my cool and give him the satisfaction of watching me snap!
Not a chance, you bastard.
I swallowed the urge to punch him square in the nose when a calm voice broke in behind me.
"Taron, that's enough. You're being rude."
I turned around to see another man approaching, one who bore a striking resemblance to Taron but exuded a sense of maturity and control that Taron sorely lacked. I thought he was Taron's older brother.
"Apologies for my brother's behavior, Madam Rossetti," he said to me.
While speaking, he extended a business card that said Adam McCarthy.
As I had expected, he was the eldest son and the heir to the McCarthy empire.
I took the card, but my focus stayed on the matter at hand. "You're representing the McCarthy family. What's your stance on the bet?"
There was no point wasting time with Taron. He was a spoiled brat who'd never give me a straight answer. Adam, though, was sharper, more reasonable, and infinitely more tolerable to deal with. I preferred negotiating with someone who actually understood the weight of a deal.
"We all know it was just a game, Madam Rossetti," Adam said, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses with a polite, almost sheepish smile.
Well, it seemed that "breaking your word" was the motto of the McCarthy family.
"But a game still has winners and losers, and a loss is a loss. Taron could use a lesson in humility." He extended his hand toward me, his smile more genuine now. "The McCarthys will support you. We'll help secure that land at the best price possible."
"Madam Rossetti," he added, "I hope this clears up any unpleasantness."
I wasn't sure whether his promise was something I expected or a pleasant surprise. Either way, I didn't hesitate. Taking his outstretched hand, I smiled. "Pleasure doing business, Mr. McCarthy."
"The pleasure is mine, Madam Rossetti," he replied.
*****
After parting ways with the McCarthy brothers, I took a moment to talk to the girl Taron had been harassing.
Her name was Lisa Miller, and she was a doctor. I offered her a position working with me, and to my relief, she accepted.
We headed upstairs to a private room. From there, we had a perfect view of the auction floor through the glass paneling.
Across from us, the McCarthy brothers occupied another room.
Taron spotted me and, true to his juvenile nature, made a throat-slitting gesture.
It was so ridiculous that I couldn't help but laugh. Clearly, he hadn't learned his lesson yet.
So, during the bidding, I made it my mission to drive up the prices on everything Taron showed interest in. He had to pay through the nose just to win anything. Adam, likely aware of their family's earlier misconduct, didn't seem bothered by my antics. He stayed composed, even when I got aggressive.
True to his word, Adam came through in the end. Together, we secured the land at a very reasonable price.
When Lisa and I left the venue, Taron's face was practically purple with frustration.
Lisa couldn't suppress her laughter, and I turned to him with a mocking grin, blowing him a little "shoot" gesture before heading toward the exit.
"Madam Rossetti," Adam called after me.
I turned around and looked at him with curiosity.
"Adam, why are you being so polite to her?" Taron cut in, his voice filled with spite.
"Giving up the land to her? You've lost your mind!"
His complaints trailed off as Adam's glare silenced him.
"Taron, watch your mouth," Adam said coldly. "Apologize to Madam Rossetti."
Taron clenched his jaw, clearly fighting back his fury, but eventually, he muttered through gritted teeth, "I'm sorry."
"No problem." I smiled at him, taking satisfaction in his sour expression. "Anything else, Mr. McCarthy?"
Adam adjusted his glasses and added, "Yes, just a moment of your time. I'd like to share a story."
I raised an eyebrow, unsure where this was going, but nodded for him to continue.
"When I was young, my father gave me a rabbit as a pet. It was small and adorable, and I loved it. But one day, it bit me so hard that I realized just how sharp its teeth were."
He held up his hand and showed me a faint scar along his finger.
I asked with a frown, "And your point is?"
That story really confused me.
"Nothing. Safe travels, Madam Rossetti."
'What a weirdo.'
Shooting him a confused gaze, I turned and left with Lisa.
*****
After dropping Lisa off at her house, she invited me to have a coffee inside.
I didn't think much of it and agreed. After instructing Baily to wait outside, I got out of the car.
Climbing the stairs, I noticed her place was dim and cramped, and I couldn't help feeling a pang of sympathy.
"Would you like me to help you find a better place to stay?" I offered.
She hesitated before replying, her voice suddenly lower and more serious. "No need. Just having you here is all the help I need... Cecilia Rossetti."
The way she said my name sent a chill down my spine.
I turned to her, but before I could process her words, the room's light flickered and went out.
In the darkness, I felt the cold press of metal against my neck, sharp and unforgiving.
- Writer
