Damon's POV
I came to the charity gala in the afternoon.
It was a one of those rich people events, with the bright lights, the fake smiles and people who feign interest in helping others. I wasn't here for any of that. I was here for Aria Blackwood.
I even saw her before the auction started. Two women had her standing near the champagne table, and she was laughing too loudly at something that one of them had said. She was a confident person who seemed to have everything she wanted.
I didn't approach her. Not yet. I had time.
As the auction started, I bent over to my guard. You see the woman in the emerald dress?
He followed my gaze. "Yes, sir."
Ensure that her drink is changed. Light dose, nothing extreme. I do not want her insensible, I want her tranquil.
He nodded and walked off.
The auction began with small things--paintings, sculptures, jewelry. Aria entered nearly all the rounds. Her voice was strong, sharp, commanding.
Give me half a million, she called out the first piece.
I lifted my paddle. "One million."
Her head was turned a little, her eyes closed. She did not know me, but she saw me.
She went again. "Two million."
I smiled. "Four."
Whispers were heard all around us. Aria threw away her paddle with a forced grin, as though that did not matter to her. I could tell she did.
The succeeding rounds followed in the same fashion. Each time she did, I had to bid higher. Every victory was a source of her frustration.
Then followed the principal article--a diamond necklace. I noticed the manner in which Aria straightened before the auctioneer had even said it. The jewelry was tracked by her eyes like it was hers.
That is the one, one of her friends whispered in her ear.
I want that this night, Leo, I told you I wanted that, Aria says, taking a gulp of her champagne. I will--I will, should any one chance to outbid me.
She paused halfway as the auctioneer requested the opening bid.
Ten million, I said, and I was sure of it.<|human|>Ten million, I said, and I was sure.
I raised my paddle. "Twenty."
This time she stared directly at me. "Thirty."
"Forty."
Her friend touched her arm. "Aria, let it go. It's not worth--"
"It's mine," Aria cut her off. Her eyes had already been somewhat dilated. The drink was working. "Forty-five."
I leaned back. "Fifty."
The room gasped. The auctioneer banged down the hammer. "Sold!"
Aria stood still, her lips compressed, the slightest trembling in her hand as she laid aside her paddle. I caught her glance again. I was certain that I had her attention this time.
The auction ended soon after. I rose and straightened my suit and walked out. My guards came behind me, with boxes of all I had purchased.
I was standing at the parking lot when I heard clicking heels running behind me.
"Hey!"
I turned. Aria was walking towards me, her face compressed with frustration, but with a somewhat wobbly step.
"What the hell was that?" she demanded.
"What was what?" I asked.
"You!" she snapped. Bidding me higher than I would have had. Every single one! You trying to make some point or something?
I kept my voice calm. "Not at all. I simply liked the same, I suppose. You have great taste."
She gave a bitter laugh. "Oh, so now you're flattering me?"
"Just telling the truth."
Her head was tilted and her eyes were closed. "You do know who I am, right?"
"Aria Blackwood," I said. "Leo's sister. I've read about you. You sponsor charity events, right?
Her lips were half smiling. So you have done your homework.
"Only on interesting people."
She looked at me a moment and then told me, You see, I did want that necklace.
I acted casual. "Yeah, I noticed."
I had to have it this evening, I said, with a sigh. My brother is opening a casino and I wanted something bright, something that will make a statement. Guess I shall need to get another one now.
I stopped, and glanced at one of my guards. "Bring me the third box."
He handed it over. I took it gradually, displaying the necklace to her.
Her mouth fell open. "You're kidding."
I shook my head. "No. You wanted it. Take it."
She blinked, confused. "Why?"
"Because it's unfair," I said. "You wanted it first. And quite honestly, it would suit you better than any other person in this room.
She laughed softly. "You don't even know me."
"Then let's fix that." I moved nearer, and I had the necklace in my hand. "May I?"
She wavered, and round turned, and lifted her hair. I knotted it, with my fingers touching the back of her neck.
"There," I said. "Perfect."
She felt the diamonds, and looked at me again. You know, she said, and her voice was lower now, you are either a very generous man or a very stupid man.
"Maybe both," I said.
She smiled--this time little, sincere. "Well, thank you. You made my night."
"Glad to hear it. Well I gat to go. I will be updating my feed with the photos of you in the necklace and making a statement. I replied, and went away.
"Do you have plans tonight?" She asked.
None...none that I can think of...aside refreshing my feed. I lied.
Her lips curved into a smirk. "Then come see me wear it. At my brother's casino. As my plus one."
I feigned a hesitation and looked off. "Are you sure?"
"Positive. You should not be able to look at $50,000,000 making an announcement through the screen. She added.
I smiled faintly. "Alright, Miss Blackwood. I'll be there."
Good, good, she said, and went away. "I'll send a proper invite. Can I have your mail?"
"Sure." I replied, giving her my business card.
"Damon Carter." she muttered to herself, and stared at me too long before her gaze was fixed on me and she moved off.