Contract with Mr Blackwood

MAEVE’S POV

“Five Million Dollars,” I announce, then turn to steal a glimpse of Kaiden Blackwood, the reason I am here—the man I am born to defeat. I see him twitch his lips, and I smile.

“Seven Million.” He announces, his eyes not leaving the artifact.

I know he isn't going to give up that easily. He is rumored not to accept defeat, even if it means getting his hands dirty. At times, I wonder how he sleeps at night, knowing the number of blood soils his hands and knowing how my family's blood soils his hands.

I am Maeve Valtor, the first child of my family, and I used to be a happy child. One showered with love and care until the Blackwoods showed up. One second, he is seen discussing with my Father; the next second, my family is lying lifeless in the street of Palermo with everything snatched from them.

“Nine Million,” I announce, and Rocco taps me.

“You are going to spend that much on that?” He whispers with a frown, but I don’t respond. Rocco is my friend and partner; he was one of my Father’s workers.

“Eleven,” Kaiden says, and I sigh. I couldn't go that far. Bidding is a risk, and I only have ten million in my name after selling everything I could. After my Father’s death, the police seized everything, and I was back on the streets in hours.

With no contradiction from the crowd, the auctioneer slams his gravel and announces his as the winner. I catch his smile, and my blood boil at the urge to wipe it clean. He didn't deserve to be happy, not after what he made me go through.

“Are you sure he will notice you this time? This is the fifth auction we have attended this week, Maeve. I have artifacts we do not need sitting in my house.” Rocco sounds annoyed, and I don't blame him. He has lent me a lot of money.

“We can’t give up, Roc. I need to do this. It’s the only way Isabella can look at me the same way.” I explain and watch him sigh.

“I will support you then. If he doesn't fall for this, he will someday.” He encourages me, and I smile with a hum.

The auction continues, and I keep tackling him as much as possible and raising the bid higher so that the other bidders back off as though they can sense the feud.

“The Walking Mouth sold to Miss Maeve.” The auctioneer announces, and a smile caresses my lips when I see that Kaiden is displeased. According to my research, this is the one he wants the most.

“My boss would love to speak with you.” Someone says the minute I walk out of the room, and I see him, the guard who was with Kaiden.

“As?”

“He would love to have a conversation.” He responds.

“Maybe next time,” I respond and walk off. Rocco’s mouth falls open.

“Girl, what was that about? Get your ass back in there before he hates you. You know no one says no to Kaiden.”

“Exactly. I need to leave an imprint, Roc. One he will never forget.” I say as I settle in the car beside him. His face brightens with a smile at the realization.

“This deserves a celebration.” He says and kickstart the car, driving off.

The club is boozing with music and alcohol. Every broken and unbroken soul unwinds, including Rocco, and all I do is sit in the corner and watch. Unlike them, I have no right to be able, not when my parents are dead and my sister is lying in the hospital with no memory of who she is. Or who I am. It hurts so bad that I am the only one existing. This is all my fault. If I had never fought with them, I informed them of wanting to leave their involvement with the Mafia World and pursue my fashion career. Suppose I had never left the house for the airport. Maybe they would not have followed me. Maybe Kaiden wouldn't have crashed into them.

“We meet again.” I hear someone say, and I jolt and turn around only to see Kaiden’s piercing Blue eyes staring at me. The glint in them intensifies every second he sips his wine. “Thought I would never see you again.” He adds and smiles

“Are you stalking me?” I crease my brows in annoyance, and he laughs.

“That’s a strong word. You happen to have something of mine.” He lowers his cup, moving the content sideways. His dark, messy hair complemented his chiseled, strong jawline.

I must admit that he is breathtaking, but it doesn't change the fact that he is a monster.

“And that is?” I throw at him, pretending I don't know what he means.

“The painting.” He puts his drink away. His aura is commanding as he places his hands on his lap. “How much do you want for it?”

I scoff at his absurd request. “Does it occur to you that I bought it 'cause I wanted it?” I am pissed, angry, and annoyed that he thinks he can buy it all with money.

He hums, his gaze getting stronger every second. “Everyone has a prize. Name yours, and I will see if it’s worth it.”

I think about it for a second. Initially, the plan is to become his friend and make him trust me, then stab me in the back. But from what I see, I know he isn't the type to keep people around for long.

“Marry me,” I say and watch his lips flatten. He doesn't say anything for some minutes, and a bead of sweat breaks behind my hair, sliding down.

“Deal! When do you want it?”

My jaw dropped at his words because I never thought he would accept.