Page 8 of Reckless

“I like pretty books.” She answers as I examine the book in my hands. It is pretty with Celtic designs coating the hardback cover.

“Me and you both,” I say before slipping away with the book in my hand. I continue the same ritual for the next twenty minutes. Staying far enough away to give her room but close enough so I can watch her.

She’s aware now that I’m following her, but she doesn’t look up. It has become a battle of wills. My attention slips as one of the O’Rourke’s steps close to her. He’s young, boyish looking and foolish for approaching her. He moves far too close to her and Johnny takes a step towards them but I hold up my hand stopping him. Words are passed and Margret slams the book shut that’s in her hands, fire lights up her eyes as she turns to a red faced O’Rourke. I make my way around to her as the same time his older brother Jason does. We meet nearly at the same time.

“Is everything okay?” I ask Margret and she startles. Her chest is red, the color spreading up her neck.

“I only paid her a compliment.” The smell of drink is heavy and Jason tightens his hold around his young brother’s upper arm.

“That wasn’t a compliment.” Margret speaks between gritted teeth. The young boy laughs and I join him.

“No harm done,” I tell them and now Jason looks at me.

“Let him apologise.”

I shake my head and continue to smile. “It’s not necessary.”

Margret looks back at me with a look of pain in her eyes. Like I’ve just betrayed her.

“I’m not apologising to her.” The boy can’t seem to keep his mouth shut.

“Shut your mouth now, Victor.” It’s now he looks up at Jason, maybe the seriousness of the situation worming it’s away through his foggy brain.

“Enjoy the auction boys.” I walk away while taking Margret’s arm gently. I’m waiting for her to pull away but she doesn’t.

“What did he say to you?” I ask without looking at her.

“You didn’t seem interested a few moments ago.” The fire in her voice has me stopping.

“Tell me now.” I’m facing her and can see the hurt and embarrassment that’s fleshed into her perfect face.

“I looked like someone who rolled in straw.” Her hand flutters to her neck. “I never have… or would.”

“I know Margret.” I do. I know she has never been touched. No one dared to touch her. She was mine. I made sure of it.

“Don’t let him spoil our evening,” I say and place a gentle kiss on her forehead. It’s then my eyes meet Jason’s. He knows the warning flashes in my eyes. They shuffle their brother from the auction room. Johnny is already on their heels.

“Why don’t we go?” Margret nods instantly. “Just give me one minute.”

I leave her and find Mr Usher in his office.

“I got that list off Johnny,” he says waving the slip of paper towards me.

“I want everything on it,” I say and he removes his glasses.

“You aren’t the only bidding.”

“I want them. The cost doesn’t matter.”

He sits up straighter. “Very well. It will be yours.”

“You might try to keep the bidding fair. I wouldn’t want to over pay either.” My warning rings clear in his office and he slips his glasses back on.

“I’m a fair man.”

“So am I.”

Chapter Seven

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