Page 13 of Sold to the Titan

I’m aware of some of the unspeakable things my innovations are being used for, but I’ve always turned a blind eye. I could use my poor background and unfortunate childhood as an excuse, but that’s just bullshit. I’m no better than my druggie parents who brought kids they couldn’t raise into the world.

If Aria knew all of this, would she want to be with me?Most likely not.

I could shield her from the truth of who I really am, but what would that make me? A bastard through and through. In the end, I’d only snuff out her light and make her miserable. I hate that the most—the thought of her being miserable.

Damn, I look in the mirror sometimes and I still don’t know who I want to be…until Aria, that is.I only have to look into her eyes to see an idolized version of myself. The only one who ever looked at me that way was Lily, and I let her down.

The thought of Lily strikes up familiar feelings of rage and bitterness within me. Yet again, I’m faced with another reason I can’t be with Aria. She doesn’t deserve to be stuck with a man like me who’s driven by revenge. Sometimes, I’m so consumed in my quest to find my sister’s murderer that I forget about everything else. What happens to Aria then?

But it’s not like I can stop before I get to the bastard that killed my sister. To stop searching for her murderer would mean that I failed Lily to the end. Even the thought is inconceivable.

“Hey…” a soft voice says beside me.

I look up to see Aria standing in front of me, wearing a concerned expression. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t notice her.

“Hey, love,” I say, managing a small smile.

“Penny for your thoughts?” she says in a light tone that contradicts the worry in her beautiful green eyes.

I pull her into my arms, loving how easily her body melts into mine. “I’d rather have a kiss,” I murmur, brushing my lips over hers. She chuckles, pressing closer to me. I tighten my arms around her.My girl.So warm and gentle.

“Time to sit on my chair, mademoiselle Aria,” Paul says, clapping his hands to get our attention. I want to tell him to fuck off and leave me to my woman, but that would only ruin my plans for the evening. I reluctantly step back, letting Aria go.

“I should go get ready for the night.” I give her one last lingering kiss, then leave them to their business.

I don’t take long to get ready, putting on a tailored suit with a dark green pocket square to match her dress. I try to imagine what she’ll look like in the dress I picked for her, but nothing prepares me for actually seeing her in it.

She’s stunning. She looks like a literal goddess draped in a long, shimmering dress, her fair skin glistening lethally behind the long slit that runs up her thigh. Paul has done something with her hair—her golden curls are tied up in some kind of fancy bun with delicate strands framing her face like strips of liquid fire. When she sees me her face brightens up, a soft smile tugging at her lips. My breath catches, my heart skipping unexpectedly in my chest.

She walks over to me and does a quick twirl, a soft blush spreading across her face as she looks up at me with a curious smile. “What do you think?”

“You look gorgeous, Aria,” I say, keeping my voice level. I don’t want to scare her away with the depth of my feelings right now. It’s too much, too soon.

“Thank you,” she says, her blush deepening.

I reach out, taking her hand, enjoying the warmth of her skin against mine. “I don’t think you know what you do to me, love.” I slowly raise her hand to my lips without taking my eyes off her. “It’s dangerous, how perfect you look.”

She lets out a breathy laugh, and for a moment we just stand there, lost in each other’s eyes. I suddenly want to cancel the night, just let go of everything and be with her. The urge is so intense, so overwhelming it feels like a physical ache.

“You alright?” she asks softly, searching my face.

It’s amazing how she’s so attuned to my feelings…so quick to spot a change in my mood.How does she do that?

I smile, giving her hands a gentle squeeze. “I’m good, love. Shall we, then?” I ask, offering her my arm.

The entire ride, I can’t keep my eyes off her reflection in the mirror, the way her gown catches the city lights as we drive by.

We soon arrive at Warren Osla’s house—a sprawling estate that’s been transformed for the night into a glimmering spectacle of wealth and influence. Warren is a huge deal in Seattle, a business tycoon and philanthropist with an influence that goes further than the border of America. Everyone loves Warren, including the media, and he’s even been nominatedseveral times for public office but never accepted it. Once a year, he holds these exclusive fundraisers and every top socialite in Seattle will do anything to attend. Not like I care at all for the shit show. I’ve had the invitation for weeks, but I had no intention of attending until the auction.

In the photo I printed off Lily’s Facebook, the bastard was wearing a watch—a rare, vintage watch. There are only two pieces like it in the world, and I’ve gone through every resource to find their owners. One belongs to an Arab prince, deep in the heart of Saudi Arabia, and the other? Right here on Warren Osla’s wrist. I wasn’t sure until I saw it on him at the auction.

Even though I couldn’t slit his throat right then and there, I still managed to win the bid against him for Aria. He won’t touch her while I live. I smirk. If tonight goes the way I plan, he won’t touch anyone ever again.

The valet opens her door, and I take Aria’s hand in mine, leading her inside. Heads turn the moment we step in, all eyes on her. She commands attention effortlessly, with a grace that feels entirely unintentional. It’s no surprise, though. After all, she’s the daughter of the great Fiona Martins who was once a national sensation for her beauty and poise. Aria is so oblivious to her charms, the striking effect of her looks, and that’s what makes her all the more endearing.

I lean down to murmur in her ear, “They’re all looking at you, kitten.”

Aria’s grip tightens on my arm, her gaze skimming the crowd nervously. “Maybe they can tell I’ve never been to something like this,” she murmurs. Her tone is light but I can tell she’s a bit self-conscious.

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