Violent Sins (New York Sinners Series Book 3)

3| War

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War

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Chapter 3: War (Rose's POV)

Money was a dirty, filthy, and vile resource in our world. Everybody desired it, yet those who had it always seemed to underestimate its power. It surprised me every day how easily people could be bought, how easily silence could be bought. 

But for nights where New York's elite chose beauty and enamored elegance, events like the annual Gilbert auction was nothing but an opportunity to splurge and show off one's riches. 

Linking my arm with Dom's as we followed our parents up the steps and to the entrance, I scanned the crowd ahead. Everyone was buzzing in anticipation and merriment. 

"Remind me," I said to Dom as we trailed behind a crowd of guests, "what makes the Gilbert auction so special? Other than the fact that it's an annual event." 

"The Gilberts are an important family in this city," Dom explained quietly in between polite passing smiles he offered strangers. "They have a lot of family heirlooms, artifacts and... other rich things... that they have no use of, so they choose to auction everything off each year." 

"A fancy yard sale," I said in understanding. 

"Yes," Dom agreed, "a fancy yard sale." 

I mustered up a smile as we reached the entrance and were greeted by the hosting Gilbert family. 

"Peter, it's good to see you," Mr. Gilbert said, shaking my father's hand firmly while his wife greeted my mother softly. "I'm glad you brought the kids," Mr. Gilbert added. 

I forced a small chuckle as Dom shook his hand. 

"They're not kids anymore, are they?" Dad asked, turning to both of us, his eyes lingering on mine. "It's about time they stopped acting like it too." 

My jaw ground harder as I held his gaze, refusing to turn away. 

Dom cleared his throat as a beat of tense silence passed between us. "We should head inside, Dad. We're holding up the other guests." 

I waited, slowing my pace until my parents were out of earshot. "I haven't even done anything yet," I huffed, my arm slowly falling out of Dom's. 

"He's still furious about the fact that you slipped out of the performance two nights ago," Dom whispered. 

"Nobody noticed my absence, Dom." 

"He did, Rose. That's bad enough." 

I suppressed a sigh and followed him into the main hall. 

Artifacts and heirlooms were splayed around the room, trapped within glass cases yet off on display. Security loitered near all entry and exit points. Locked and loaded, clearly. A small bar was stationed in the corner of the room while waiters handed out drinks to the guests strolling around, as well as those sitting at the long rectangular table that was positioned in the very center of the hall.