Craven Cove Royalty (Craven Cove)

“You’re bidding?” I ask, nodding to the paddle in her hand and drawing her attention back to me.

“Yes.”

“Tell me,” I push, wanting to know what is bothering her.

“His dad is making him do it. Apollo tried to get out of it, but his dad wasn't having it. I don’t think he likes me.” I try to keep my face impassive, but anger builds inside of me.

The thought of Rory not liking Celeste chills me to the bone. I’d thought Rory was one of the good ones. To be rude to a sweet young girl is unacceptable, even more so when it’s my little girl.

“His father is making him do the auction after he said he’s with you?” I ask, wanting to make sure I’m getting this right. She nods. “Did he say anything to you?”

“Not a word.”

“I see.” Celeste’s eyes widen, not missing the irritation I’m trying to hide.

“It’s fine, he was in a hurry,” she rushes to say. My sweet girl is trying to cover up for him and come to his defense.

“The auction is starting, honey.” I change the subject as Rory steps out on the stage with the microphone. His eyes come straight to me, but I divert mine and start talking to the man next to me, knowing it will piss him off.

If Rory wants to push his son into this silly auction and make it hard on my daughter, I can do the same to him. He’s stuck on stage and unable to do anything about it. He calls Apollo up first, listing off all of his son’s impressive accomplishments. Does he think his son is better than my daughter? I grit my teeth.

“You must be new in town,” the man next to me says as he takes my hand and kisses it. I barely pay attention to what he’s actually saying. My focus is on my daughter and the bidding war that is happening over Apollo.

“Five thousand.” Celeste lifts her paddle to bid, fighting through her shyness. Good, she’s going after what she wants. Another girl throws out a bid from across the room, and Celeste shifts on her feet.

“Ten,” I whisper to her so she can end this.

Her eyes widen for a moment, and I give her a nod to place the bid. It’s not as if the Crew family can’t afford it. Rory brought this on himself. He’ll pay in more ways than one for disrespecting my little girl. Celeste holds up her paddle, making the bid.

“I have ten thousand from the lady in the front, do I have another bid?” Rory asks as he looks in the crowd, dragging this out. I glare at Rory when his eyes come back to me.

Apollo walks over and takes the microphone from him, calling the bid. My respect for Apollo grows because it’s clear he cares about Celeste, at least to some degree.

When he makes his way off the stage, he comes straight for Celeste. “I can’t believe I just did that,” she says to him. Apollo kisses her right in front of everyone, making his claim clear to the room.

“Thank you,” Apollo says to her. Celeste ducks her head as her cheeks flush with color.

“You’re welcome,” Celeste responds, biting her bottom lip nervously.

“Congratulations,” I say, cutting in. “This has been a wonderful party, but it’s getting late.” I want to get my daughter out of here and away from anyone who would dare try and hurt her.

“Of course.” Apollo’s disappointment is evident. “Are you free tomorrow? I can take you out on the water—”

“We’re going into the city tomorrow for a girls’ day,” I cut in again before Celeste can agree to his offer. I take my daughter’s hand, giving it a small squeeze.

“What about tomorrow night?” Apollo tries again.

“We won’t be back until late,” I shut him down. I’m not sure how I feel about these Crew men. As pissed as I am at Rory right now, my heart is aching too. I hate that I let myself fall even a little for him because I should know better.

“Mom,” Celeste hisses at me, but I don’t care. I’m trying to protect her.

“I guess I’ll pick you up for school on Monday then,” Apollo tries to confirm, and Celeste beats me to this one.

“Yes.” Celeste cuts me a glare, reminding me of my own. “I’ll be ready at eight.”

“It was lovely to see you again, Apollo,” I say before releasing my hold on Celeste. “I’ll meet you at the car, sweetheart,” I tell her when I see Rory headed right for me.

Ignoring him, I begin to walk away, but he steps in front of me. “Where are you going?” he asks, but I sidestep him and keep walking, wanting space between Rory and my daughter. She doesn’t need to hear what might be said. “Don’t run from me,” Rory all but growls, stepping in front of me again.