Page 12 of A Translation of Desire (The Brazen Curators #2)

She snorted, and he pulled them along again. Finally, they reached a roped-off area blocked by two solidly built men. He nodded to both of them. “We are here for the auction.”

The men frowned, glancing at Rose. “The boss doesn’t normally allow women.”

He turned to catch Rose’s face, filled with indignation. While sliding them two shillings, Augustus said, “I promised this one a fun night and perhaps a trinket. She is always happier when she gets a gift, which only benefits me.”

The men snickered and let them through. Rose glared at him. “You insinuated I was your mistress.”

“I thought it was better than giving them the real explanation.”

“I can’t believe they weren’t more skeptical.”

His eyes swung to her brown ones. “Why would they be?”

“You look all polished, and I look like a rumpled mess.”

She did look disheveled, but he suspected Rose didn’t understand how appealing that made a lady.

The beauty was a tempting sight, whether she was aware of it or not.

Augustus leaned down and said, “The auctions normally last about an hour. All items are sold in lots. We will walk around the room as if we plan to place a bid with the man sitting at the desk at the front.”

“It is very similar to other auctions I’ve attended.”

They approached a table piled with small items likely from the Roman period. The items included broken vases, coins, and busts, but no tablets.

“The way they are caring for these items is abominable.”

He shrugged. “Someone probably stole a trunk and brought them here. I doubt they even evaluated them to determine their worth.”

“Do you buy your goods here?”

“No. Years ago, I did because I didn’t know better. Now, I use buyers qualified in antiquities to travel to various markets and cities across the globe. I try to ensure we can track the provenance of any items we buy, and the sellers receive a fair price.”

“That is very noble. Most would try to get the cheapest deal.”

He shrugged. “I don’t believe in deceiving or tricking anyone. In the long run, it benefits no one. Let’s move on to the next table.”

Augustus turned back when Rose didn’t respond and discovered she was no longer standing beside him.

He assessed the room but didn’t see her.

Where was she? His eyes saw a flash of red behind a curtain that was only for the staff.

What was she doing back there? He stalked over to the area, but a large man stopped him from going any further.

Augustus scowled at him. “My friend is back there. Get out of my way.”

“The public is not allowed in that area.”

He heard Rose gasp and shoved the man to the side before pushing through the curtains. Rose and a man both glanced up from a small statue, startled. The odd man stood far too close to her for Augustus’s liking.

“I asked you to stay by my side,” he scolded.

She frowned at him. “No, you didn’t.”

He sighed. “It is implied.”

“How would I know that?”

Because a lady didn’t walk around areas such as this place alone, he snapped back, but only in his mind.

“Let’s go.”

She sighed. “Fine. Mr. Bradford shared with me that he has no tablets up for auction tonight. Instead, he showed me a statue from Egypt. Isn’t it lovely?”

“Yes,” he bit out.

Augustus didn’t like the intensity of Mr. Bradford’s gaze on Rose. He was practically salivating. He didn’t like it at all. Not wanting to cause a scene, he held out his arm. “Let’s call it an evening then.”

Rose nodded. As they walked out, Mr. Bradford said, “Miss, come back anytime. I rarely meet a lady who can decipher ancient texts so well. What is your name?”

She smiled at him, and annoyance flashed through Augustus. “My name—”

“That isn’t necessary,” Augustus said, interrupting her and guiding her from the auction room.

She sputtered as he pulled her along the booth walkways. “How dare you? I can speak for myself.”

He stopped and spun around, causing them to collide with each other. Augustus grabbed her arms to prevent her from falling backward. Their bodies leaned against each other. Anger fizzled in him. “While with me, you will heed my advice. You have no idea how much harm could have come to you.”

She snorted. “From that man?”

“I need your assurance that you will listen to me before we attend the next auction.”

Rose pressed on his chest and stepped away. “I don’t like to be told what to do, Sinclair.”

“And I don’t like it when people make foolish choices to prove that they don’t have to do as they are asked. Do we attend together, or do I attend the next auction alone?”

Anger flashed in her eyes, and Augustus had no doubt she was silently cursing him.

He wouldn’t allow any lady to explore the London Docks market alone, no matter how worldly they were.

It wasn’t right. Yet, he knew it was more than that.

He’d been worried. Far more than he should be for someone he barely knew.

He looked down at her and said softly, “Please do this for me.”

They stared at one another intently. Augustus itched to touch her, to pull her to him. The power of his feelings was startling.

“As you wish, Your Grace,” she snapped before spinning on her heels and marching towards the main doors of the warehouse.

He sighed.