Page 16 of Ferocity

“She wasn't wearing it earlier.” She would have noticed it since it'd been the hand Maisie wrapped around Scarlett's arm.

“Could she have a secret life?” Edward mused. “It'd make sense.”

Scarlett blinked. A secret life? Wouldn't Samantha have known about it and said something to Scarlett? She shook her head. No, she'd have known. Maisie would have rubbed it in her face that she'd gotten married. Wouldn't she have?

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the thirty-fifth annual charity auction benefitingHearts and Paws Sanctuary,a refuge my grandparents started almost fifty years ago to preserve the lives of big cats from around the world.”

A round of applause filled the room. Scarlett found herself paying attention to every word her sister said, including the word 'my.' Maisie should have said theirs. The little factoid chipped away at Scarlett's confidence.

“I'd like to introduce the Co-MC for tonight’s affair, my new husband, Eduardo Cruz-Velasquez.” Maisie held her hand out and a man, in his early forties joined her sister on stage. He was distinguished and carried himself with an air of superiority as well. Confusion filled Scarlett. Sure, they didn't have the best of relationships, but shouldn't her sister have told her about this new marriage?

She frowned.

“Interesting turn of events,” Dave said. “I can tell by the look on your face you had no idea.”

“I didn't.” And, what about the vet tech at the sanctuary? If Maisie was married like she said she was, had it all been for show? Or did she screw around behind her new husband’s back?Ugh, this is all so confusing.

“What are the chances the loan was for the wedding?” Kenny mused.

“Using the sanctuary as the collateral? Wouldn't that send up red flags?” Edward asked.

“I agree,” Kenny added. “It's too flashy. Maisie is bold, but not that bold. However...”

“Tonight, we have a special auction planned. It's the first of its kind and, there are only seven blocks. Don't worry though. If things go according to plan there will be more,” Maisie said, drawing Scarlett's attention.

Seven blocks? She frowned and her stomach knotted.Oh God.Sure she was jumping to conclusions. She had a bad habit of it since paranoia seemed to follow her everywhere she went. But... Wasn't it too much of a coincidence? Seven. Not three or five, but seven. There were seven new mouths to be fed atHearts and Paws.

“When you arrived tonight, you signed for the first time an NDA. I know some of you were skeptical about it and signed reluctantly. I appreciate you doing so, even if you were confused. It makes tonight's auction all the more exclusive.”

“What is she getting at,” Kenny murmured then cut his gaze to Dave. “Did you sign an NDA too?”

Dave gave a curt shake of his head. “I didn't plan on bidding. Only those who did had to sign it.”

“Doesn't make sense,” Scarlett said. “If she's doing something needing the protection of an NDA shouldn't everyone be signing it?”

“I'd think so,” Dave said. “However, I wasn't handed one on the way in.”

“This is getting weirder by the second,” Edward groused. “What's going on here.”

“I think I know and you should too, Kenny.” She glanced over at the man.

Kenny stared at her for long moments. Then, the realization of what Scarlett had been getting at filled his amber eyes. “You're fucking kidding.”

“We'll see.” She shrugged. “However, it makes sense for an NDA to be going around.”

He scrubbed his chin and shook his head. “No way. Just, no way.”

“Want to fill us in?” Dave stated.

“She thinks Maisie is auctioning off the cubs and kits,” Kenny mumbled.

“The first item up for auction...” The curtain behind Maisie fluttered and a cart was wheeled out. On it sat a small black cage. Inside one of the tiger cubs from the sanctuary. “This is a six-week-old Sumatran tiger, born on theHearts and Paw Sanctuarygrounds.

A gasp erupted around the ballroom.

Scarlett's heart pounded. Rage burned through her veins. They were never supposed to breed or auction off the animals. They were meant to live free. She ground her teeth trying to control the need to go up onto the stage and smack the shit out of her sister. Her parents' and grandparent's legacy was falling into ruin right in front of her.

“We don't do things like this atHearts and Paws;however, we know there are other zoos and conservatories who are looking to expand their population. This is your chance to give to our charity and bring in new visitors to your establishments. We will open the bidding at seventy-five thousand.”

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