Page 74 of Bought For Us

“Wow.” I whisper as Zack opens the door. The buzz of people chatting fills the air.

“Did I forget to mention this was a red carpet event?” Kimmy asks, sounding a little guilty.

“Ah, yeah, babe, you did.” I blink over at her, nerves like a rock in my belly.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think about it.”

“It’s fine.” Zack says. “We’ll take a few photos, then we’ll go in.” He gets out and I hear people starting to shout his name. He holds his hand out and Kimmy goes first. She smiles and waves, the main woman of the hour.

And then Zack sticks his head in, hand out. “Come on, Daredevil.” He smiles. “We got this.”

Taking a breath, I trust him and take his hand. He pulls me out of the limo, his hand lingering on mine. I pull it away as the cameras start flashing.

“This way,” Zack says, taking Kimmy’s hand as Kimmy takes mine, giving me a big encouraging smile.

“I’ll wait here,” I tell them when we get to the carpet. They stop and frown. “Why?” Zack asks.

I look around, my heart racing. “Because you’re husband and wife. I don’t belong in these photos.” I hate the words as soon as I say them, my insecurities coming out.

Kimmy steps up to me and leans in to speak in my ear. “Never say that again, Cora. You are meant to be here, right by our side. You're ours, Cora and we’re not going to just hide you away.”

When she pulls back, she gives me a look like she’s daring me to argue. I smile and shake my head, then let her lead me onto the red carpet. Zack stands to her left and I go to her right.

We pose and I do my best to smile. Paparazzi shout out questions, asking who we are to one another.

“Zack, who’s the pretty lady next to your wife,” one asks.

“One of our best friends. Someone who means the world to both of us.” He smiles over at me and damn it, my heart explodes.

Once we’re done on the carpet, we head inside. For around an hour, we talk to people. Well, more like Kimmy and Zack do. I just stand there and smile, enjoying watching them do their thing. But I know them, it’s not something they like. It’s fake enough to pass, but you can tell they would rather not be faking niceties. It’s how things go in their world. Maybe something I’ll have to get used to, right?

“Thank god that's over.” Kimmy sighs when we’re finally alone.

“Too much peopling for you, my wife?” Zack chuckles.

“Yes.” She downs a glass of wine. “The show is going to start soon. I have to head backstage.” She turns to Zack. “Wait with our girl. Don’t make me kick your ass.”

I bite my lips together to keep myself from laughing.

“Yes, ma’am. But, how about later you do something else to my ass, just for fun.”

Kimmy’s eyes widen. “Don’t tease me, Ward. I’ll put that strap on and fuck your ass.” She lowers her voice. “After I fuck our girl.”

Kimmy kisses both our cheeks and takes off. “Would she really?” I ask Zack, finding myself intrigued.

“Fuck us both?” he asks, his lip quirks and I nod. “Oh, yeah.”

“Oh,” I whisper, cheeks flushing.

“Someday, baby, someday,” he chuckles.

We take a seat along the runway. Not long after they announce Kimmy. She comes out and gives a little introduction about the collection, and then the models come out. Every piece is stunning. At the end, I get to my feet and clap and cheer along with everyone else. I’m so proud of her and what she’s become. She’s so damn sexy and talented. And mine.

The after party isn’t as packed as the show was, but there are still a lot of people I don’t know. After about an hour of mingling alongside Kimmy and Zack, I need a break. My anxiety hasn’t been this bad in a long time. I just don’t feel like I belong here. Like everything is fake. This isn’t me. But I’m trying, because I love the people I’m here for.

Excusing myself to go to the bathroom, I slip away from Kimmy and Zack. Once I’m done, I decide to stick to the background and watch my lovers from afar for a while.

“Hey.” A voice next to me startles me.

---