Page 107 of Priceless

At the end of the carpet there was a reporter with a camera and a microphone. Her dress sparkled in the lights. “Is this normal?”

Rett sounded closer to normal when he spoke. “Is what normal?”

“All of this. It’s brilliant, don’t get me wrong. But this isn’t a movie premiere. All the press and interviews for a sex toy company seems… I don’t know.”

One side of his mouth pulled up into a grin. “Yes and no. We host events like this when we can because they work. People love wearing things they’ve seen on famous people, and they love the idea of using the same toys as their celebrity crushes. We’ve never done one for Extasis, but there’s an added benefit to this one.”

“What’s that?”

“You.”

I flushed. “Why me?”

“The whole reason our board wanted us to marry is because they, incorrectly, think we have a branding problem and aren’t family friendly enough. So while having this now was convenient for the honeymoon, it’s also a big fuck you to them. Having our first public appearance with our wife be for a brand that’s all about pleasure.”

The word pleasure rolled off his tongue and made promises that spoke of silk and darkness and shared breaths.

“You’re a bit devious.”

“You have no idea, little nymph.”

He pulled me around so I was standing in the middle of the three of them in front of the camera and the lights.

Cameron leaned in and whispered, “Her name is Layla.”

“Finally,” the reporter said with a laugh. “I think we’ve all been waiting for this moment tonight. The DuPont pack. Our creators of the hour. Without you, none of us would be here. Congratulations on the launch of the new Extasis line.”

Cam was the one who spoke. “Thank you so much. We’re happy to be here celebrating with everyone.”

“And of course, we can’t ignore the news. You’re recently married. Congratulations again. And welcome.” Her eyes fell on me. “Are you wearing your husbands’ designs, Ocean?”

“Thank you,” I said, nerves making my voice sound smaller than I wanted it to. “And yes, I am. It’s part of the larger Caesura collection. My wedding dress was Caesura as well.”

Micah leaned forward and smirked at me. “She’s wearing Cheria too, but that’s only for us to see.”

My face must have turned a cherry red, because Cameron kissed my cheek with a low chuckle.

“Now, I have to ask,” Layla said. “There’s been a lot of press coverage talking about how this is an unconventional match. There are even rumors that your wedding was hiding a scandal. This is a chance to clear that up. Are the rumors true? What do you say to people who question your relationship?”

“There’s no scandal or secret,” Everett said. “I know that won’t be enough for most of the press, but it’s true. They’ll keep digging, but there’s nothing to find. As for your other question, we’re not even going to dignify it with a response. It’s offensive, both to us and to our wife.”

I froze, but tried to make it seem like the question didn’t bother me. “Careful,” I faked a laugh and put a hand on Everett’s arm. “He’s been kicking people out left and right for questions like that.”

He smiled down at me. This time, the smile was sharp. The ruthless Alpha who would stop at nothing.

The reporter tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. “But surely you understand the questions? You three are— excuse me, were, one of the world’s most eligible packs. You’ve been connected with many women and Omegas over the years, and now you’re off the market.” The way she let the words hang made the unsaid words read. They were off the market with a nobody, and someone who looked like me.

Should I say something? I wanted to, but at the same time, defending myself against something like that would feel shallow. Like I was desperate.

But I didn’t have to. Everett took a small step forward. “Ocean Elise Correa Caldwell is our Omega and our wife. That’s the only statement we’ll make on the matter.” He turned me to him and kissed me the way he’d kissed me in the hotel lobby earlier. Unashamed and deep. His tongue tangled with mine to the point of indecency, showing the world in no uncertain terms what he thought of their questions.

He stole my breath. Owned it. Gave it back before he stole it all over again.

“Thank you, Layla. Enjoy the rest of the event.” I heard Micah say it from outside myself. Because everything in me is still wrapped up in Everett.

He pulled me away and into the entrance of the venue, which was still the hotel, just entered a different way into a big ballroom decorated in purple and gold. Fabric dripped down the walls in sumptuous columns, and the lights were low. It gave the room a sensual glow. Light music pulsed beneath the hum of the crowd.

Cocktail tables dotted the space, and waiters circulated with drinks and finger foods. It was everything Laura wanted the Caldwell Gala to be but had never quite gotten right.

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