Page 18 of Glitterati Omega

“I suspect you do a fair share yourself.”

“Mm,” Rupert agreed. “Or, well, did. Haven’t done any in a bit.” He accepted the glass when Winston offered it to him, lifting it to his lips. In the same instance, he shifted his gaze forward.

He wasn’t sure if he wanted to spit out his drink in surprise or choke on it. He stared at the sign above the stage, then forced himself to swallow.

“Is something the matter?” Winston asked.

“No,” Rupert said swiftly. “No, nothing at all.” He forced himself to look at the lawyer, then back to the sign.

Texas Children’s Cancer Centerstared back at him. He thought he might throw up. Instead, he forced the rest of his drink down.

Winston gave him a curious look. Rupert screwed a smile to his face. “The children’s hospital,” he said tightly. “How … what a wonderful cause.”

Winston quirked a brow at him. He felt twitchy. “Do … do you donate often?”

“Mm,” Winston said, apparently sensing the need for him to continue conversation. “Yes. I’ve donated for the last ten years or so. More since the Lunex landing.”

“Right,” Rupert muttered, more to himself than anything. “Of course. You have shares in Lunex.” That made sense; Winston, after all, was friends with Percival, who was Lunex’s currentceo, and Jake, the formerceoand founder of the space exploration/technology firm. Their landing on that asteroid about two, three years ago now had been big news; the asteroid was theorized to be worth more than the entire world economy, provided they could get ore out of it.

Winston pointed to Rupert’s empty glass. “Would you like another? It seems like you barely had a chance to taste that one.”

“No. Maybe. Yes, definitely.”

Winston chuckled at him. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

Rupert was saved from answering by Pearl, who sauntered over with laughter in her eyes and a smile on her lips. She wormed her way right between them, glancing at Rupert, then turning to Winston. She gave him a giddy little smirk, then pinched his arm. “So, what’s this,” she drawled, glancing gleefully at Rupert. “Has the great Mr. Ndoni decided to date after all?”

“Not at all,” Winston said, and Rupert’s heart dropped into the pit of his stomach. He managed a smile when the alpha looked at him. “Mr. Cullinan expressed an interest in learning more about the hospital, what they’re doing for cancer research.”

“Mmhm,” Pearl said, her brows lifting high. She gave Winston a look that said she didn’t believe him. “I’m sure the omega is interested in research.”

Rupert frowned at her. “I’m a nurse myself,” he said. “I do have an interest in the medical field, particularly in the advancement of …” He glanced at Winston, then forced himself to look at the floor. “Cancer treatment.”

Pearl patted his hand. “It’s okay, honey,” she stage-whispered. “You don’t have to pretend. None of the rest of the ‘real hausfrau’ gang does.”

She jerked her head toward a gaggle of white omegas, many of whom looked much the same as he did—jewel-toned gowns, designer shoes, a dizzyingly expensive array of jewelry. They all had cocktails in hand and were laughing, flashing Hollywood smiles at each other.

Rupert’s heart sank. Pearl smiled at him, although it felt derisive. No one had ever taken him seriously about wanting to study. His father had cut off his accounts when he said he wanted to go to college to become a nurse. Thomas had never supported his decision to go on missions. They both thought he should be like the omegas across the room—glitz and glamor and vapid, airy laughter.

Winston cleared his throat. “Mr. Cullinan is in a slightly different position,” he said to Pearl. “He’s spending his own money, for starters.”

Pearl gave him another tight smile. “Very thoughtful of you, sweetie, but I know they don’t pay you nurses enough.”

“I don’t get paid at all,” Rupert said. He hadn’t been on a mission in ages now; besides,msfwas volunteer work.

Pearl lifted a brow. “All right then, now I know you really can’t afford to be—”

“Pearl,” Winston said in a low voice.

“Why couldn’t I afford it?” Rupert asked, blinking. “If the hospital won’t accept a donation because I’m not from Texas or …”

“What’s that got to do with anything?” Pearl frowned at him.

“It’s not like I haven’t the money,” Rupert murmured, still trying to make heads or tails of why Pearl was insisting he should just hush and look pretty.

“Perhaps you’ve heard of Cullinan Enterprises?” Winston asked, and Pearl shook her head. “It’s a mining firm.”

“Oh,” Pearl said.