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My retort gets swallowed by cries from media outlets as we’re suddenly inundated with requests to pose.
Vaughn ignores every one of them, climbing The Met steps with single-minded purpose, only stopping when we reach a tall, smiling man with very distinct amber eyes.
I immediately recognize him as Alex DeMarco, the pretty boy face of his family’s entertainment company, DeMarco Holdings. He’s accompanied by a beautiful woman who’s smiling right back at him, apparently oblivious to the paparazzi snapping pictures left and right.
“Newlyweds make me sick.”
Alex laughs infectiously at Vaughn’s remark as the couple pivots about to face us.
“Good to see you, too, Burton.” He moves his attention to me, extending a hand. “I’m Alex, supposed friend to the asshole on your left.”
I snort, taking his hand as Vaughn rolls his eyes, ever the cactus. “I’m Wren. I’m…” I trail off, unsure how to respond, only for Vaughn to tug me close to his side.
“She’s my Wren.”
His words are a statement, his tone matter of fact, and my heart soars despite myself.
And though you deserve it, I can never love you, Wren Caputo.
I forcibly push those words from my thoughts, instead focusing on now. And how this man makes me feel.
Maybe I can love enough for both of us.
My lips lift at that as Alex’s questioning eyes flit between us for a brief moment before he nods, clearly accepting his friend’s declaration.
“And this is my wife, Reyna.” We exchange a shy smile as Alex continues. “Big crowd, Wren. I can’t wait to see your—”
“And with that done, let’s go inside.”
Vaughn cuts off his friend, practically pulling me past him and inside the enormous doors of The Met.
We follow the signs simply labeled ‘Illuminations’ with Alex and Reyna on our heels.
“I haven’t been in a gallery in so long.” I look up at Vaughn. “Thank you for this.”
My smile is genuine, and my own pace hastens as delight flows through me. “Who’s the up-and-comer then? Might I have heard of them?”
We round a corner, and my feet slam to a halt.
“What…what’s going on?”
People are milling around the exhibit, conversation is buzzing through the air, and my name is splashed across the sign welcoming guests.
Illuminations By Wren Caputo
My lips part uselessly before a wild giggle erupts from my throat.
“How…I…What…Seriously?”
“It’s everything you’ve created during your time at Rogue.”
Vaughn steps around to my rear, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his head on my shoulder as my eyes travel across the exhibit. His words are for my ears only.
“Your talent is exceptional, little bird. It deserves to be seen.Youdeserve to be seen.”
His hold tightens, and my breath catches. “Don’t you realize how fucking perfect you are? The whole world needs to witness it.”
My chest tightens as my throat constricts painfully, and I twist about in Vaughn’s arms, pulling his head down to mine to press a soft kiss onto his waiting mouth.
