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Tears fill my eyes when our gazes meet and hold for an untold length of time. Until words that I can’t suppress break the silence between us. “I love you, Vaughn Burton.”
CHAPTER26
VAUGHN
My reaction to Wren’s admission is forced to take a backseat when the curator of The Met appears at Wren’s shoulder, tapping it gently.
“Miss Caputo!” She twists about, her face priceless when she realizes who’s talking to her. “I’m Harold Dickinson. Curator here, and may I just say, it is anhonorto host your first exhibit.”
He extends a hand, and a smile beams on Wren’s face as she takes it. “The honor isallmine, Mr. Dickinson. Thank you for having me.”
Harold flicks his eyes to mine, nodding minutely at the unspoken threat in my gaze before he takes Wren’s arm in his. “Come along, my dear. There are some people who are simplydyingto meet you.”
Her eyes flit between me and Harold with uncertainty.
“I’ll be right behind you, Wren.”
She shoots me a nervous smile over her shoulder as Harold steers her to the waiting group on our right. Jules moves forward to stand at Wren’s side, seeming to appear out of nowhere to send me a nod of acknowledgment.
Without taking my eyes off Wren, I take a step closer to Alex, intent on needing a question answered. “Did Grayson get the invite?”
“He’s not coming, if that’s what you’re asking.However, he did return to work this past week. I’m keeping a close watch.”
I nod, frustrated by my inability to let the grieving man be.
Alex places his palm on my shoulder, squeezing lightly. “You can’t fix everyone, Vaughn.”
My eyes find his as my brows draw together. “I don’t—”
“Yes, you do. What do you think you’re doing right now?”
I deadpan. “Attending an art exhibition.”
“ForyourWren, hmm?”
A smirking Alex nudges me as his wife hides a smile behind her delicate hand, and I shoot him a withering look, shaking my head.
“Would you have rathered I introduce her as my pseudo-ward? My almost niece? The woman I’m screwing? Take your pick, DeMarco.”
He shrugs casually as my eyes follow Wren’s movements. She’s loosening up after her initial surprise, as I knew she would, and when she smiles at something Harold says, my own mouth twitches in response.
“I’d rather you admit she’s more than any of those things, Burton.”
I rip my eyes away from Wren, pinning my friend with a deep frown. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
His lazy shrug just about grates on my last nerve. “I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t hire out The Met for an art exhibition for just anyone.” He turns to a smiling Reyna. “Grand gestures are only reserved for the one I love.”
I roll my eyes. “Hold on so I can check my receipt.”
Both Alex and Reyna’s faces crumple in confusion as I begin to walk away, calling over my departing shoulder. “Oh yeah, that’s right. I didn’t buy any of your bullshit.”
His deep laughter follows me as I make my way to Wren’s side, drawing her into the crook of my arm as she continues to talk animatedly with several guests. I don’t understand a damn word they’re saying, but none of it matters as I bask in the light of Wren’s palpable euphoria.
I love you, Vaughn Burton.
My chest feels tight as I recall Wren’s words, and it takes a beat before I can push down the swirling anxiety in the pit of my stomach. Anxiety at the reminder that I’m so utterly undeserving of her and the love she so freely gives.
Anxiety that threatens to choke me, because by loving me, she places herself at risk. Just like Lorenzo.
