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“Did you hear how she reacted?” I ask. “There have been so many different stories spreading.”
Shay’s amusement is written all over the glee on her face. “The best one was when she ran from the math building and tripped in her eighteen-foot stilettos, scratching the right side of her face.”
Giggling, I stride toward the en-suite bathroom and wash my face. My stylist team will be here any minute now to help me get ready for this joke of an engagement party. My laughter ceases at the realization that the Fraternitas is forcing me to go. I groan. Each attempt to get a pass from going was swiftly denied. “I can’t believe they’re forcing me to attend,” I spit, stepping back into my bedroom.
Shay clasps my hand. “I’m surprised you were allowed to miss the bridal brunch and shower.”
I smirk. “Thank fuck for bed rest.”
We stare at each other, then burst into laughter. “The twins are already Team Mommy,” she chuckles.
“An instant get out of jail free card.” A knock on my door interrupts our goofing around. “Come in,” I shout, and the door opens, and in comes a rack full of dresses, three hairstylists, a makeup artist, and a nail technician.
“Hello, Miss Bradford, it’s always a pleasure to dress you,” Bree exclaims. She and her team were brought on in Bronston.
Sitting on my bed, I reply, “The pleasure is mine. Even when I’m dreading the event.” Then Shay and I wait for Bree to begin showing me my dress options for the evening. The first five dresses were far too loud. While they all would flatter me, I want a dress that doesn’t scream, ‘Look at me.’
“This is the one.” Bree’s thick Italian accent is more prevalent with her excitement. My gaze freezes when I look up. A stunning floor-length, blush pink spaghetti-strap dress with a plunging V-neckline is before me. “It’s a velvet dress covered in mesh with two slits up to the thigh. The floral pattern, along with the empire waist, is perfect for your growing belly.” She smiles at me before continuing, “This, paired with the rose gold, pink diamond-encrusted jewelry set, will be the perfect statement piece.”
Her assistant brings out the necklace, earrings, and bracelet, and it’s Shay’s turn to gasp. “Those are from a limited collection made by a French jeweler who only ever creates one-of-a-kind pieces.” Shay whips her attention to Bree. “Only the most exclusive families have access to this woman. How did you do it?” she inquires with no accusations in her tone.
“A private benefactor purchased them under the condition that they go to you, Miss Bradford," Bree explains.
Scrunching my face in confusion, I verify that I heard her correctly. “Did you say someone bought these for me?”
Bree nods. “Yes. Every dress selected for tonight was chosen to match this one-of-a-kind set. You’ll be wearing well over half a billion dollars in jewelry.”
My heart stops beating. Why the fuck would anyone buy me a billion-dollar anything? “Who’s the benefactor?”
“I’m not permitted to reveal that. Everyone on my team has signed an NDA, and any perceived violation will be met with a career-ending blow,” Bree explains. She remains professional, not reacting to her words except for the fear gripping her mahogany eyes.
Not wanting her to lose her livelihood, I drop it. “Let’s get my bestie and me ready.” Then, we’re waxed, plucked, and pampered into stunning perfection for the next three hours.
“Beautiful as always, Miss Bradford and Miss Warren,” Bree says, clapping her hands in ratification. She knows her team has once again gone above and beyond her expectations.
Shay and I express our gratitude before walking downstairs, where everyone waits for us. “Fuck! She can’t go out looking like that,” Elias mumbles. “Ouch,” he exclaims, glaring at Reign. “Why the hell did you hit me?”
“Because, idiot, she doesn’t need your permission to wear what she wants,” Fernando adds.
Sighing, Elias snaps, “I know that. I didn’t mean she had to change. I just?—”
“You three cut it out, or you’ll be taken off tonight’s detail,” Thomas commands. “Now, head to the car.”
I clear my throat, hiding my laughter. Those three were ridiculous sometimes. “Will Dad meet us there?”
Thomas nods. “Yes, he’ll be waiting for your arrival. Then he’ll take his place with the Council.”
Stupid fucking Council. They were all in for a rude awakening if they think I’ll forget this anytime soon. Everything they’ve known will no longer exist in a few more weeks. I smile at that thought. “Time to get this train wreck of a night over with.”
“This match has been a long time coming,” says the MC. “Samantha Davenport, Wesley Edgewood, Wyatt and Sebastian Grant, Lev Washington, and Owen Jefferson have known each other since childhood.”
Rolling my eyes, I mutter, “Is it possible to want to crush someone’s larynx?”
Shay turns, arching her perfectly sculpted brow at me. “When do you want to begin?”
And this is why she’ll always be my ride-or-die. She’s always ready and willing to encourage my fuckery. “This is why you can never leave me, bitch.”
She smirks. “And where exactly would I go?”
