Page 72 of Pretty When She Breaks

“Hello?” I said, snapping my fingers in front of his face. “I’m right here, asshole.”

His attention snapped back to me and his bond snapped shut. We just stared at each other for a moment, his face darkening and my cheeks getting redder and redder.

“Bit much, don’t you think?” he sneered. “Though I guess everyone knows you’re an attention whore. Still, an entire wall dedicated to yourself? That’s just a bit sad.”

I was surprised to find his comment cut deep. I pasted a smile back on my face as I redirected the pain into anger. “If it were any of your business,” I said, under my breath, my smile so wide my cheeks hurt a bit, “which it isn’t—that picture is up there without my consent. So, fuck you.”

I whirled around and left him before he could say anything else stupid.

THIRTY-SEVEN

THE DUCHESS

I sat in my dressing room, willing my hands to stop trembling as they rested on my counter. I’d opted for a soft, full-coverage gown that exposed only my shoulders, so no one would even get a glimpse of the dressing that covered my bite mark. Simple gold jewelry accented the outfit, with my hair loose and tumbling down my back. Ocean would be fighting tonight, and I was struggling to get Laurel’s fear under control.

I held another breath, then released it slowly. My hands stilled, and I rose to my feet steadily.

I was in control, and this evening would go well.

My father greeted me with a nod, and I offered him a gentle smile. After checking in with my staff, the Lucas pack arrived—early—and I moved them to the balcony. I settled into the routine, my mind soothed by the familiarity of my role.

The elevator opened with a chime, and I glanced over to see a tall, unfamiliar man step inside my suite. I excusedmyself from the bar with a smile to go and greet my next guest, taking a sip of water while I had a brief reprieve from talking.

Dang. This guy’s suit was the same green color as the one Finch had bought, and it would suck to have someone dressed just like him.

“Good evening,” I said, freezing as I realized the alpha who had stepped inside was, in fact, Finch.

My mouth parted in shock as I took him in. His shaggy hair had been trimmed and layered, and though it had been styled, a couple of waves had come loose to hang in front of his face. The pine-green suit, though not a perfect fit, highlighted his impressive figure and glints of gold from a tie pin and thick rings on his hands.

He looked fuckingedible.

I choked on the water, trying desperately to breathe and retain my dignity at the same time. I blinked, looking at Finch’s face to find him staring right back at me.

A little late, I realized I may have overdressed him. He’d need balls of steel to pull off a persona that matched this outfit.

“Good evening,” I said, stepping up and resting my hand on his arm. He met my gaze, his eyes narrowing the slightest bit but otherwise looking perfectly amiable. I started walking him to a seat when my father interrupted us.

“Daniel Song, correct?” My father held out his hand, which Finch shook.

My eyes almost bulged out of my head as I caught a flash of the watch Finch was wearing. Holy shit, Jade wasn’t messing around.

“Daniel, this is my father, Thaddeus Fairchild,” I said, directing my attention away from his wrist, and Finch nodded.

“Of course,” he said. “It’s nice to finally put a face to the name.”

Okay, that was good so far.

It still was terrifying to see Finch standing so close to my father, acting as if nothing was wrong.

“Can I show you to a seat?” I asked, gesturing around the room.

I settled him onto a lounger and got him water. My father came up beside me, his expression sour as he looked at Finch. “Rosania wants us to impress him. Make sure you give him special attention, all right?”

I nodded, and my father stepped away, leaving me to make another round with my guests. I could feel Finch’s gaze following me around the room.

The Lucas pack was demanding my attention, so I sat between Prince and Dax. Prince leaned over and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, tugging me close and burying his face in my hair.

The move was far too intimate, my skin crawling, and his scent was so pungent in my nose, I wanted to retch. I didn’t notice the footsteps coming toward us and froze when I looked up to find Finch. He’d shed his suit jacket, and suddenly, I realized I’d made a horrible,horriblemistake when I’d given him fake harness-suspenders.