Gordon chuckled. Madison’s face had darkened, and Dax didn’t look happy as he saw my father nodding thoughtfully.
“Oh! And I bet you have talented women at your places in Boston? We can have some of them take on the front-endhosting, and I can focus my efforts on anyone coming to see my pack,” I continued, eyes fixed on Dax.
Prince looked about to speak, but I beat him to it.
“My father’s vision for the Duchess Suite has been extremely effective, and I’ve been proud to help him out. It’s exciting to continue his work in a new way.”
“Of course,” said Prince smoothly, only a hint of irritation in his voice.
There was no way he could disagree with me now.
If they thought they could control my life without a fight, they were mistaken. I gave Prince a warm smile, and he returned it. He looked slightly confused, as if he wasn’t sure how the conversation had turned out like this. Most people didn’t even notice what I did.
I got the feeling, though, that Dax wasn’t most people. His attention, directed mostly at my father before, now lingered on me more than I was comfortable with. I hoped I was imagining the wariness I read on his face.
The meeting adjourned, and I stood up and headed for the door immediately, intending to get out of here before anyone could catch me. My attempts were thwarted by Dax’s longer legs, and he reached me in the corridor, Prince and Madison right behind him.
“Hey, Duchess,” he said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and tugging me to his side. “Care to join us for a drink?”
“I’m sorry, but I have to be going,” I said, slipping out of his grip. “There’s only half an hour to get ready before the suite opens. I might be late as it is.”
“We’ll see you there, then,” Prince told me. I could feel his eyes burning a hole in my head as I walked away.
I didn’t know how much longer I could dodge them like this.
FIFTY-FIVE
THE DUCHESS
I called a meeting with the suite staff, politely enduring the squealing and excitement as they congratulated me on my engagement. I explained they’d be expected to host, starting tonight, and walked them through what that meant before I retreated to my dressing room, where I dragged out my preparation routine as long as I could.
Today, I chose one of my more modest dresses, a ballgown style with an off-the-shoulder neckline. I fixed pearls to my ears and carefully arranged a matching necklace. I’d covered the dark bond mark with a dressing, but its location on my ribs meant I couldn’t wear any backless clothes. I stared at myself in the mirror as Bellamy arranged my hair into a low updo, and my eyes kept snagging on the bloodred ring on my finger.
I stepped out of my dressing room only seconds before I had to start hosting. The Lucas pack was already seated, and I shot them an apologetic smile as I hurried to take my place at the elevator.
Unfortunately, they rose and came over to me. Madison looked almost murderous, and I froze under his gaze as they neared.
“Laurel, you surely aren’t intending to work tonight?” Prince said, looping his arm through mine.
“Yes, why wouldn’t I?” I replied, and drew close to him, hoping to placate him with a kiss on the cheek. He intercepted halfway, meeting my lips with his and cupping my neck with his hand. When I pulled back, he rested his forehead on mine.
I ducked out of his hold as soon as it was acceptable to do so. “I have to show my staff how it’s done.”
“We’ve just got you, darling, and now you want to make us share?” he asked, his voice deceptively light.
I could feel the coiled tension through his frame and scent, and my aura reached out instinctively. I stroked my fingers along his cheek. “Of course not,” I told him with a careful smile.
I glanced at Madison and Dax, ensuring they were listening. Dax had proven to be the most levelheaded of the three, and he was my only hope of convincing them.
“But I’d seriously damage the relationships I’ve built if I just dropped everyone,” I said, eyes widening in dismay. “There needs to be a transition period where I leave, while still making them feel valued.”
“I don’t think so,” said Madison, grabbing my arm and starting to drag me over to their table. “I’m not dealing with other alphas’ fucking hands on you, getting their scents all over?—”
“No touching!” I gasped, pulling out of his grip and taking a step back.
Madison growled, and every hair on my body stood on end as he took a step closer to me.
“The others! I won’t touch them,” I clarified, straightening my back and fighting not to flee as I looked desperately at Dax. “I promise. My staff will do that. I’ll just welcome them and settle them in. The rest of the evening, I’ll be all yours.”
