Page 97 of Shark’s Pride

“And with that message, ladies and gentlemen, I give you…the Edge!”

I swept up an arm.

The big red curtain was pulled off the drawing with a flourish.

The crowd erupted into wild applause.

Jacob Cole’s drawing was magnificent. At the enormous size we had printed for the reception, the rendering was even more colorful, detailed, and impressive. I felt just as fantastic. Hell, I felt ten feet tall.

This was everything I had dreamed it would be.

Confetti cannons shot millions of colored specks into the air. The music I’d preselected, a raucous rock anthem, played on cue. The crowd pushed forward to get a better look at Cole’s inspiring drawing, along with four slightly smaller versions that were uncovered around the reception area. Abbigail had offered the idea from seeing it done at a similar event she had catered, and it was brilliant.

Food servers began circulating with trays of the appetizers custom-created by Abbi and Rio for today. The trendiest LA foods were represented, all topped by stylish curlicues of more tempting ingredients. The dessert finale consisted of chocolate slices shaped like the Edge, accented with molded cream clouds and glass sugar suns. The cuisine received as many delighted reactions as the initial unveiling of Cole’s artwork. Everyone in the crowd eagerly plucked at the high-end snacks as they passed by.

Finally, I caught sight of the beautiful redhead making her way toward me. Her green eyes nearly glowed with happiness as I pulled her in and wrapped her in my embrace.

“Sebastian. You were amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

Her words, so soft and sincere, filled me with more joy than anything else today. I surrendered to the rush and kissed her deeply. As onlookers clapped, I dipped her back without shame, pushing my tongue past her lips before she could say another word. She gripped my biceps while I sealed my mouth over hers. Our tongues dueled with bliss and lust. She dug her nails into my muscles while releasing a throaty, passionate moan into my mouth.

And into my being.

When we were both officially breathless, I finally stood her upright. “Oh, my,” she panted, still clutching my upper arms to steady herself. “Mr. Shark…”

“Hmmm, Ms. Gibson? How can I be of…service…to you?”

“You think there’s a way to top that?” She was incredulous and sincerely so. “Th-That was some kiss.”

Her husky voice wrapped around my cock as if it were her actual hand. I craved more but was forced to resist. Half of Los Angeles was still waiting for me to walk over and shovel in some ceremonial dirt to the Edge’s new site.

For now, I had to settle for leaning over and giving my woman a few lewd ideas for later. “I can’t wait to get you alone tonight,” I growled into the pit of her ear. “The things I have planned for your pussy are unspeakable…and irredeemable.”

“Sebastian…”

She was interrupted by Elijah’s and Grant’s arrival. They stepped in, strategically flanking Abbi—and piquing my attention. Grant extended his hand, murmuring more words of congratulations. As we shook, his charming smile didn’t change. But I was more agitated by Elijah’s somber expression. Something was definitely not to his liking in the crowd. I already sensed it, even without him saying a word. Only then did I recognize Grant’s grin for what it really was: a method to keep Abbigail distracted while Elijah jerked his head to the side, directing me away.

“Can I steal you for a second, Shark? Abbigail, forgive the interruption. I’ll return him in just a minute. Promise.”

“Of course,” she answered with an affable smile. “This is a business event—and I know all too well that business comes first.”

For a second, but just one, Elijah seemed surprised by her openness—but in pleasant ways. “Wow,” he said, not taking his eyes from her. “You may have found the perfect woman in this one, my friend.”

“Yeah, yeah. Stop flirting with my girlfriend, Banks.” I socked him in the shoulder, possibly a little harder than necessary. His grimace confirmed what I guessed, but I added as we strolled away from the crowd a bit, “That’s for being late, too.”

“Pffft. I was here for the good parts, wasn’t I?”

I chose not to go for a rebuttal as we moved off to the side. Though we kept Abbigail and Grant firmly in sight, I still didn’t want to get too far. So much crazy shit had been going on, I really just wished Abbi had stayed home today. Not that she would’ve conceded. She’d put in so much time and care in getting the details right and ready for this celebration. Beyond that, selfishly speaking, I didn’t know if my heartfelt speech would’ve happened without her here.

Still, I was beyond uncomfortable about things now. We were out in the open. Relatively exposed. Standing in the middle of a gathering with a lot of strangers. Yes, I knew most of the crowd, but not all. So many new and curious faces. Damn, I was getting tense about this. The sooner I could get her to a safe place, the better I would feel.

“So Bas—”

“Is everything set up for the move?” I cut in, positive we were out of earshot when I watched Abbi stop one of the waiters and give some instruction about garnishing the appetizer he was serving.

“Just about,” Elijah stated. “I’ve got a few more details to lock into place, and then you’ll be clear to make the move.”

“Details?” I muttered. “Like what?”