Chapter 17
Aurora humed to Wendy with a slight smile. “It’s not my fault you’re waiting. If it weren’t for Naomi, I wouldn’t even be here. Are we that close?”
Clearly, she was only there for Naomi, and anyone giving her a hard time would be crossing Naomi.
everyone was there because of Naomi, Aurora’s w
words hit a nerve, and the group went quiet, looking a bit sour.
“What makes you think you’re so special? Wendy shot back. “You think we begged you to come, huh? Do you think you’re all that just because you’re marrying into the Parker family
Sensing the tension. Naomi rushed over to calm things down. “What’s going on here! We’re here to have fun, not pick fights”
Wendy responded, “Who’s picking fights? You barely acknowledge me. What am I supposed to do?”
Naomi smuled and decided to stir things up a bit. “Let’s all have some drinks. It’s Aurora’s bachelorette party–let’s have a good time!”
The guys started encouraging the girls to drink, and some of the more outgoing ones jumped right in.
Naomi
i went around asking what everyone wanted to d
drink and eventually reached Aurora. “Aurora, what’ll it be?”
I have a cocktail. Aurora replied.
Wendy rolled her eyes and scoffed, “Why are you playing it safet A cocktail hardly counts as a drink.”
“Yeah, might as well be juice, someone else teased.
“It’s your bachelorette party, Princess. If you can’t cut loose now, when can you?” another chimed in.
That’s right, Princess! Soon you’ll be Mrs. Parker–we’re all so envious, someone added sarcastically.
Then someone else prodded, “Aurora, about that kidnapping–who really saved you? Was it Maverick? You sure know how to charm the guys. Maybe you can give us some tips.”
It was obvious they didn’t respect Aurora; their comments were thinly disgussed insults.
Aurora glanced around, then said coolly, “I wouldn’t know about that. If you want tips, maybe ask your moms”
The room instantly went cold, but Aurora wasn’t done. She raised an eyebrow and continued. “Naomi mentioned that you’re all illegitimate, Guess your moms would know more about being mistresses than I would.”
Her words hit hard, and the mood turned painfully awkward.
Being called illegitimate was a sore spot for these girls, they hated the reminder.
Besides, high–society women wouldn’t even associate with them. If it weren’t for Naomi, they’d never be in a room with someone like Aurora.
The room fell silent, and the mocking stopped.
Seeing this. Naomi was close to losing her composure, but she quickly tried to rein Aurora in, denying everything “Aurora, what nonsense are you talking about?”
“Did I get it wrong?” Aurora looked at Naomi, feigning a sigh. “Fine, I’ll take a whiskey instead–as my apology to everyone.
Whiskey was strong, perfect for Naomi’s plan. Though she was furious at Aurora’s defiance, she kept her cool.
“Exactly. We’re all friends liere, let’s drop the drama. Here, Aurora, drink this, and let’s move on Naouni said, watching her closely as Aurora downed the drink.
She was determined to strip Aurora of everything she had by the end of the night, down to the last detail. “Hey, whiskey’s no joke. Can she handle it? Just because she’s the guest of honor doesn’t mean we need to push
ouh ber, someone
warned
Seeing her plan falling into place, Naomi pretended to notice the concern. She stepped forward and swapped Aurora’s whiskey for her own champagne. “Aurora, skip the whiskey. Try this champagne instead, it’s lighter”
Aurora eyed the pale drink, then knocked it back in one gulp, drawing cheers.
“Wow, Princess, you can really drink!” Wendly laughed, leading the applause.
Autora managed a smile, fighting the urge to gag,
1/2
428 PM c
Chapter 17
Wendy lifted her glass. “Aurora, if only we’d met sooner! You’re such a blast–we could’ve been best friends. Let’s drink to missed connections!”
Aurora knew they were trying to get her wasted. She’d already thrown up once in the bathroom, which had sobered her a bit. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to stay clear–headed.
She knew she couldn’t keep drinking. She’d have to fake being drunk to slip away.
Just then, she ran into Naomi at the bathroom door.
“Aurora, are you okay? I’m so sorry. I had no idea you couldn’t hold your liquor,” Naomi said, grabbing Aurora’s hand with fake concern.
Aurora played along, swaying and leaning heavily on her. “Who says I can’t drink? I can keep going.”
“Aurora, you’re wasted. No more for you. I’ve got a room upstairs–why don’t you go lie down?” Naomi slipped an arm around her and helped her toward the stairs.
The Regal Club was huge, with hotel rooms upstairs where the rich could crash. Naomi had clearly planned this and wasn’t about to let Aurora
leave alone.
Naomi sneered, but so did Aurora, half–draped over her shoulder. She decided to go along with it, curious to see how Naomi’s scheme would play out–and who’d end up on top.
Though the place was full of drunk people, it was unusual to see one woman helping another upstairs. Worried that Naomi wouldn’t be able to support her, Aurora didn’t put her full weight on Naomi.
When they reached the room, Naomi swiped the key card. Inside, a man stood in a towel, looking impatient. His face was hard to make out.
“What took you so long?” he muttered.
Naomi gave Aurora a light shove toward him, annoyed. “If you think I was slow, maybe next time you can haul her up here yourself! You h
had me carry her all the way up, and now you’re complaining, huh?”
The man just held his towel
with one hand, catching Aurora with the other to keep her from falling.
“There. She’s all yours, Naomi said,
