He took me in his arms, purring while one hand wove solidly into my hair to make sure I didn’t look away. “If anyone, anyone, makes you feel like you’re less because you want to wear something that makes you feel beautiful, they’ll have to deal with me.”

I shuddered, blinking back tears of relief.

“There’s nothing funny about this. You are stunning. That’s the reason we didn’t say anything, because there are no words for how beautiful you look.”

There was no holding back the tears now. They came even though I didn’t want them to. The fear in my gut was finally starting to ease. One moment wouldn’t make it go away, but they hadn’t laughed at me. They still wanted me. It felt foolish to need to know that, but I did.

Kade leaned in, voice a deep growl in contrast to the sensual purr coming from him. “I’m going to kiss you now, and I want you to tell me you understand I’m kissing you for you. Not because of a dress, even if you look like a goddamn queen. Not because of anyone else. I’m kissing you because I want you, Esme Williams.” His voice lowered even further. “You’re my Omega.”

“I understand.” The words were barely understandable through my tears, but I did, and I believed him.

Kade’s mouth crashed down on mine, arms hauling me even tighter against his chest. The heat of his hands sank through the silk of the dress, and he touched me everywhere. His mouth moved to my neck where he breathed in my scent.

He didn’t let me go, pulling me to the couch and settling me beside him. Ben was on my other side, and an anonymous hand held out a tissue. “I’m sorry,” I said quietly.

“Why?” It was Rylan’s voice. “It’s a real question.”

“Because it feels like a silly thing to be afraid of.”

Ben took one of my hands. “We’re not born with fears. Fear comes because we learn it. Because something forced it into us and taught our minds it wasn’t safe, even if we’re not fully conscious of it. There are no silly fears.”

Curling into Kade’s chest, I laid my head where I could hear the now softer sound of his purr. “I can’t promise it will be easy. I’ve had… a lot of practice being terrified.”

“But you still did it,” Luke pointed out. “That’s all that matters.”

Avery had the remote. “I’d originally planned to barrage you with first date questions, but I think tonight calls for something more low-key. How do you feel about soccer?”

I raised an eyebrow. “I feel like if you guys aren’t fans of the Slate City Scoundrels, this will be a difficult courtship.”