I frowned, meeting his gaze in the mirror.“It's perfect for you,” he said softly. "Do you like it?""I think it's more a matter of if you like it.""You're wearing it.""I've never really cared much about what I wore." I shrugged. "So long as it was neat and presentable."He hesitated. "... was tha
VioletThe tension in my body slowly ebbed away as I let him hold me. I wanted to relax, but I couldn't let myself forget that he was still an arrogant jerk."Thank you," I said, all the same."You're welcome," he said softly. "I meant what I said before. You're safe with me.""If I could believe th
"I think I'll take my chances.""... do you want me to adhere to that even then?"I swallowed. "Yes."He chuckled. "Don't ever change."I closed my eyes. "I appreciate you trying to tell me, to offer some insight, but I--""Don't want a bond from me?""From an indiscriminate playboy who hasn't found
VioletThe next morning, I woke up to less pain and at least fifty notifications on my phone. Some of them were from news outlets having mentioned me at the Gathering, but most of them were of me in Theodore's arms wearing that wedding dress as he carried me around Midnight.My face heated, embarras
He replied with his agreement, and I sent a message to Lily telling her that Kincaid was on his way to get her and her parents relocated. After a quick thanks,Theodore opened the door for me and ushered me in. Barely a step inside, I felt everyone watching me. It wasn't like yesterday. This time th
Violet I scoffed. "That's the dumbest, most irresponsible, and short-sighted solution I've ever heard." The room was dead silent. It was pretty well known that Theodore was considered the alpha of alphas, especially within his own territory. The fact that I, an outsider, had the nerve to
"We'll talk later. why don't you pick up with what you were doing for now?" She nodded and hurried back toward her desk. Everyone but Dahlia looked at me with distaste, and I ignored them. "Since you're stepping into the role so completely..." He grumbled and placed a folder in my hands.
Violet Ben, as Theodore called him, was still growling, panting, heaving, and glaring at me like he was seconds away from attacking me. "This is Violet," he said calmly. "She's going to be my wife soon. Why don't you tell me what happened." He growled again but he seemed to be calming down. Th
The afternoon sun had begun to dip, casting a warm, golden hue over the gathering. By the time the matches concluded, a festive air had settled over the estate. The nobles gathered in clusters, laughing and chatting as the servants began setting up for the reception. Theodore was surrounded, drawing
Violet I turned back at the sound of a sharp clatter and caught sight of Nora dumping the plate of food into a small waste bin by the cot. Her expression was tight with anger as she muttered, “I don’t need your pity.” I didn’t flinch. The action—and her defiance—meant nothing to me. I wasn't going
I shook my head. My conscience would nag at me all night if I didn't, and I had better plans to enact tonight with my husband than worrying about my ex-husband's mistress. I licked my lips thinking about the look in Theodore's eye before he'd stolen that kiss. Yeah. A lot better things to think ab
Violet The combat matches drew to a close rather quickly. No one was dragging it out after Lucas and Owen had been tossed around like helpless chickens for nearly an hour. I won't say that it wasn't entertaining to watch Lucas land hard and fast at the feet of men several times his age. Owen was no
Finally, in one coordinated movement, we both struck—our blades flying from our hands and landing in the grass at the same time. The crowd erupted in applause as we stood there, breathless and staring at each other. “Well,” I said, panting. "What happens--" I yelped as she tossed me over her shoul
Theodore She came in fast and hard, cutting low and quick, faster than I expected. Faster than should have been possible with her still laboring under her bond with Violet. She aimed a solid kick to my shoulder, pushing me enough that my feet slipped and skidded across the ground. The sleeve of my
“You’ve already won most of them over,” she murmured, her voice calm and confident. “Consider this a chance to seal the deal. Having noble allies is always a good thing.” That didn’t stop the knot of unease forming in my stomach. Fighting Violet? In front of an audience this critical? It felt lik
Theodore As we crossed the area towards the seating, around the combat pitch, I struggled to keep a straight face. The scene unfolding was almost too good to be true. Owen’s wife and Nora trailed behind him and Lucas, looking thoroughly out of place and entirely ignored. The nobles, who had been so
My eyes widened. "What?" She smiled. "The Vainthott Events are quite expensive, and it would be to every noble in attendance in accordance to their cost of attendance and any cost that could be proven." I blinked and looked at her. "You'd probably annex Twining River with ease." And I'd do everyt