Theodore I looked at Violet. "What do you mean?" Tyron was still on the line, and no one else said anything, but I could all tell they had a lot to say. My mind wasn’t quiet. The thought was like a brewing storm in my head. Part of me knew what she was going to say, hated it, agreed with it, and
She didn’t flinch at my tone, just watched me with that calm, unyielding gaze of hers. “How do you go from talking about delicate balances and planning to flip the whole table?" She shook her head. "I know you're upset. I know you're running on a million and five instincts screaming at you, but I
Theodore I closed the door behind me, shaking my head at the absurdity of the situation, and searched for a bathroom with a shower. I was directed to the neighboring room. It was nice being able to feel Violet through the door. I showered quickly and stepped to find Tyron outside, looking as if
falling into step beside me as we headed down the hallway. “Owen’s been waiting for us for five hours, by the way.” I blinked, caught between surprise and amusement. “Five hours? Seriously?” Theodore shrugged, his tone entirely too casual. “He wanted to talk. Tyron told him he'd have to wait."
Violet Owen’s words landed but the look on his face told me he was still full of shit. I said nothing, trying to block out the twinging ache running through me. The pain meds were wearing off and I could feel myself getting irritated the longer I had to look at his stupid, lying face. I almost g
He bared his teeth, but closed his mouth, not daring to say a thing while the people not even two tables away were listening in so closely. It wouldn't do him any good to feed the rumor that he and Theodore didn't get along. The arrogant jackass should have reserved the whole restaurant, though I
Violet Theodore opened it on his phone since mine was near dead. The bastard had changed, but it was clear that he hadn't planned to be holding this press conference now. "The Shelter project," Owen said, "is not only a risk but a direct challenge to the stability of our society. Rogues, by defi
Then, an idea hit. I held out my hand. "Can I use your phone?" He handed it to me without hesitation. I smiled at that. "I… don't remember a single time that Lucas ever just handed me his phone." Theodore flashed me a grin. "Glad I can prove, even in the smallest ways, that I am nothing like
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