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I licked my busted lip. “Her unquestioning loyalty.”
“Her unquestioning loyalty,” he echoed, smirking. “Sounds like you’d like her trust. Maybe even her love.”
“I didn’t say that.”
No, but this was not just about obedience. Deep down, I knew that. Violet had to stand by me because she wanted to, but admitting that felt like death.
He nodded, still wearing that stupid grin. “If all you’re after is chaining her to you, you’ll find that man. Kill him. Involve her in it somehow and take evidence. Then you’ll have the perfect leverage in case she ever tries to leave.”
Blackmail? That’s insane.
And yet, a dark urge slithered in my chest.
No, I couldn’t. I would never. But fuck, it tempted me.
Romeo’s knowing glare sliced through the hazy air. “Careful, brother. Women like that sneak into your heart before you realize it.”
TWENTY-ONE
VIOLET
Lord, I needed this.
Sandy worked her magic on my scalp, kneading my head as I bent over a sink. After rinsing me with toner, she bundled my hair in a black towel. Then she ushered me across the marble floor to the leather salon chair. She draped the cape over my body. Sandy didn’t talk much but I preferred that. I wasn’t in a chatty mood.
Was it right to kiss him—my sister’s lover?
To marry him and steal the life she could’ve had with this man?
Achille wasn’t hers anymore. He was mine in a way I never expected. I felt like I was navigating a labyrinth with no clear exit. Each turn led to the same question: Was I betraying Elise? I couldn’t shake the image of her face, the sister I lost twice—first to the city, and then forever. I pictured her beside me, her smile fading.
“Want a refill on that mimosa?” Sandy asked.
“No, thank you.” I’d already downed the glass she’d given me, and the warm buzz had melted some tension in my chest. “I’ve never been to a salon that serves cocktails.”
“It’s part of the experience,” she said, combing my hair. “We want our customers to feel as relaxed as possible.”
“It’s lovely,” I whispered as she trimmed my dead ends. “Almost makes me forget the craziness of wedding planning.”
“That’s exciting. Big plans?”
I hesitated. “Yeah.”
She snipped more locks. “Mine was a nightmare to plan. I wish I’d eloped.”
I smiled. “That doesn’t seem like a bad idea right now.”
“You don’t sound too thrilled.”
“It’s just not your typical love story.” I sighed, and she met my eyes in the mirror. “He’s complicated. Achille isn’t exactly the Prince Charming type.”
The scissors stopped mid-snip. “Achille Costa?”
“Yes.”
Her expression tightened. “I know his family. They’re…they have a reputation. My cousin worked at one of their clubs, Sanctum. Didn’t end well. Just be careful.”
I fiddled with the edge of the salon cape. “I know.”
