Page 36 of Violet

“But your stomach can handle pizza just fine?” Cash asks.

I nod.

“Then why haven’t you ordered it without her?”

“Because I’m usually shifted into her. If I eat it then, it actually does make me sick.”

“What about when you’re not shifted? Like right now?”

“Then it’s fine... unless I shift into her right after eating.” I shrug. “But we have all our meals at home together, so it makes more sense to make food we can both eat.”

Cash seems to think that over for a moment. “You know what?”

“What?”

“Today is your lucky day... because Antonio’s delivers, and we can get whatever pizza you like!”

I squeal. Literally bounce up and down on the couch and squeal. Then I remember what Violet said, about how Cash might think I am too young for him, and try to sit still and act more dignified.

Then he tilts the phone, showing me photos of different pizzas, and I’m gone. I slide closer, so our legs are almost touching, but all I can think about is cheese and crust and mushrooms and tomatoes. My eyes lock on the screen, my mouth waters, and I think I’m in heaven.

“You’re drooling, little furry,” Cash teases.

“So are you, wampitch,” I fire back. Cash laughs.

We place an order for two pizzas, both extra-large, and funny thing is, I’m not the only one who went a bit overboard. Apparently blood mages have quite an appetite.

“So, what’s going on, Violet?” Cash says out of the blue, while I’m still thinking about pizza. “Why have you been pretending to be someone you’re not?”

I feel a moment of panic and remind myself to breathe. I somehow know I can trust Cash—and even if I can’t, it’s too late now. He’s seen the real me. There’s no going back.

“You can tell me anything, little furry,” he says gently, taking my hand in his. He starts to rub slow circles with his thumb, which is more arousing than it is calming, but somehow helps me summon the courage to explain.

“There are people after me.” I lower my voice to a whisper, as if just talking about them will somehow summon them. “Witches.”

Cash tenses and leans forward, keeping his own voice down too. “What witches? A coven?”

“I’m not really sure.” When someone’s trying to kill you, it’s not like you stop and ask questions.

“But why? What do they want?”

I stare down at my hands, trying to figure out the best way to put it... except there isn’t a best way. Just the truth. “I saw something I shouldn’t have, and now they... they want me dead.”

“I won’t let them lay a finger on you!” Cash snaps, his eyes taking on that red hue again. Except this time, it’s anger, not arousal... and the shivers that travel down my spine definitely aren’t pleasure. They’re also not fear... at least, not fear of Cash. But fear that he might get hurt? Definitely!

“You can’t stop them. I don’t think anyone can.”

“What about the police?”

I shake my head. “I... I can’t go to the police. They think... they think I killed someone.”

“But you didn’t.” Cash sounds so sure—so convinced of my innocence—that I suddenly want to throw my arms around him and never let go. Because aside from Violet, no one else believed me. Not even my own mother.

“You have to promise not to tell anyone who I really am! If word gets out...”

“I promise.” Cash gives my hand a squeeze. “And we’ll figure this out. Together. I have connections.”

He briefly glances at his phone, which he’d tossed on the coffee table, like having thousands of friends on Screech somehow makes a difference. If you plan to be an influencer, maybe... but when you’re on the run from witches, not so much.