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“She must have picked the lock.”
When will Violet cease to surprise me? The mix of incredulity and pride swirling inside me is addictive.
“Dinner will be ready in twenty,” Marie says, leaving for the kitchen.
I go upstairs and take a shower. I can’t fault Violet for her curiosity, but that room harbors my greatest fear and vulnerability. It’s a constant reminder of why I have to be in control all the time and why I am the way I am. I won’t lose anyone else.
Changing, I go downstairs. She’s already sitting at the dining table. She stiffens when I step into the room and I barely suppress my amusement. It’s refreshing how her body betrays her.
“Did you have an interesting day?” I ask, voice lowering with innuendo.
Violet whips her head to me. That fire is more prominent in her gaze every day, and now she’s aware I know.
“I spent half of it with the girls and the other half getting ready for the championship.”
“That’s all?”
Guilt is etched in her eyes, and she avoids looking at me.
“Hmm, why don’t I believe you?”
“How was your day of world domination?” I chuckle. No wonder I crave her like she’s my breath of peace in a life of constant war.
“Going according to plan.”
“So, I’m going away for a few days.”
“No.”
Her eyebrows shoot to her hairline. “Excuse me?”
“It’s a difficult time, and I need to know you’re safe.”
Frustration tinges her voice. “No one knows me.”
True. Still. “This is not up for discussion.”
She squares her shoulders, looking straight at me. “You’re right. I informed you, and that’s it. You don’t control me.”
She pushes me deliberately, making anger simmer low in my blood. This is not about me controlling her but protecting her.
“Violet.”
A spark of defiance burns in her eyes. “You can call me my first name a hundred times. I’ve made my decision.”
Did I just think she was my peace? That’s just an illusion when she gives me attitude.
“And if we’re being honest, I found your secret.”
Our eyes lock in a staring contest while a staff member serves dinner. Violet digs into the sauteed vegetables, rice, and duck.
Through angry bites, she digs herself deeper. “I don’t know your father, but I guess you take more after him, physically.” She emphasizes physically as if that’s the only thing we have in common. I am a carbon copy of him. I bet that was his biggest satisfaction and something I can’t change.
“I could see your resemblance to your mother in that elegant air you both carry.”
She keeps babbling, and I can’t stop looking at her. She’s so damn beautiful, inside and out.
“Now, my problem is, what are we?” she continues.
