Page 81 of Vampires and Violas

“If you’re going to live a long life, you might as well have a mission.”

“Maybe youshouldbe our archduke, Cassian.”

“Don’t start that.”

Smiling, I walk back into the kitchen. “I don’t know. Perhaps you should think about it. Your Grace has a nice ring to it.”

17

I’m just addinga new page to my portfolio binder when I get a text from Noah.

Noah: I’m running late. Do you want to meet me at the office?

Piper: That’s fine. See you in twenty minutes.

I finish up and then head down to the living room, where Cassian is watching a documentary on lemmings.

“Did you know they don’t actually throw themselves off ledges?” he asks when I stop to look at the screen.

“Are you sure? Maybe some do…when they’re running away from their support groups.”

“We’re going tomorrow, by the way.”

“You said I could be done after last week’s,” I whine.

“Marilyn doesn’t think Dylan will remember to provide refreshments, and I promised her I’d bring cupcakes. We can’t back out now.”

“You need a social life.”

“You are my social life.”

“I’m a semi-introverted flower farmer who lives with a workaholic vampire. You can do better.”

Cassian clicks the remote, turning off the TV. “Why does it look like you’re going somewhere? Aren’t you waiting for Noah?”

“He has to work late. He asked me to meet him at the office. Do you think I can drive there myself, or do I need a princely escort?”

“I’ll drive you, and then you can take Noah’s car to your meeting.”

“Great,” I say. “Princely escort it is. Let’s go.”

“What’s with the plant?” Cassian asks as we walk to the Lamborghini.

I look down at the potted assortment of succulents, feeling slightly ridiculous. “It’s for Noah’s desk.”

Not realizing the reason for the gift, Cassian thinks nothing of it. He just opens my door and says, “I’ll hold it for you while you get in.”

“Thanks.”

About the time we arrive at the administration office, I begin to worry my innocent plant gift might look territorial or possessive—like I’m staking a claim on Noah or marking him as mine. But it’s too late now. I can’t leave it in the Lamborghini. Cassian would never forgive me if it fell over and soil went everywhere.

So, I clutch it in my hands and get out, staring up at the drab building.

Taking his job seriously, Cassian walks me inside.

“Hey,” Max says when we come through the doors. “What are you doing here?”

My brother is propped up next to the front desk, probably not letting Emma get any work done. Not that she seems to care.

---