Page 83 of The Vipers' Vow

“Who are you going to invite?” she asks, her doe eyes wide.

“Everyone.” He pauses and shrugs. “Well, maybe not quite everyone, but most of the students.”

I chuckle. “Definitely not the dean.”

“Wear your best dress,” Saint says. “And let’s show Verona Falls that the Vipers know how to party in style.”

She bites her lower lip. “But I don’t have a best dress.”

Saint tosses a gold Amex in her direction. “Get one, then. Most expensive one you can find. Shoes too,” he adds, “and fuck it, get a purse.”

She shakes her head. “I’m terrible at shopping. Most of what I wear I’ve bought online.”

“Treat yourself.” He leans in and kisses her. “You deserve it.”

Her pretty faces scrunches up. “When are we going to have the party?”

“Saturday night,” I announce.

Her jaw drops. “That’s tomorrow. I’ll never get a dress by then.”

Saint twists his lips as he thinks and then says, “We’ll find you some help.”

34

VANI

I’m back in my room, trying to figure out where I should go shopping. I wasn’t joking when I told them I’m terrible at it. When I find an item of clothing I like, I just keep buying the same thing, or, if I’m feeling really wild, I might try it in a different color.

I grind my teeth and try to convince myself I can manage. If I can take on crazy girls and men with guns, I can sure as hell manage a shopping trip. Still, it’s not my natural territory, and I always feel as if the stuck-up store girls in the designer places are judging me.

I appreciate Saint giving me his Amex, but it’s not like I don’t have my own money—I do. I’ve just never been a big spender, unless it’s on leathers and bike parts…oh, and ink. I’ve definitely spent a small fortune on that.

The thought sparks an idea, and I press a smile between my lips, wondering if I should do it. Would they think it’s a step too far?

I’m distracted by a knock at my door. I smile to myself again, thinking it’s probably one of the guys. It’s like they can’t be without me for a minute—not that I mind.

But I open the door to find Mackenzie standing there—beautiful, tall, skinny, blonde Mackenzie who is in every way opposite to me, except for one.

She has three men, too.

“Hey.” She flashes a white smile. “I heard there’s going to be a party.”

I’m surprised the Vipers have invited the Devils, but then I remember how they said they wanted everyone to know about us. I guess that includes the Devils, too.

“Yeah, I’m supposed to go shopping for a dress,” I admit, “but I have no idea what I’m doing. It’s totally not my scene.”

I didn’t think it was possible, but her expression brightens even further. “It’s totally my scene. I can help.”

My heart lifts. “Really? Are you sure?”

“Of course. It’ll be fun. Gets me away from diapers and bottles for the day. The boys can handle it.”

“Girls’ day?” I hope my voice doesn’t sound as pathetically hopeful as it does in my head.

“I’d love that. We definitely deserve a girls’ day after being around so many men all the time.”

She throws me a wink.

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