Page 49 of Violet

“And she seems to like you too?”

“I think so. I told her I’d like to come by here and visit her again, if you’d let me, and she didn’t turn me down.”

He rubs the side of his face, thinking. “And if she does? Turn you down eventually, that is. If she decides you’re not the one she wants?”

I hold up my hands. “Then I back off. Simple. I just want a chance.”

He studies me. “This isn’t a joke, Stephan. This is my sister we’re talking about here. Her life. My family’s future.”

“I know. That’s why I want to do this the right way. I—” Suddenly, the study door flies open and I’m smacked in the face by the scent of sweet spring violets.

Heath and I both jump to our feet.

“Rue said an Alpha was here, waiting to see me—” Violet stops, gaze taking in the scene and realizing the said Alpha is me. “Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt…”

Just her scent, her very presence unleashes something wild within me. It was subtle when we’d first met, but it seems to be growing, taking shape with every interaction we have. I’m not sure what to make of it, or what it means, but all I do know is that the scenes from last night’s dreams resurface in my thoughts again, and the desire to defile her, rut with her, speeds through me like a bullet.

Fuck. What’s happening to me?

It has to be instincts, my Alpha nature. It sees a pretty, untouched Omega, and wants to claim her as its own. That’s all.

I can’t let it get hold of me and pervert my common sense. It’ll ruin this entire plan.

Their mother appears behind Violet, and any dirty thoughts get cold water splashed on them.

“Mr. St. James,” she begins. “You’ve come to visit us?” She glances at Heath for an explanation, but when he doesn’t answer, she looks back to me.

“Please, Mrs. Gardener. Call me Stephan. Stephan Ashford. I left Asher St. James back in Emporia.”

She grins at that, and her eyes twinkle with curiosity. “Oh, how intriguing! Are you here for Violet?”

Heath tries to step forward. “Mom?—”

“Actually, yes.” My gaze captures Violet’s, and something passes between us. My pulse cranks up a notch as her breathing increases, making her breasts rise and fall.

“Stephan…” Violet breathes.

“I’d—I’d like to officially court Violet. I was just here to ask Heath his permission,” I say, and every eye turns to him.

“That’s wonderful! Surely he’ll say yes!” Mrs. Gardener says. “How exciting!”

Heath glares daggers at me. I put him in a metaphorical corner, and he knows it.

He can kill me later.

“I’d like to maybe take her out on a proper date soon,” I say. “Maybe she can save another dance for me at the next event?”

Mrs. Gardener waves the thick envelope in her hand. “What perfect timing, too. We’ve just been invited to a garden party at Hargrave House at the end of the week!”

“Well, it’s up to Violet too.” I lock eyes with her, hoping she can read my mind. If she agrees to this, then there’s nothing Heath can say about it. “If she’s interested, thatis…”

Now everyone turns to Violet.

Startled, her mouth opens, but no sound comes out.

“Vi?” her mother prompts. “What do you think?”

All the color drains from Violet’s face. “I… I…”

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