Page 59 of Violet

“It’s research. Have to know who I’m fake courting.”

I try to think of something clever to say, but nothing comes.

“We get Petrov to be a reference and use those clips, and I’m sure we can get you an audition somewhere. Maybe at Maymont, if you want?”

“M-Maymont?” The most renowned fine arts academy in the entire country? Excitement bubbles up. It’s damn near impossible to get an audition, let alone get accepted. If Stephan can somehow get me in, I?—

But the hope fades as the truth comes settling in.

“I can’t,” I say.

“Why?”

“You know why.”

The song ends and the band takes a break. I step away. There’s a chill in my chest I can’t shake.

“Who’s Heath talking to?” Stephan asks, looking over my shoulder.

I turn. The man is maybe early thirties, dark curling hair, and very good-looking. From his bearing and clothes, it’s clear he’s rich.

“I don’t know.” My brother motions me over with a tilt of his head. “Heath wants me…”

“I’ll get us a drink.”

As Stephan leaves, I make my way over, ignoring the whispers and the looks that come my way. I think of thecalm of oak trees and secret wooded spots where no one can find me.

“Here she is.” Heath smiles that smile I hate, the one that’s too big, the one that hides things. “This is Violet. Violet, this is Mr. Dominic Stockton. He just got back from Europe.”

He holds out his hand, and I go to shake it but he lifts it to his mouth and kisses it. “Call me Dom, please. A pleasure. I was telling your brother I’d love to call on you sometime.”

“And I told him how much you’d love that.” Heath nods, waiting for me to follow along.

Since I have to be the perfect sister, the perfect Luxe, I say, “I would. Very much.”

I have to remember that I might like Stephan, but he doesn’t want me. Not really. What’s between us is nothing more than an act, something to get us both what we want. And all his talk about Mikel Petrov and Maymont—well, it’s a good dream, but it isn’t realistic.

Even if by some miracle I could get an audition there, I’d never be good enough to get in. Let alone make tuition. It’s too expensive for what we can afford right now.

All the more reason to be pleasant to Dom. Maybe he’s the Alpha who’ll be best for me.

Heath seems to think so, or he wouldn’t have introduced us.

“Violet, I requested a dance on the mini pad,” Dom says.

I smile brightly. “I’ll accept it right away.” To show him I’m serious, I pull out my tablet from my bag and hit the button to confirm the dance.

“Perfect.” The Alpha smiles, and my knees should give out. He is gorgeous after all. But he leaves me cold.

“I’ll get us all something to drink,” my brother says suddenly. He takes off, and I’m left looking at Dom.

“Forgive the forwardness, but now that we’re alone, may I ask you something? Something more…personal?”

Uh oh.

“You may ask, but if I find it too prying, I just won’t answer. How’s that?” I say.

“Very fair.” Dom glances at the refreshment table, where both my brother and Stephan are now talking fervently and glancing this way. “It’s just… What are your intentions for this Season? I ask because as I’m sure you know, some aren’t serious about finding a mate. And I…well, I very much am.”

---