Page 64 of Violet

Unless I’m on a shoot.

“That dull there?” she asks.

“I keep finding trouble to entertain me.”

“I’ve seen.”

Great. “Why the call? Has Felicity broken the deal?”

“No.” An elevator dings.

“Is this about a visit?”

“This is about that script you want to make. I read it.”

My heart starts to pound. I may be biased but it’s brilliant, a project I’ve work on for years, and poured my heart and soul into after CeeCee died.

“A little rough?—”

“Rough? It’s perfect.”

“No script’s perfect. Only those annoying screenwriters think that.” She sighs, and I hear liquid hit a glass. “But it could be something. Just not…not for you.”

“What is that supposed to mean? I’m good enough.” My fingers bite into the phone.

“You’re a movie star, a golden darling, a man the girls dream of having. You’re single and while that’s helped your current roles, it’s pigeonholed you. This character you have here is for an actor who isn’t the fodder of dreams, who’s outgrown sex symbol, poster boy. An Alpha with a mate, maybe kids, like Johann Brigstock. Still sexy, but thinking-man sexy.”

“I want to make that film.”

“Find a mate the public will like. Something like one of those pretty things for sale on Sabine. A pristine little Omega.” In the background the doorbell chimes. “Gotta go. Think about it. Bye.”

Fuck. Get mated? I know she’s joking, but I want the world opened for me. If I found a mate…

Princess Violet?—

No. Heath would kill me.

Probably.

Just thinking about the princess has my mind conjuringher scent. It surrounds me, those violets. Strong, sweet, and enticing. They paint an image of springtime in my head, of a meadow surrounded by wildlife and cool breezes.

A place where I could disappear to for a while.

“Stephan?”

My entire being lights up, turns electric. Just the breathy sound of my name on her lips has my innocent thoughts of meadows and peace turning into depraved ones, of sinking my teeth into her, getting my fill of her heat, of marking her. The need throbs in me, and I’m glad I’m sitting because my fucking pants are suddenly ten sizes too small.

I don’t look up. “Guess I owe you an explanation, Princess.”

“Did you mark her?” Her voice is small, wounded, and I hate that I made her feel this way.

“Alicia? No.”

She makes a small sound. “I shouldn’t care who you…entertain, but then again, this is my reputation and?—”

“Some things are complicated. I didn’t know she’s part of the Season when I met her. And more important, there’s nothing between us.”Now.“It happens.”

“What happens?”