Page 33 of Beautiful Harmony

“The fuck she didn’t,” Rayna said. “I’ll get her on the phone right now and have her confirm it, Emmy-kins. Don’t think I won’t.”

“I’m not in the mood to go to a party this weekend,” Emma said. “I appreciate the invite, but I’ll pass.”

“I know you’re worried because Lucas will be there, but -”

“He won’t be,” Emma said. “He’s leaving for the New Cassel office on Saturday morning and won’t return until Sunday.”

“How do you know that?”

“We talked about it last weekend before everything went to shit between us.”

“Why’s he working at the New Cassel office?” Rayna asked.

“They’re having trouble with one of the games they’re developing, some kind of error they can’t find, and Stark wants Lucas to fix it.”

“Why not just do it tomorrow?” Rayna said.

“Because Stark can’t be in New Cassel until Saturday, and he wants to oversee the fix.”

“So, he’s a controlling dick, then?” Rayna said with a snort of disgust.

“Lucas seems to like him, but he did mention that he can occasionally be controlling,” Emma said.

“Shocker.” Rayna rolled her eyes. “Anyway, you’re going to the party, and that’s final.”

“Rayna, I -”

“Final, Emma,” Rayna said.

“Fine,” Emma said.

“I’ll pick you up Saturday morning, and we’ll go costume shopping.”

“I have to wear a costume?”

“It’s a Halloween party, Emma. Yes, you have to wear a costume,” Rayna said.

“I kind of hate you right now,” Emma said morosely.

“I know,” Rayna said with a grin.

* * *

“Oh my God.”Arianna squealed and clapped her hands, jumping up from the chair in Rayna’s kitchen. “Emma, that costume is, like, so freaking hot on you.”

Holding the white organza and wire wings in one hand, Emma gave Rayna an uncertain look. “I’m showing too much boob.”

“No, you’re not,” Rayna said. “It’s the perfect amount of boob.”

“The top is too tight,” Emma said.

“It’s a corset top. It’s supposed to be tight,” Arianna said. “In fact…” she stood in front of Emma and quickly unlaced the front of her corset before pulling it even tighter and redoing the bow. “There, that’s better.”

She stared down at her small chest. “I wish I had tits like yours. They’re amazing.”

Emma stared at her chest. Her breasts were pushed into high mounds barely contained by the corset. “They’re going to pop right out of this thing.”

“Just don’t take deep breaths,” Arianna advised. “Sit down, and I’ll do your hair and makeup.”

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