Page 148 of Whirlwind

“You just came out of a terrible Instagram situation, and now I’ve plunged you back into a—”

“Answer one question for me.”

My heart banged in my chest. I wiped at my blurry eyes.

“Are you embarrassed by this?”

“I—”

His thumb grazed my lips. “I like it.”

“You what?”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Yes, it is, but it’s a private moment that was made outrageously public by your outrageous friend. And I made it possible. You trusted me, and I fucked up.”

Why would Tag do this? An icy prickle raced around my neck. Tag’s words from the airport came back to me:

“My boy always needed a shove when it came to women… Sometimes we all need a shove.”

Was this Tag shoving?

“Fucking gorgeous is what it is,” Alessio muttered through his cigarette. “You, Violet are gorgeous. The two of you enjoying each other with my jewelry on—extremely fucking gorgeous. Insane.”

“It’s really hot,” said Tasha on a grin.

“Fantastic,” chuckled Javier.

“What are we talking about?” Marko’s brow was furrowed, it relaxed as Javier showed him his phone. “Ah. Hot indeed.” A grin blazed across his lips.

This shot is dramatic, dark. I love it.” Alessio reached up and planted a kiss on my cheek. “This image says it all for my work. I would love more like this for my new unisex perfume which will be releasing next year.”

“Alessio—” My mouth dried as I twisted in Beck’s lap. “This photo wasn’t meant to…”

“Oh, I see.” He bit his lip.

“Tag stole your private photos?” Turo bit out. “Jesus.”

“He did this without our knowing,” Beck said. “Violet, if this is uncomfortable for you, hurtful to you in any way, I’ll call his ass right now and insist he take it down—”

“You’re such a fucking gentleman.”

“Anything for you, baby. Anything.”

“So are you suing Tag, or is this staying and I can repost this with your permission, of course?” Alessio blew out a stream of smoke.

Beck grinned. “First promise Violet a fee.”

“Beck!”

Alessio sat up straight. “Most certainly.”

“Violet, what do you say?” Beck asked.

All the faces around the table waited for my answer. Grins widening, anticipation bursting over my photograph.

Jump off the plane, soar, fly. Roar.

---