Page 79 of For Dear Life

“Sometimes you don’t look at me as if I’m your friend,” I say quietly.

“Would you like me to apologize for my hybrid assault on you at the party? Is that what bothers you?”

I sigh. “No. That isn’t what I meant.”

Violet subtly moves her hand across her face and turns away; when she reaches the window, she looks at her phone. “We should talk to the others about this situation. I need to arrange to speak with Dorian. Thank you for what I hope is your honest account of events.”

“Did you worry about me with Josef?” I ask. “You waited for me. Downstairs.”

Violet looks up. “Naturally.”

“Not naturally for you.”

Her infuriating self passes me to reach the door, where she pauses, fingers curled around the handle and looks back. “Sometimes I wonder how kissing you would feel.”

I’m too stunned to grab the chance to suggest she does—or grab her.

“And then I conclude that I’d use the opportunity to bite your lip or tongue in order to taste your blood.” Violet opens the door. “I’m no expert, but I don’t think people in a romantic relationship do things like that to each other.”

Again, no words.

“Yes.” She nods as if finding the solution to a difficult equation. “Friends makes much more sense and ensures your safety. That is the way forward.”

As Violet stalks along the hallway to tick off the next item on her list, I hold on to the edge of the door and watch her walk away from us. She’s clueless how perfect she is to me. I’m one racing heartbeat away from pursuing Violet but remain mesmerized by the gentle sway of her hips, the subtle curve of her neck beneath her ponytail, and every other kissable—biteable—part of her. Her lips never pressed to mine, but they’re in my mind as always.

How can I be crazy for such an unhinged, unavailable girl? The one who’s dangerous to my health in oh-so-many ways.

27

VIOLET

There’s a new tension between the four of us today, one I can pick up on because every one of them exudes something that interferes with my concentration.

“I’m confused why you’ve asked to meet Dorian at the mall,” says Leif. “Like, this place is somewhere you hate.”

“Maybe Violet prefers Dorian in public when she tells him Grayson wants to kill her,” says Rowan stiffly.

“I don’t want to kill Violet,” he retorts.

“What else does ‘subdue’ mean?” replies Rowan.

Ah. That’s why they’re ignoring each other after our chat last night. I believed a mutual exchange of information may help with our plans and speed the movement towards success, but instead we’ve something unhelpful and irritating.

Conflict.

“I’m meeting Holly afterwards. At the mall.”

Rowan double takes. “You’re shopping with Holly? For what?”

“I have no idea and can only hope she locates the item or items quickly.” Their quizzical looks continue, which is better than the earlier glaring at each other. “I’m on the dance committee. Therefore, I must partake in organizational activities.”

Leif snorts a laugh, and winces when I punch his arm.

“I’m unimpressed that you find this amusing. Not only is the inanity detracting from my precious time, but Holly relishes my involvement. And there’s that unpleasant girl.”

“What girl?” asks Leif.

“Marci. The witch behaves as if she’s superior to everybody and is quite rude to Holly on occasion.”

---