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“Good idea! I haven’t eaten today,” she says as she jumps up and trots to the kitchen.

Now for my favorite part. I open my lipstick, taking in the satisfying click before twisting the bottom and coating my pink lips in the deep plum purple.

This will always be my color.

I tuck my supplies away and catch the girl in my eye, so I lift my gaze to hers. She’s shamelessly staring at me.

“Is everything alright?” I ask, she bites her lower lip, and nods. She motions her fingers around my face, then opens her fingers together like they’re stars or she’s spreading sparkles. I assume she’s saying she likes it. “Thank you?” She points to the makeup, then to me, and then to her face. Her brow furrows as if the request is inconvenient. “You want me to do your makeup?” She nods, and I offer her a smile. “I can do that… You’re a few shades darker than me, though. I’ll get dressed, and we will go down to the green room. We will find everything we need there.”

Violet

Chapter 30

It’s packed.

Bodies move and collide on the dance floor. The collection of beautiful souls generates a heat that leaves the men with sweat dripping from their brows and the women down their chests. The energy here is where I secretly thrive. On stage, it’s the emotional pieces that fill my cup. Out dancing with my friends? It’s the deep beats, darkness, and passion of alternative rock that give me the feelings I need. The drums connect with my heart until they’re beating in sync, and I’m one with the music.

It’s the energy from the album Cain and I wrote together.

I left my hair down. The thick waves stick to my neck and chest, falling around my waist, looking bright against the dark purple and black bodysuit. Yes, the same one that I wore on stage for my performance. It might be my new favorite outfit in my closet, and it somehow still fits me. For being a few months along, I don’t yet look pregnant.

I’m dancing with Pru and her friend, but I’m mostly watching as they dance together. Pru is right, the girl lights up on the dance floor and keeps up with her wild energy. My eyes flit to Cal leaning against the wall opposite us, his eyes fixed on Pru and his arms crossed over his broad chest. This morning was hard for him; he’s never seen me sedate her before. He doesn’t like it, and she’s pulling away from him again…

The song finishes, and everyone slows, our breaths heaving through smiles and playful touches.

The band starts again; You Are the Reason by Calum Scott.

It’s slower, sweet. Cal shifts from the wall and is making his way to Pru, and our other friend seems to have vanished. Like Daphne used to do with Dahlia, before one day Daphne just didn’t come back…

Anyway, it’s my time to step aside.

Stepping back, I go to turn and crash right into someone. My open palm catches me against his solid chest.

“I’m so sorry!” I call through the music, my gaze towards the floor as I give a gentle squeeze as I step to the side. At the corner of my eye, I see his metal prosthetic… His hand wraps around my back, gripping my waist with long, strong fingers, and pulling me into his chest. His smell hits me as I meet his gaze. He’s fresh from a shower, but he still smells of cedarwood and herbs. My heart jumps, electricity tingling at my fingertips where they touch his chest and bicep.

I’m screwed.

He haunts me.

I’ll never escape him.

Why does he keep coming around if he doesn’t really want me?

Or has he truly changed his mind?

Cain laces his fingers with my hand on his chest and pulls me a little closer as he starts to sway, leading me through the music.

“But… You don’t dance.” My high voice comes out a little choked.

“I don’t…” His deep voice warms me as he lowers his lips to my cheek.

“C-Cain,” His name is breathy as my gaze darts around us. Eyes all around us are glancing, some staring.

Cain doesn’t dance.

Cain doesn’t have anything to do with me.

“She’s just in his orbit. He’s available.” All the girls would assure each other because everyone wanted to be with the high steward's sons.