Page 24 of Arranged Control

Yep. Definitely doing drugs.

I bite back a groan. “You’re her dealer. I should’ve known.”

“Not me personally, but her dealer’s boss. That’s how these things work. Half the city’s getting high thanks to me.”

“And thanks to your drugs, I’m getting to work with a dream designer.” I sigh and lean my head against the wall. “Thank you, Seamus.”

“You’re very welcome.”

“Also, next time, give me a heads-up.” I blow out a breath and steady myself. “I hate surprises.”

“I have a feeling you should get used to those.”

I turn and head back to the unmarked door. But before going inside, I turn and look at him. “Why’d you do this, by the way? There are plenty of good dress shops in the city. Why Celeste?”

“You love her. She’s the best.”

“But how did you know that?”

“You had her look book on your coffee table.”

I laugh lightly in total disbelief. “You noticed that? And you remembered?”

“I’m more observant than you realize.”

I’m forced to admit that’s impressive, even if I don’t say it out loud. I have to revise my opinion of him, but only slightly. Seamus comes off like he’s a leaf in the wind, but clearly, there’s more to him than he lets on.

“You’re going to like it,” I say as I push inside. “The dress is going to be fantastic.”

“I’d better!” he calls after me. “I want the prettiest wife in the fucking city.”

I’m smiling to myself as I stomp back upstairs to where Kira’s chatting with the others. Celeste’s still not back, and now I’m thinking about Seamus down there, and how he didn’t have to do all this for me.

But he did anyway.

One second, he acts like I’m some annoying, shallow piece of trash.

The next he’s giving me extravagant and insanely thoughtful gifts.

I really don’t know where to land with him.

But if it ends with me getting the dress I’ve always wanted, I’ll accept the ambiguity for a while.

Chapter 8

Alina

“Are we still saying stuff likeyas queenor whatever?” Kira stares at me, her mouth hanging open. “Because I’m feeling a whole lot of over-the-top stuff right now.”

“I’m feeling it too,” I whisper, smoothing the lace and silk. “Very big things.”

We stare, not speaking.

The dress is magnificent.

Better than I pictured when we went over the design. Celeste’s sketch didn’t come close to doing it justice.

Ivory silk like liquid pearl. A sweetheart neckline that flows into a torso fitted to my body like water on my skin. Embroidery moves down across my chest and into the skirt, looking like stardust and sunshine. Layers of tulle give me the ballgown silhouette but without being too big or gaudy. The back is a deep V, showing off my skin. Celeste insisted at the time and I wasn’t sure, but now I get it.