Page 12 of Dangerous Encore

3

Violet

After an hourof sampling cakes and trying to laugh with my family-to-be, I make an excuse about needing to get to my fittingearly.

Piper insists on coming with me. We take my car and Ethan goes off with Kit. I'm not sure if they're going to work or play. Sometimes, the lines blur with the guys intheband.

I let my mind wander until we walk into the bridal boutique. It's a little place in Fullerton with mirrored walls and plush beige carpets. The walls are covered in ivory and white dresses, from big ball gowns to sheer lacenumbers.

Piper's blue eyes light up as she takes in the flowy chiffon dress on the mannequin. It's girly and modern and utterly perfectforher.

She looks to me. "Is it too early to tryiton?"

I shakemyhead.

She half-smiles. "I don't want to start wedding planning until Ihaveto."

"Don't try to fit it into twomonths."

"Noted." Her gaze goes back to the breezy chiffon skirt. "It's a strong case for an elopement inHawaii."

"That's ageniusidea."

Her expression gets soft. Caring. "Are youokay,Vi?"

I clear my throat. "I'm…tired."

"It barely shows." She motions to the counter. "Allow me." She waves hello to the shopgirl then moves forward to introduceherself.

Piper has just as much charm as Ethan does, but hers is different. She's more adorable and sweet and seemingly innocent, while Ethan is more smooth and enthusiastic and… well, he's just damnfuckable.

My cheeks flush as I let my head fill with dirty thoughts. There's nothing wrong with focusing on the post-reception part of my wedding day. There's nothing wrong with wanting a hell of a weddingnight.

So what if I'm most excited about fucking Ethan as myhusband?

God, that really is a sexythought.

"Oh my God, Violet. Has it always been this beautiful?" Piper's voice calls my attention. She motions to the shopgirl, who's bringing my gown from the backroom to thedressingroom.

It really is something out of a fairy tale. Black bodice. Sweetheart neckline. Silver beading. A big puffy skirt with stacked layers of black and deep purpletulle.

It'sperfect.

I follow Piper and the shopgirl into the dressing room. Everything else about the space is traditional. White walls, beige carpets, ornate mirror, spinningpodium.

"Let me know if you need help getting into it." The shopgirl smiles at us, but I can't tell if it's forced or sincere. "And make sure you can figure out the bustle. I can't tell you how many maid of honors have called from the reception in apanic."

Piper nods back to her. "Thank you." Once the shopgirl leaves, Piper turns to me. "You needanyhelp?"

There's no way I'm getting into it on my own. "Please."

"Aren't you supposed to wear specialunderwear?"

"The corset top isplenty."

"But the…" She motions to my crotch. "You're goingcommando."

I have to laugh. "That'stheplan."