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"No," Violet shook her head stubbornly, "No, you won’t be getting anything from me." She stated bluntly.

Making deals was what had put her in this situation today. She wasn’t about to let another one blow up in her face. Besides, from her recent digging, weren’t the Fae bound by oaths? If she was truly a Fae, then this could turn out to be a dangerous transaction on her end.

Natalie regarded her with cool curiosity.

"I might be an aristocrat who has everything she could ever ask for, but I was taught how to do business before I could even walk. You come here demanding something with nothing to offer. The way I see it, that’s bad business, darling. So unfortunately, I can’t help you."

Violet felt her world crashing down on her right at that moment. Their whole plan was dependent on getting that recording device and she had been confident on convincing Natalie, but that didn’t seem to be the case anymore.

No, she could not let this end like this? But then, what could she say? She could not offer the deal no matter what.

Natalie in question admired herself in the mirror one last time, running her fingers through that immaculate hair, and said, "Good luck with your plan. I truly wish you the best." Then she turned on her heel with a certain flair, heading for the exit.

No, she can’t let this end like this!

Natalie only took two steps when Violet blurted, "Even businessmen take up philanthropic activities. They help people whether out of kindness or to help their reputation."

Natalie paused while Violet stood taller now, her voice unwavering.

"Deny it all you want, but I know you hate Elsie. You don’t fool me.

You just endure her because of your little aristocratic circle.

But you don’t have to do anything. I’m already the arrow, just help me get notched, and I’ll strike the target. "

For over a minute, Natalie didn’t move or say a word. Neither could Violet guess what thoughts churned in that head of hers. At this point, all she could was pray for a miracle or all hope was lost.

Then Natalie whirled around and stalked right back to her. With the way she was striding, anyone else would have flinched, but Violet didn’t. She braced herself until Natalie was standing right over her. Though Violet was taller, the wolfish grin on Natalie’s face put her on edge.

To make matters worse, Natalie placed both hands on the sink, boxing Violet in. Violet was confused as hell now. What was the girl doing?

"You do realize I like you, " Natalie announced.

Oh. Hell. No.

Violet felt heat rush to her cheeks. "Uh—sorry, but I already have too many love interests jockeying for my attention. It’s more than I can handle. Not that a little estrogen wouldn’t do some good diluting all the testosterone, but no, I’m straight."

For a second, Natalie simply stared at her, as if encountering some alien species. Then she burst out laughing.

"Oh, gods—" Natalie wheezed. "You’re one strange girl." She laughed so hard tears rolled from her eyes.

Violet flushed slightly, suddenly feeling a little sheepish.

Natalie’s laughter soon subsided, replaced by a thoughtful look. "You’ve got a knack for motivational speeches," she said. "You could probably talk a pack of rats into challenging a pride of lions. Congratulations, you’ve sold me."

A loud exhale escaped Violet’s lips. Thank the gods. That was a win.

"You’ll get your package this evening, Violet Purple. And I can’t wait to see what chaos you bring this time." Natalie smirked as she turned and exited the restroom.

Unknown to Violet, whatever confidence Natalie had vanished as soon as she came outside. She raised her hands to her chest, feeling it beat quite fast. Fuck, she had to be careful before she’s found out.

Meanwhile, inside the bathroom, Violet stared at her reflection. Then she grinned.

With a tiny fist pump, she broke into a celebratory dance, twirling in place and busting out a little break-dance move.

She was halfway through a spin when the restroom door swung open.

She jerked to a halt, heart lunging. Ugh, has Natalie changed her mind or something? she began. "What—" Violet stopped short, spotting the newcomer’s reflection in the mirror.

She froze.

It was not Natalie, but Roman Draven. And he was smirking like the fox he was, corners of his mouth curved in satisfaction.

Violet whirled around. "What are you doing here?! How did you even get in?"

Her eyes flicked toward the door. Lila was supposed to be guarding it. But that was until the meeting was over? Had she left already? Violet wondered.

Roman ignored her questions. He stepped further in, voice low and drawling. "So," he said, "there’s been an interesting rumor circling around the school. Something about me spending the night in a certain rogue’s bed...?" His eyes gleamed with a playful menace as he waited for her answer.

Violet lifted her chin, "What a funny question to ask me?"

"Not exactly a funny question considering only the two of us were privy to such information." Roman countered, his voice as smooth as sin.

He finally closed the space between them, and Violet’s breath hitched. He wasn’t touching her, but he was close enough for her to feel the heat rolling off his body, teasing her skin.

Violet knew Roman knew she was the one behind the spreading rumor. Of course he wasn’t stupid. But there was something delicious in the game they were playing. And strangely enough, she didn’t want it to stop.

So she met his gaze with hers, defiant and dark. "I guess there’s an atom of truth to every rumor, then."

"Mmhmm," Roman hummed, clearly amused. He didn’t believe her for a second, but gods—he loved that fire in her eyes.

Then, without warning, his hands gripped her waist, and in one smooth, fluid motion, he lifted her onto the sink. A startled squeak escaped her lips before she could stop it, her hands instinctively gripping the edge of the porcelain to ground herself.

But Roman wasn’t done.He nudged her knees apart, his body now so close it was impossible to ignore. Violet’s skin lit up in goosebumps. Her pulse skittered and her face burned with a deep flush she couldn’t will away.

Roman leaned in, lowering his head until his mouth hovered just beside her ear. His voice was low and dangerous and smooth as silk-drenched sin.

"Tell me, Miss Purple," he purred, his lips brushing her skin, "what are you up to now?"