Page 30 of Shift of Morals
Gianna blinked, her eyes widening. She clamped her lips shut, the edges of her mouth going white.
“And what befits my status?” Caelan asked.
Soren watched us like we were playing tennis.
“A black orchid on a simple stick pin. But there are no true black orchids. I’d choose one so dark it looks red in certain light.” My gaze flicked to his lapel. “It would suit your attire this evening.” I cocked my head. “Or maybe purple.”
Caelan’s lips twitched.
A vine snaked from the bodice of my gown, twining out to lift Caelan’s lapel.
Moira sucked in a breath. Soren’s eyes glimmered with amusement.
“Charcoal grey is considered neutral. You could wear a white flower, but it would look gauche.”
Soren barked a laugh, quickly covering it with a cough.
“Are you calling me gauche?” Caelan asked, leaning to brace both palms on the table.
He was enjoying this. And heaven help me, so was I.
“Only your boutonniere.” I smiled sweetly, stroking the wool fabric of his suit with the vine. “But I think I would do something more dramatic. More befitting a Lord.”
“And what would that be?” A low, dangerous, interested tone.
“An Anastasia Chrysanthemum,” I mused. “It looks a little like a spider, with all its spindly petals, but it’s showy. Like all the Lords.”
“Hey,” Soren protested.
“Shh,” Moira whispered. “Evie and Caelan are being interesting.”
“And what else?”
“That’s all. On a silver pin.”
His face curved into a grin. “Dangerous. I like it.”
We stared at each other across the table. “Anyway. I’m leaving. Perhaps we can discuss your wedding arrangements at another time.” I glanced down at myself and frowned. “And when I’m wearing fewer fancy clothes.”
“We will do this now,” Gianna snapped.
I finally looked at her. Gianna’s slender frame bristled with rage. “Again, I am not your employee, and I am not being paid. So I bid you adieu.”
“I’ll pay you,” Caelan said.
Moira’s low chuckle made my lips twitch.
“Are we doing this again?” I said.
“Double time?” Caelan tilted his head.
“Are they always like this?” Soren whispered to Moira.
“Yup.”
“Nice. Maybe I’ll come around more.”
“You should. It’s been pretty fun since those two met.”
