Violet

Before we even reached the exit, he shifted me slightly in his arms, as if I weighed nothing. With one hand holding me, the other slid out of his tailored jacket.

I blinked up at him, confused. “What are you—?” I started but before I could finish, he draped it over my head.

The heavy fabric fell around me, his scent filled my nose instantly. Whatever words I’d been about to say vanished on my tongue. My lips parted, but nothing came out.

He leaned in, lips grazing my ear, his voice a low command. “Be patient, princess. It’s for your own good.”

I bit my lip, hard, holding...