Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Devlin ran his eyes over Violet. She’s wearing a simple yellow dress that shows off her slender arms and dips a little down her chest to reveal a hint of cleavage. It tightens at the waist, curves perfectly over her butt and flows down to just below her knee. She wore her wavy long hair half up and half down. Wisps of hair caress her forehead and temple. White earrings and a pair of matching yellow heels completed the ensemble. Her style fit her personality impeccably. Reserved yet effortlessly sexy. Innocent yet sensual.

Devlin found her intriguing right from the very first time he saw her. She’s like a bundle of mystery that calls to him, urging him to untangle her every secret. But she also annoys the shit out of him.

Yesterday, he said some things he didn’t really mean. He thought her unsophisticated before but never once had he been embarrassed of her. She’s actually cute, once you get to spend some time with her. But yesterday, he’d been really pissed. Mostly because of Nana, whose impossible demands now advanced to baby-making business. He was already forced to marry; he wouldn’t want an unwanted child thrown into the mix.

Add to that the fact that he rarely sees her around. For the past couple of days, he never even caught a glimpse of her. It’s like she could barely tolerate his presence. And that, strangely, grated on his nerves. Shouldn’t he be ecstatic instead?

***

Violet stood in front of the mirror and gave herself the once-over. Satisfied with her appearance, she turned to Devlin.

“Shall we go greet the guests now?” Violet asked.

Devlin looked at her from head to toe. “You ready?”

“Yes. Do you think we can make our escape after we’ve made our introductions?”

“Plotting to get away so soon?” His lips curved into a smile. “Don’t worry. You don’t have to keep them company. They’re usually happy to go by themselves and bore each other to death with salacious gossip and scandal.”

Violet exhaled a breath of relief. Perfect. She was afraid she’d have to fake smiles and fascination over whatever topic they found interesting to talk about.

She strode to the door and waited for him.

“Violet, about yesterday…”

She cut him off. “Forget it.”

“But…”

“It’s all good.”

She turned her back and made her way downstairs.

Nana’s guests are all elderly, probably the same age as Nana. A shadow of insecurity flitted through her for a second. They’re beautiful, she thought, their beauty and grace preserved even with the passage of time. And more pronounced by confidence gained from years of experience.

Nana proudly introduced Violet to her guests – Carmina, Anika, and Mavik – whom she learned went to the same boarding school together. Nana weaved an incredible story of how Violet and Devlin met. And how he was so adamant to marry her immediately even though they only just met a few months back. Love, she said. Violet almost barfed.

Devlin, to his credit, kept a straight face. He even looked affectionately at her. Violet would have high fived him right then and there.

Violet and Devlin joined them for a cup of tea. After the mandatory small talk and inquiries about their family businesses, Devlin captured Violet’s hands in his and asked for permission to leave.

“Go on, darling. I’m sure you and Violet would like more time to yourselves,” Anika uttered.

Carmina nodded. “Right. I’m jealous of Elora. She’d finally have a cute little baby in the house soon!”

Mavik assessed Violet and Devlin behind her cup of tea. “Let’s toast to that with a kiss by the newlyweds.”

“Cheers!” Anika and Carmina whooped.

Violet and Devlin were rooted to the spot. No way are they going to kiss. Devlin can worm himself out of this, can’t he? Invisible fists pounded on her chest. Oh, god.

“Come on, kids. A demonstration, if you please,” Mavik encouraged.

Violet liked Mavik at first sight. Now, that changed.

Devlin rose from his seat and pulled Violet into a standing position. He threaded his hands through hers. “Ladies, I would like to grant your wish. But my dear wife is quite shy. So if you don’t mind, we’ll leave you to enjoy yourselves.”

The three women made sounds of protest.

Violet bit her lips. She could see Elora bursting with a mixture of annoyance and anticipation.

“Hold up.” Elora raised her right hand. “I’m sure Violet is more than happy to show us how overjoyed she is to have married you. Right, Violet?” Elora focused her eagle eyes on Violet. Shit.

Violet squeezed Devlin’s hands, willing him to save both of them. But he just stood quietly beside her. She raised her chin and sent him a panicked look.

Devlin bowed his head, but she could see from this angle how tense his face is. “Fine.”

Violet fought to keep her outrage at bay. What the hell is he doing?! He whirled his body towards her. Tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. He leaned forward and lifted her face to his. He tilted his head a little to side and whispered to her ear, “I’m sorry. We better do what they say and just get it over with.”

Violet’s chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. ”But… I-I-I… can’t.”

Devlin faked a smile at her and murmured so only she can hear. “If we don’t do it, they’ll never let us go.”

Oh god. “Devlin, I… I don’t know how.” She bit her lips in consternation.

Surprise lit his eyes. A split second later, understanding dawned on him. He nodded absent-mindedly but an impatient sound from one of the women jolted him upright. “Just follow my lead.”

He ducked his head at the same time he cupped Violet’s cheeks. He kissed her. Devlin kissed her!

Their mouths met like breeze touching skin. Gentle. Chaste. When she thought it was over, he dragged his mouth across hers. He nibbled on her bottom lip and coaxed her mouth open. Shock left her immobile. But a flurry of sensations surged through her. She let herself drown in it. Her body willed her to respond. So she parted her lips slightly, allowing his tongue to slip inside. His kisses turned hungry, insistent. One hand moved to her neck and down her back, supporting her. Their mouths danced around each other, him leading and her following.

Hoots and cheers brought them back to their senses. They stared at each other, eyes glazed with passion and confusion. Once the realization of what they just shared set in, Violet and Devlin jerked away from each other.