Chapter 80

Theodore

It was odd to have this moment with Violet, after years of accepting that I didn’t really belong in this country, with anyone, of having walls and walls of secrets to have a gruff old man accept me as one of their own. I had so many questions, but I didn’t want to ruin the moment with them. That could all wait, for now, I just wanted to bask in this feeling I never imagined I’d have.

Violet slipped her arm through mine and led us down the bustling streets of the city. Street vendors called out, selling everything from roasted chestnuts to handmade trinkets, and the air carried the aroma of fresh bread and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. The city seemed more active than I expected it to be given the time of day.

She tugged me toward a stall, her eyes lighting up as she spotted something. “Theo, have you ever had these?”

I followed her gaze to a vendor selling small, golden pastries dusted with powdered sugar. “Can’t say I have,” I admitted.

Violet grinned, already fishing out some cash. She handed me one of the pastries, warm and flaky in my hand, before biting into hers with a satisfied hum. I took a bite, and the sweetness melted on my tongue.

“Good, right?” she asked, her voice muffled by another bite.

“Yeah,” I said, savoring the flavor. “Really good.”

It felt like a date—casual and easy. I couldn’t remember ever going on a date like this…

I couldn’t remember going on a date at all. I matched her pace as we wandered from stall to stall. She picked up a small bouquet of flowers from a vendor, the colors bright against her pale hands. She bent her head to breathe in the scent with a deep sight and a bright smile.

“Are these your favorites?”

Violet’s lips twitched. “I am a fan of all flowers.”

I nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

We lingered in the city a while longer, sharing more snacks and laughing at the antics of a street performer juggling knives. When it was nearing midday, we made our way back to Master Remy’s shop. The suits were ready for a final adjustment and to try them on—or at least the first batch were.

We hadn’t been seated long before the door opened, and an older woman breezed in, arms laden with grocery bags. She had the same energy as Violet—bright and commanding in a way that made you pay attention.

“Violet!” she exclaimed, setting the bags down and pulling her into a hug. “You didn’t tell me you were coming!”

Violet hugged her back, laughing. “I thought it might be a nice surprise.”

The woman pulled back, her eyes sparkling as she turned to me. “And this must be the new husband,” she said, looking me over like Master Remy had earlier.

I straightened under her scrutiny, offering a polite smile. “Theodore Nightshade. It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”

She raised a brow, then smiled. “Oh, he’s polite. I like him already. Are you coming to dinner?”

Violet’s gaze softened. “If you’re inviting us.”

“Of course, you’re invited!” She called out. “Dear! I’m inviting guests!”

Master Remy let out a frustrated sound. “Are you trying to tell me to behave?”

“I would never think I could manage such a feat of magic.”

Violet snickered, and the older woman went to sit with her as Master Remy came out and waved me back behind the curtain. He looked exhilarated and bright-eyed, grinning at his wife, beaming at her.

“You grow more lovely by the moment, my love,” Master Remy said, crossing the fitting area to kiss her soundly. I grinned as I stepped into the dressing area.

I could only hope that by the time Violet and I were their ages, we’d that in love.

Violet

“He’s a good man,” Elise said, leaning close to me. “I haven’t seen that look on Remy’s face in years.”

I smiled. “He is. Better than I deserve some days.”

“I wouldn’t say that, but he is better than Lucas, certainly.”

“Well, that’s not exactly a high bar to clear,” I said lightly, though her words struck a chord.

Elise chuckled but sobered quickly, turning to face me. “Theodore’s a better catch, by far, my dear, but…”

“But what?”

She didn’t answer right away, gazing out the window instead. Finally, she sighed. “I don’t know. It’s just a feeling. Be careful with him, Violet. You’ve been through enough heartache for a lifetime.”

I wanted to push for an answer, but I swallowed the urge. Elise had always been protective of me and her insights have always been on point.

“I’ll be careful,” I promised.

She smiled. “I don’t just mean your heart. I mean his, too.”

My lips twitched at that, a bit of relief hit me hard and made me nearly melt. She didn’t think he would betray me… just that maybe we would end up being too rough with each other emotionally.

“I will.” My lips twitched. “I’ll try to be… gentle.”

She chuckled, patting my had. “They are so very fragile, you know?”

By the time the fittings were done, my stomach was starting to grumble.

“The rest of them will be done in a few days,” Master Remy said. “Dinner’s at the usual time, don’t be later, Donovan and Nightshade.”

We walked out, leaving the paid for and completed suits with them for the last adjustments. The look Theo gave me as we stepped onto the street was one of amusement.

“Should I be concerned about how protective everyone seems to be of you?”

I smirked. “You should be flattered. They wouldn’t bother if they didn’t think you were worth it.”

His low chuckle followed us as we walked.

“Is there a place for my shopping trip?” Theo asked.

I smiled at him. “That eager?”

He licked his lips. “I’ve been thinking about it since we struck the deal.”

Heat crept up my neck, but I only rolled my eyes. “Come on. It’s not far.”

“Fuck yes,” he said, letting me lead the way.

“You have questions about the suits?” I asked, turning down the street.

“Do they make lingerie in that silky stuff that’s on the inside of the pants?”

I snorted. “They could, but it’s not common.”

“Shame. It’s a bit distracting, but I bet it would feel nice on your skin.” His hand twitched in mine.

I cleared my throat. “The fabric is called moonsilk. It’s to help manage your instincts. Think of it like training wheels. In time, you’ll be hunting invisible beasts without breaking a sweat.”

He chuckled. “Did I make you uncomfortable?”

“No, I just…” I frowned as the sound of a crowd drifted toward me.

When we reached the premier lingerie store in the territory, I immediately noticed the small crowd gathered outside—paparazzi, cameras flashing as someone exited the building. I pulled him along. Theodore opened the door for me without prompting as though the crowd didn’t exist. Once inside, I was greeted by a luxurious display of silk and lace—and the curious gazes of several shoppers.

“Well,” I said, arching a brow at him. “If you’re going to put me on display, you’d better be ready to pay for what you pick out.”

His smile was slow, wicked. “Oh, I plan to.”

I followed Theodore through the lingerie store, trying not to laugh at the intensity he brought to picking out scraps of silk and lace. His sharp eyes scanned the displays as if he were selecting weapons for battle, his demeanor somewhere between a general and a kid in a candy store.

“You’ve done this before, haven’t you?” I teased, watching him pause by a rack of black lace.

His lips curved slightly, but he didn’t look at me.

“No.”I blinked at him. He smiled. “And I’m going to savor every trip, wife.”

“I’ll admit,” I said as I trailed after him, brushing my fingers over a satin chemise. “I’ve never done this before.”

Theodore stopped and looked at me, his brow furrowing slightly. “Not even once?”

“Not even once.” I shrugged, though the confession left an uncomfortable weight in my chest. “Lucas wasn’t exactly…enthusiastic about anything that wasn’t already convenient for him.”

Theodore’s expression softened, and he stepped closer, brushing a lock of hair behind my ear. “Then, I’ll have to make it damn good everytime.”

The sudden sincerity and heat of his tone left me momentarily speechless, so I did the only thing I could—I nudged him toward a table of pastel bralettes.

“You’d better. Now, keep shopping.”

For a while, the atmosphere was lighthearted and warm. I followed as he walked deeper into the store, his hand never leaving mine. But the pleasant buzz shattered when a voice rang out near the entrance of the store.

“It’s an insult, really,” a man said, loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. “Theodore Nightshade parading his so-called Shelter project as if it’s some grand humanitarian effort. It’s disgusting, that’s what it is.”