Okay, fine, she was right, but that didn’t change things.
Me: I refuse to put you in danger, Taylor. I only asked for this favor if Dominic could slip in unnoticed, not for you to go on a suicide mission.
Taylor: Death by orgasm. Sign me up.
I tried to hold back a screech of frustration.
Me: Please don’t do something stupid.
Taylor: It’s not stupid if it’s for you.
I could feel the tone of her voice soften.
Taylor: Besides, Dom’s out. This mission is on me. And this guy looks like a challenge.
I blew out a sigh, warring, unsure of what to do. She responded before I got the chance to.
Taylor: Trust me, Aster. Please.
The affection that pulled tight across my chest almost felt like pain.
Me: Just be careful. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.
Taylor: I love you, too.
Me: You know I do.
Me: And delete this thread before Papa sees it, and he locks you away forever.
Taylor: Done, big sister. Don’t worry yourself. I have it handled. I’ll be in touch soon. Stay safe.
She finished it off with a row of blowing-kiss faces.
While I stood there terrified of what I’d gotten her into.
THIRTY-NINE
LOGAN
“Doyou have any idea what you standing there looking that way does to me?”
I hovered at the doorway of the bathroom and watched Aster get ready in front of the mirror. The girl wore this floor-length white dress that shimmered in the light, a slit riding up to her right thigh, the material slinky and sliding over those lush curves.
Nothing but satin and temptation.
My Little Star that burned so bright it was blinding.
Fire-agate eyes met my gaze in the reflection. I felt her expression all the way to my guts, and my fingers itched with the need to trace the lines of her gorgeous face. She had her hair up in a twist, and a couple pieces hung loose to caress her bare shoulders exposed by the tiny straps of her dress.
She wore the same necklace she’d worn the first night in the basement, the star I’d given her years before, and her engagement ring on her finger that I’d never thought would find its rightful place.
My heart squeezed.
She was a vision.
A gift.
A treasure.