The Fated Bond

Courage

[Violet’s POV]

I step outside of Lance’s office and let out a long breath while the woman I saw earlier on turns her knowing gaze toward me and then smiles ever so slightly.

“It’s a lot, right?” She chuckles, giving me a look of pity. “But you should trust that you’re in good hands.”

“Yeah,” I agree, wondering just how close this woman and Lance are. “I’m sure that I am.”

Finished speaking, I move to head out of the store but stop as I spot two familiar figures on the street as they walk hand in hand. Instantly, my stomach churns and my heart squeezes painfully while I try not to remember them lying together in the bed that Devin and I occasionally shared, but I can’t stop the memories from coming. And when I’m certain that I’m going to break down right there in the middle of the bookstore, the two are blocked by a hand.

“Don’t let them get to you.” The woman murmurs, her voice soothing, her hand warm as it gently presses against my skin. “The minute you let them ruin your day, they win.”

“You’re right.” I say quietly, though I can still feel my heart breaking. “I was just caught off guard for a moment.”

“You don’t have to explain.” The woman tells me, moving her hand so I can fix my gaze on the now empty street through the window. “Just remember that things become broken so that better things can come in.”

“Thanks,” I sigh, suddenly feeling like everyone is taking care of me even though I’m an adult and should be able to handle my own emotions. “Next time we meet let me treat you to something for your help.”

“Sure,” the woman smiles, heading back behind her desk and taking a seat. “I’ll look forward to our next meeting then.”

Smiling, I give a small nod and then head out the door in hopes that Devin and his new little girlfriend are nowhere to be found. I don’t know why, but after hearing the woman’s words, I feel lighter, like my sorrows have been lifted, freeing me from their shackles.

With this new sense of freedom, I head home, where I spend the rest of the evening working on some new fragrances for my shop until the wee hours of the morning, when I pass out from exhaustion.

The next morning, I wake up extra early so that I can take the time to do my makeup and hair. Once I’m finished, I pick out a cute sundress and then change into it before heading downstairs to slip on my shoes and grab my purse.

As I step outside, I feel a nice breeze press against my skin, warming me to my core along with the sun just up ahead, and I can’t help but feel like maybe today will be my day.

Of course, I knew that I could just be overthinking things and anticipating something that may or may not happen, but I had a good feeling that maybe, just maybe, my target would visit my shop.

If I remembered correctly, he usually visited on this particular day every week. That was why I decided to take a chance with my looks. I mean, what was the worst that could happen? If he didn’t show, then I would just have to continue taking the time to work on my appearance, and if he did and he rejected me, well, I would cross that bridge when I got there.

When I arrive at the shop, Molly and Allison are waiting, and when they see me, their expressions seem to brighten.

“Oh my,” Molly giggles, taking me in. “Don’t you look beautiful today, boss?”

“Do I?” I ask, blushing. “I think I look the same as usual.”

“The same as usual.” Allison repeats as I unlock the door and allow us to enter. “Who do you think you’re fooling?”

Sighing, I simply shake my head, causing a piece of my long dark hair to fall forward, and as I lift a hand to brush it behind my ear, I hear the door behind us open once more.

Turning, I feel my breath hitch and my heart skip as the very man I was hoping to see walks in wearing a form-fitting suit that shows the world just how well he takes care of himself.

“Sorry,” he says as I stare at him dumbfounded. “I’m not too early, am I?”

“Ye…”

“No,” I say quickly, cutting off Molly before she can finish what she is saying. “You’re not early at all! We were actually opening early anyway.”

Feeling the tips of my ears flushing, I shoot Molly a look that screams for her to get with the program, and when she gives me a wink, I know that when this whole interaction is over, I will have to answer a lot of questions.

“How can I help you?” I continue now, focusing on the man in front of me. “Did you come here looking for anything in particular?”

“Well,” he responds, letting his gaze slowly travel along my body. “I came in to get my usual cologne, but since you’re offering to help me out, maybe I should have you introduce me to something new.”

“Sure,” I beam, feeling like our exchange was going well. “Is there any particular scent that you’re looking for?”

“Well…”

For the next few minutes I listen intently while he explains what it is he is looking for, and when I’m certain that I know of just the right scent, I boldly hook an arm around us and lead him toward it. When we arrive, I go to pull myself free, only for him to tighten his hold, giving me a hint that he doesn’t mind it and building my courage for what needs to happen next before he leaves.

“This is the one that I believe works perfectly for you.” I tell him, pulling the bottle off the shelf. “What do you think?”

As I hold it out, he leans down, allowing his face to come much closer to mine so that I get an up-close and personal view of his features. It makes my heart do strange things and butterflies erupt in my stomach, and before I can stop it, my mouth is opening.

“I’m certain that your wife or girlfriend will love this scent.” I tell him, feeling him out. “Don’t you agree?”

“I don’t know,” he chuckles, his gaze locking me in. “I don’t have either of those, but tell me, is it something that you would enjoy?”

“It is,” I respond, understanding this is the moment. “It’s actually one of my favorite scents.”

‘Then I’ll take it.” He grins, gently taking the bottle from my hand. “Along with your number.”